By supporting local farmers who know the regional growing factors like the back of their hand, customers can enjoy better tasting produce while pumping money into their local economy and keeping mom and pop operations from going bust.

One drawback of being a locavore is the higher cost, which can be prohibitive to lower-income groups. At an average cost of 10 to 15 percent more per item, locally-grown foodstuffs might make you think twice before getting those old Birks resoled. Nonetheless, options like growing your own produce at home or gradually incorporating local products into your shopping list all help to make a difference. So forgo a trip to Loblaw’s – we know you’re sick of those Galen Weston Jr. commercials anyways– and trek down to your local farmer’s market instead. You’ll feel good about yourself, I promise.