- The Journey of Store-Bought Greens: Currently, about 75 percent of the nation's lettuce and leafy greens originate from California's vast agricultural valleys. This means that most greens at your local store have traveled thousands of miles, losing vital nutrients and flavor along the way, not to mention the environmental impact of such long-haul transportation.
- You know how every time you reach for the salad mix you just bought, it's already getting slimy and smells weird? This issue highlights a broader problem affecting our food system—significant waste in the greens industry. Each year, it's estimated that almost 50% of fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, are wasted globally. This waste occurs at various stages, from farm to retail to fridge, often exacerbated by the long distances fresh produce must travel from farms to supermarkets. This not only results in a substantial loss of food but also in wasted resources like water and energy used in production, packaging, and transportation. Locally grown microgreens offer a sustainable alternative. They are harvested and sold within the same area, reducing transit times and keeping them fresher longer. This not only minimizes spoilage and waste but also ensures that you enjoy the maximum flavor and nutritional benefits, you'll look forward to eating your greens.
- Our Local Solution: Contrary to this widespread practice, our microgreens grow here in Central Oregon, mere miles from your home. This proximity guarantees that our greens are not only bursting with flavor and nutrients but also support a sustainable model of consumption by drastically reducing food miles and carbon emissions.
Revitalizing Local Economies and Ecosystems:
- Economic and Environmental Synergy: By choosing to grow our greens locally using indoor vertical farming, we’re not just offering an alternative to the national system; we're providing a solution that benefits our community's economy and the environment. Our method conserves water, minimizes land use, and eliminates the need for harmful pesticides, setting a standard for eco-friendly farming practices.
- Why Choose Regional Produce?: Opting for locally grown produce like ours means supporting a system that values the health of the consumer and the planet. It's a conscious choice to reduce the ecological footprint associated with transporting greens across the country and a direct investment in the local economy, ensuring that our community thrives from the ground up.
At Leafy Luxuries, we believe in the power of local agriculture to transform our relationship with food. By bridging the gap between farm and table, we're not just cultivating microgreens; we're nurturing a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone. Join us in making a meaningful impact—one meal at a time.