Purchasing Local Produce

"The authors say organic farming is also valuable, but people can help the environment even more by buying food from within a 20km (12-mile) radius.
The team calculated a shopping basket's hidden costs, which mount up as produce is transported over big distances. The study found 'road miles' account for proportionately more environmental damage than "air miles".
Therefore, the researchers' message to consumers is this: it is not good enough to buy food from within the UK - it is better if it comes from within your area, too.
Co-author Professor Tim LangHowever, they admit that consumers are prevented from 'doing the right thing'because of inadequate labelling.
'The most political act we do on a daily basis is to eat, as our actions affect farms, landscapes and food businesses.' said co-author Professor Jules Pretty, from the University of Essex, UK.
'Food miles are more significant than we previously thought, and much now needs to be done to encourage local production and consumption of food.'"

Read the full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4312591.stm