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Posted at 1:52PM, 03 June 2008 by Abbie Dobson - News journalist

Queuing up in my local M and S the other day, canvas bag in hand I couldn't help but feel a little smug. No 5p levy on the violent green plastic bag for me! Yes, I was going to be 10p up, as I rammed the last of my shopping into my creaking cotton carrier. The striking image of a sea turtle tangled up in a plastic bag was firmly placed on the back burner of my subconscious.

But it was there that my internal pat on the back ended. Pulling out my squashed strawberries and bent broccoli at home I realised that I was still buying abroad as I'd been lured by cheaper prices. My Elsantas not from Essex despite being almost in June were from America.

As I was steadily consumed by guilt I started to investigate the remaining contents of my fridge. Kenyan green beans basking in the chilly shade, blueberries from the land of 'have a nice day' and chocolate from Switzerland. I cut myself some slack (if not my waist band) on the last one.

But the question has to be asked in a time of rising fuel costs, mortgages and yes most relevant here food prices, are we less keen to be green?

It's never been easier to source the food we buy from supermarkets. The big giants are practically tripping over themselves to provide us with information about where and how their goods make it to the shelves. Tesco's air freight stickers look as if they'd glow in the dark. But does it make us shop differently? Does our conscience outweigh our wallet?

With the great push from eco food warriors like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie - look at my garden - Oliver, never has home grown local sourcing been more in vogue.

With the great push from eco food warriors like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie - look at my garden - Oliver, never has home grown local sourcing been more in vogue. But for those of us who may not have the time, space or inclination to grow at home could being environmentally savvy remain the preserve of the minority and not the majority?

The pulls on our purse strings may mean that an increasing awareness about eating seasonally and sourcing domestically won't be the norm but one of life's luxuries. It maybe one of the first things out of the window when we feel the pinch in other parts of our lives. I for one hope not but my shopping bag may disagree.

Comments

clanmacp

3 June 2008, 4:03PM
clanmacp

Having recently bought a house, seen my food bills rising and the cost of just about everything spiralling, here in Britain, I can confess that Abbie's prophecy is true. I would normally buy organic chicken and vegetables, but have swapped them for the basic value ones. I know that these animals are not treated well, but in feeding a household, I don't feel I have any other choice.

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michael

3 June 2008, 4:48PM
michael

I really liked this article. It touched upon some key issues with a very nice dash of lightheartedness. The serious message was, however, well made and principles, it seems, are fine so long as you can afford them....

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larksolordy

3 June 2008, 5:09PM
larksolordy

Things have definitely become more difficult for me recently having started my own business, and a daily budget is now essential. However it has made me think more about being much less wasteful and maximising the food I do buy and when I do - to ensure I make it go further. If I spend more on a good quality free range/organic chicken then it means a lot to me and I will be more imaginative with the uses. Its tastier and I appreciate it more on many levels so for me it's actually better value. That goes for sausages too! Interesting article.

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Nunnington

3 June 2008, 7:03PM
Nunnington

This is so true. I've been trying hard to go organic, signing up to the local box scheme and buying free range meat from the butcher. But this week I've already taken my first step towards defeat - trading in my freshly-made lunch for plastic-wrapped mass-produced from the supermarket, purely because its cheaper. I want to eat well and help the environment, but I've got bills to pay. This shouldn't be a choice we have to make, supermarkets and the government need to do more to help us out on this!

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tundywundy

3 June 2008, 11:24PM
tundywundy

really good article. light touch. witty and thought provoking. let's have more of this kind of thing on the site please

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Dawn Wright

4 June 2008, 10:04AM
Dawn Wright

How very true the content of this article is - but for one I have never been consumed or taken in by the whole organic thing. Speaking as a farmers daughter, I am more than aware that all land is contaminated by some type or level of chemical, and yes that includes organic land. So the whole concept of paying more for fruit, veg,meat or indeed Heinz organic tomatoe soup just doesn't wash with me at any time. However, as an animal lover I would have to be very financially pushed to justify buying 2p sausages or battery chicken etc. As with all good things in life "a happy medium" seems the way forward, fantastic article - made me smile - quite an achievement at the moment - I'm an Estate Agent! Looking forward to reading more.

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Belit

4 June 2008, 7:57PM
Belit

Well, we all try our best, don't we? Consumer is king, but consumer is also working mother who doesn't particularly appreciate more arenas where perfection is the only passable performance. So this consumer-working-mother makes informed choices as much as she can without bending over backwards, and feels good enough about both the stretch covered and the possibility for further improvement. Loved the piece!

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mums cooking

12 June 2008, 7:18PM
mums cooking

I always forget to look at where my food has come from!! I do now buy free range chicken - when it is available in my Co-op. Hughs programmes really were eye opening. I now buy my meat, pies and sausages from the local butcher and they are so much tastier. I have also started having a milkman again. But all this is alot more expensive and I don't know how long I can carry on doing it. Last year we started to grow vegetables in the garden. It is a great success and the joy of cooking with home grown food that you have just picked out of the garden is amazing - I would encourage it to anyone. Although the kids have alot less garden to play in!! I agree that the government and the supermarkets need to work together to sort this mess out and also think more about how packaging is used in the food process. A really great article.

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