Which is more green?

[branat]

I went to Loblaws and was faced with a choice: non-organic carrots, produce of Canada or organic carrots, produce of USA?

[CSK'sMom]

It depends on what you actually classify as green and organic. If organic is truly important to you and you want solid regulations behind that organic sticker than it's US produce all the way. If green means buying local to you than Canadian produce should take precedence, but preferably truely local.

[mjl_toronto]

I thought carrots were orange. Do you mean the stem part of it? Pictures? :cheesygri

I agree with CSK's Mom. It all depends on your definition. Personally, I don't group organics with 'green' products. They are different. Although, some organic certifications may be 'green'.

[confused student]

Organic != Green

What I don't like is when they say "Canada" or "USA" but dont specify the province or state. If it says Canada, but is from BC, it is less green than a USA product from New York.

[dark169]

I would choose the (more) local produce.

Organic isn't always better for the environment, but it does typically provide better foods.

[napalmfrog]

Also be wary of organic products from the US. Their labelling system is constantly under attack by large corporations to "bend" the rules. For example, in some areas organic might mean no pesticides, but the manure may be laced with random toxins.

For myself, the number one priority is locality. The less a product travelled, the less transportation emissions, and (hopefully) the item wasn't picked early and had to ripen in said vehicle. If I'm then left with two equidistant products, organic would be the second factor.

Thus, as mentioned above, I'll take an apple from New York vs British Columbia, even if the BC one is organic.

HINT: Really watch out carefully for the accuracy of the signs. Stores or sometimes lazy to change them, especially when crops consistently change what supplier they are from. Always double check with he stickers on the produce itself.

HINT 2: Don't believe right away that something is a "Product of Canada." There are tomatoes and other random produce being imported in Canada, and then distributed from Vancouver or Montreal. Because this is where the item is packed, they tend to mislead customers on this notion. Always check the fine print to find the true origins of the produce. (This tends to happen more with bagged/boxed stuff.)

[UrbanPoet]

I think your best bet is to buy local.
You support your local economy + the food travels less before it hits your super market...

[Rishi]

I think your best bet is to buy local.
You support your local economy + the food travels less before it hits your super market...
+1 for local farmer's markets. Obviously it would be difficult to do ALL your produce shopping there, but stopping by when you can doesn't hurt.