We often read that we should purchase local food always to minimize the carbon foot print. If we encourage imported food over local products, it would require hydrocarbon fuels to bring the product to our doorstep?this is not at all good for the environment. I remember we had done a great exercise in Seoul during last GYLS to understand this burning issue of today.

It is very easy to say to consume local foods. But still, why we have to convince people about this? Initially I was under impression that locally grown products might be costly, and that?s why people are little bit reluctant?So I thought of checking the same during my recent weekly visit to one of the supermarket with my parents and I am really surprised?I wish to share my experience with all of you?

1)      Local Chili (UAE)  is more than 10 times cheaper than chili brought from India

2)      Local onions are almost 80% cheaper than onions imported from USA

3)      Local eggplants are 50% cheaper than eggplants brought from neighbouring country (Oman)

4)      Cucumbers imported from India are priced almost double than UAE grown cucumbers.

I talked to my parents to understand if any major quality differences exist among the products, but they told me that all are almost same in food value?

So, I concluded that it is the perception of many people which drives them in purchasing imported food products even when almost same quality local product is available within their reach. We the people who think of environment in every step should take a greater role in cascading this message to the people that ?Eat local and save your money and environment??