Will they survive? It's 50/50

Published 25 Sep 2009 13:00 1 Comment

FROM next week 50 local volunteers will provide some food for thought as they take 50-mile produce challenge.

It is estimated that around one-fifth of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions come from food production.

And the Tweeddale Challenge, which is being organised by our friends at Tweedgreen, aims to show ways of reducing the pollution by surviving on locally grown products.

The Tweedgreen group has compiled a directory providing information about where people can buy locally produced food.

And throughout October the 50 volunteers will keep diaries of their experiences - including Peeblesshire News correspondent Fiona Houston.

Rachael Millsom, one of the organisers, told the Peeblesshire News: "We are delighted that so many people have come forward to challenge themselves to eating only local food for this month.

"We hope this challenge will make people more aware of the environmental, health and local-economic benefits of choosing to buy locally produced food."

Local councillor, Catriona Bhatia is amongst the 50 volunteers who will only be able to eat and drink items produced within a 50-mile radius.

She said: "This is a really interesting initiative by Tweedgreen and I am very pleased to be a part of it. The issues of climate change and sustainability need to be tackled at a local, national and global level, and this project will raise the profile of both.

"I am sure it will be a challenge for all those taking part but the more people who give it a go, the greater the impact will be. I would urge everyone to join in this very worthwhile project for a day, a week or the whole month."

The 50-50 Challenge will be launched at the Leckie Church Hall in Peebles on October 1 at 7.30pm.

Pete Ritchie, from nearby Whitmuir Organics, is another of the 50 volunteers. He said: "Eating local food supports local livelihoods in the food and farming sector, and the money we spend on local food tends to get recycled in our own community.

"Local food often has a lower carbon footprint - not just because of the energy used to transport food but also because it uses less energy in refrigeration, processing and packaging."

Throughout October information stalls and recipe exchanges will be set up each Saturday morning in the Eastgate Theatre.

And a local produce stall will be set up at Peebles Food Festival on October 25.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 25 Sep 09

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Helen Millson
  Unregistered User
  Oct 1, 07:26
  Report comment

  Absolutely fabulous!!! Good luck to all participants!!!
  
  Cheers, Helen
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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