Real Food

5 May 2010

How much do we know about what we eat?

Friends of the Earth believes that our food should be fresh, affordable, locally produced and not genetically modified (GM)

Food Safety

We produce food cheaply, but at what cost?

• Genetic modification carries a risk (GM)
  • the long term effects of GM food is still not yet known
  • threat to wildlife
  • threat to production of non-GM food.

Where do you shop?

Our supermarket culture is forcing small farmers and local shops out of business:

• Local suppliers and farmers worldwide are made to accept loss-making prices to compete.

• Local shops disappear leaving less choice and deserted high streets.

Food and climate change

Lots of our food that could be sourced locally is being flown 1000's of miles from abroad before it reaches our plates.

This transportation:

• Contributes to climate change.
• Creates congestion and local air pollution.

Processed and packaged foods, like ready made meals, also use a lot of energy in the manufacturing and transport of ingredients and packaging. This means more climate change gases released into the environment and more waste.

Want to get active?

• Make your own lunch - saves on packaging and can save money.
• Buy locally grown fruit and veg - ask for it when you shop.
• Grow your own - try a window box or a grow bag for tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce.

Find out more about real food >

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