Zsófia Benedek: localization does not necessarily automatically mean environmental sustainability

In the presentation, Zsófia Benedek takes a critical look at the sustainability of local foods, highlighting that localization does not necessarily automatically mean environmental sustainability. As an example, she cites farmers’ markets, which many see as one of the best forms of sustainable shopping. However, he points out that both consumers and producers often travel long distances to the markets, which increases the environmental burden.

Benedek emphasizes that an efficient home delivery system can reduce transport emissions by up to 70 percent. As an example, he mentions that in a long transport chain, fewer emissions can be generated than if someone travels to and from the market in their own car.

The speaker also points out that transportation accounts for only about 10 percent of the ecological footprint of local foods. This number can be further reduced, for example by making packaging more environmentally friendly, especially in short supply chains.