Food Miles

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Food previously shipped over long distances is more likely to be air-freighted nowadays. The volume of food air-freighted to Britain rose by 31% between 2005 and 2006. Scientists warn that carbon emissions from air transport are fuelling global climate change. There is a growing clamour against the clocking up of food miles.
Consumers can reduce food miles by choosing to buy food that travels the shortest distance from farm to table – a feature of the increasingly popular farmers' markets. This would help the environment, support local producers and shopkeepers, and strengthen local economies.