Bananas Quote by Tyler Cowen
“Buying from a local farmer can mean that he makes a two-hour extra truck drive, which can damage the environment more than a bunch of bananas on a boat.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Marginal Revolution, 2018
Local sourcing can increase transport emissions, sometimes exceeding distant imports.
In simple terms: Buying local may harm the environment due to transport.
Key Takeaway
Consider full lifecycle impacts when sourcing.
Themes
environment
economics
logistics
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
environmental
economic
When to use this quote
- grocery shopping
- supply chain
- consumer choice
- policy making
Key Concepts
carbon accounting
localism
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors determine greener sourcing?
- How to balance local support with emissions?
A Different Perspective
Local benefits may outweigh transport costs in some cases.
