Food

FACT More than 850 million people go hungry daily.
FACT In the past decade sales of organic products have shown an annual increase of at least 20% - the fastest growing sector of agriculture.
FACT Conventional farmers use around 300 different pesticides to grow foods that are sold in supermarkets every day. Residues have been found on food even after washing.

What we purchase has a major effect on the planet.  Every item is made from resources or uses resources in its growth and transport.  With food these resources are often chemical based or relate to its transport from distant corners of the earth using non renewable fuels such as oil or diesel.

Energy is also used in the cooking of unnecessary quantities of food.  Between 1960 and 1985 40% of all Central America’s rainforest was destroyed for beef pasture.  Transport, packaging and processing all add to food’s impact on the environment.

Do you use locally grown food as first choice?

This limits the food miles associated with its production.  It also can be fresher. 

If you feel that there are problems with local production and availability please let us know by contacting Waste Services (tel: 01595 744800, email waste@shetland.gov.uk).

Are you maximising your use of “slow food” instead of imported items out of season?

Have you heard about the slow food movement? We expect all kinds of food to be available throughout the year.  These are often imported and grown at great cost. 

Slow food is an non profit making organisation founded in 1989 to counteract "fast food", the disappearance of local food types and food traditions and to promote the maintenance of agricultural diversity and the use of local plant types in season. It aims to counteract people's lack of interest in where their food comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.

Can you adjust your menu/diet to maximise the use of local food in season and limit imported goods?

75% of EU, and 93% of US food product diversity has been lost since 1900. This means that 33% of livestock varieties have been lost in the last 100 years along with 30,000 vegetable types.

Are you using local farmer/ farmers' markets?

Often these provide better value and act as a stimulus to small growers to produce goods locally.

Dates for Farmers' Markets to be held in Tingwall during 2007 are:

30 June, 1 September, 6 October, 3 November, 1 December.

Please see local press for details.

Are you purchasing organic where possible?

There is increasing evidence of toxins in our food due to chemicals.  Increasingly consumers are asking for organic food. Growing food organically reduces the impact on the environment.

Do you purchase Fair Trade goods wherever possible – especially teas and coffees?

It is Council policy to purchase this as first choice.  This supports sustainable development abroad and provides a fair cost to the producer for the goods consumed.

Do you use a plumbed in water cooler instead of a bottle based unit?

Plumbed in units are easier to use as they do not require refilling.

Are you using disposable dishes/cups?

These should never be used unless there is absolutely no alternative.  Non disposables – even with washing – are more resource efficient than disposables.      

Are you purchasing in bulk?

This method saves considerable resources on packaging and on energy use in transport of repeated loads.

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