People are increasingly hearing about products known as zero-kilometer products. Although you may have a rough idea of what they mean, the truth is that these products, called proximity products, raise many questions about their benefits, how to find them and what impact they have on the environment and the local economy.
In this article, we are going to explain everything you need to know about the proximity products, from their main characteristics to how you can find them in the supermarket and what their advantages are for both you and the planet.
Main characteristics of local products
Local products, also called zero kilometer products, are characterized by the short distance between the place of production and its point of sale or final consumptionIn most cases, this distance does not exceed 100 kilometers.
The concept of kilometer zero is closely linked to the movement Slow Food, which promotes the consumption of foods based on sustainability, fair trade and commitment to local producers. In addition, these types of products are usually seasonal and produced organically, minimizing the use of artificial or chemical products.
A key criterion for a product to be considered zero-kilometer is that its life cycle complies with strict environmental protection measures, both in production and transportation. This implies that the local products help reduce polluting emissions from transport.
How to identify local products in the supermarket?
Identifying these products in the supermarket is relatively easy if you know where to look. Most local products carry specific tags that clearly indicate their local origin. Look for symbols or graphical signs that mark them as Km 0 products or proximity.
There is still no official label throughout Spain for this type of product, but some autonomous communities are beginning to regulate them. Labels will not only help you know where the products come from, but will also indicate whether they have followed a sustainable production process.
By choosing products labeled as local, you are not only supporting producers in your area, but you are also contributing to the development of the regional economy and the reduction of environmental impact.
Benefits of consuming local products
Consuming local or nearby products has multiple advantages at a personal, social and environmental level. Below, we tell you about the main benefits:
- Quality and health: Local products, as they travel less distance between harvesting and consumption, maintain their organoleptic properties intactFor example, local fruits and vegetables are often at their optimal ripeness, which means greater nutritional value and better flavor.
- Environmental impact: The proximity between production and consumption helps to reduce the carbon footprint and the greenhouse gas emissions that are often associated with the transport of food from other parts of the world.
- Local economy: By consuming local products, we directly support the local producers, which stimulates the regional economy and encourages the development of nearby agriculture and livestock.
In addition, consuming fresh and seasonal products has a positive impact on the healthBy not using chemicals, foods are more natural and healthier.
Differences between local, organic and seasonal products
It is important not to confuse the terms proximity products, organic products y season products, since they are complementary concepts, but they do not always apply to the same products.
- Season products: These are those that are grown in their natural cycle, such as tomatoes in summer or artichokes in winter. These products usually have better flavour and greater nutritional value because they are harvested at their optimal time.
- Green products:Also known as organic or biological products, these are those that are grown using techniques that respect the environment. Although a product is organic, that does not always mean that it is local.
- Proximity products: These are those that meet the premise of being grown and consumed near the geographic area where they are collected, but they do not necessarily have to be organic or seasonal.
By combining these three factors in our diet, we achieve a healthy, natural and environmentally friendly diet.
Economic reasons for choosing local products
Local products also have significant economic advantages. Firstly, the fact that these foods do not have to travel long distances reduces the logistics costs related to transport, which should translate into more competitive prices, although in some cases this may not yet be the case.
However, in the long term, if we focus on local consumption, The offer of local products will increase and will reduce prices. In addition, by promoting this type of products, the local economy, creating jobs in the agricultural and livestock sectors, supporting small producers and contributing to rural development.
Although it is true that in some cases organic products can be more expensive due to more demanding production processes, the trend is that more and more consumers value local food, which will allow for a balance in prices.
Eating local products not only improves our diet and benefits the environment, but it is also a way of supporting the regional economy. By choosing local food, we are contributing to a more sustainable future for ourselves and our environment.