Eating locally produced food is extremely important in my opinion for several reasons. By buying and consuming food closer to the source decreases the carbon emissions produced from transporting the food. This not only helps the environment, but it also helps the local community by supporting local producers. A lot of times, local food is also organic, which definitely has a positive affect on the environment. Eliminating harmful pesticides keeps other organisms from experiencing the toxic effects of the chemicals from exposure through runoff or direct contact. Having a garden is about as local as one can get and is a very beneficial way to get food in terms of efficiency, helping the environment and limiting waste. Not only is there virtually no carbon emissions from transporting the foods and you can eliminate the pesticides used entirely, but it also reduces the amount of food waste being produced. I find myself being more conscious of the amount of food I pick  in my own garden because I am the one growing and harvesting it. It is also more financially efficient to grow your own food. The more local the food, the better, for us and for the earth.