Reading Test 1 B1

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

Tom set off on his journey right after his friend died.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

Tom has already walked across South America and Europe.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

He took with him a dog that he'd had for years.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

In Guatemala, he had to slow down his pace.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

He thinks a baby stroller is more convenient than a backpack.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

He used to have to stretch every day, but he no longer needs to.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

He buys new shoes or boots locally whenever he wears out a pair.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

Tom often made mistakes communicating with local people in Spanish.

WORLD WALKER

Right now, somewhere in the world, Tom Turcich is walking. He started his hike in April 2015 and is still going. His intention is to to walk across every continent in the world.

Tom made the decision to travel the world after one of his close friends died at the age of 17. The tragedy encouraged Tom to make the most of his own life. He spent the next few years completing college and working to save money, and in 2015, he finally quit his job, packed a few belongings and set off on foot from his home in New Jersey, USA.

He took a route south through the USA and Central America and down the west coast of South America. After that, he travelled to Antarctica and Europe aboard a ship, and he is currently walking across North Africa. From there, he’ll hike east through Asia and Australia. Then he plans to fly to the west coast of the USA and cross that on foot, back towards his final destination, his home in New Jersey.

Tom isn’t walking alone. He picked up a dog called Savannah from an animal shelter in Texas. At first, he thought it would be useful to have a dog protecting him, but the two soon became perfect travel companions. He thought he would have trouble crossing borders with the dog, but he acquired a certificate proving that it was free of disease and since then the process has been surprisingly simple.

Turcich usually walks about 38 kilometres a day, burning 5000 calories daily. He has encountered a number of difficulties on the way, such as walking across the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala. They were so steep that he could only manage about 10 miles a day. He carries just a tent, a sleeping bag and a few basic supplies, all of which he pushes a baby stroller, as he found that it requires less effort than carrying a backpack.

When he first started out, his legs ached at the end of the day. But he is now used to the exercise, although he makes sure to spend time at the end of the day stretching his legs. He had worn out several pairs of hiking boots already, each pair lasting about 800 kilometres. Tom has an arrangement with a friend in the States who mails him new pairs of sneakers whenever he needs them.

He has had some great experiences along the way and is always surprised by the generosity and hospitality of strangers, who frequently welcome him into their homes. However, few of them believe him when he tells them that he has walked to South America on foot, assuming that he has made a mistake speaking Spanish. But eventually, they accept his story and are extremely impressed.

Tom keeps a blog where he documents his travels and posts wonderful photographs that he has taken along the way. He had never been interested in photography before he started his trek but now loves the art form. He hopes that after returning to the USA, he will be able to work as a travel writer or photographer.

He didn't use to be into photography, but now he loves it.

FOOD MILES: IS BUYING LOCAL FOOD ALWAYS BETTER?

Recently, campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food. This reduces ‘food miles’, that is, the distance food travels to get from the producer to the retailer. They reason that the higher the food miles, the more carbon emissions. Buying local food, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint and is more environmentally friendly.

However, the real story is not as simple as that. If our aim is to reduce carbon emissions, we must look at the whole farming process, not just transportation. According to a 2008 study, only 11% of carbon emissions in the food production process result from transportation, and only 4% originated from the final delivery of the product from the producer to the retailer. Other processes, including fertilisation, storage, heating and irrigation, contribute much more.

In fact, imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown food. Take apples, for example. In autumn, when apples are harvested, the best option for a British resident is to buy British apples. However, the apples we buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months, and this uses up a lot of energy. In spring, therefore, it is more energy-efficient to import them from New Zealand, where they are in season. Heating also uses a lot of energy, which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain, where the crop grows well in the local climate.

We must also take into account the type of transport. Transporting food by air creates about 50 times more emissions than shipping it. However, only a small proportion of goods are flown to the consumer country, and these are usually high value, perishable items which we cannot produce locally, such as seafood and out-of-season berries. Even then, these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food. For example, beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using manual labour and natural fertilisers, unlike in Britain, where we use oil-based fertilisers and diesel machinery. Therefore, the total carbon footprint is still lower.

It’s also worth remembering that a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket. The distance consumers travel to buy their food, and the kind of transport they use will also add to its carbon footprint. So driving a long way to shop for food will negate any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce. Furthermore, choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries. Many of them work in agriculture because they have no other choice. If they are unable to sell produce overseas, they will have less income to buy food, clothes, medicine and to educate their children.

Recently, some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labelling foods with stickers that show it has been imported by air. But ultimately, the message this gives is too simple. Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint besides the distance it has travelled. And even if we only buy local food which is currently in season, there are ethical implications. What’s more, our diets would be more limited.

What is the main idea of the text?

FOOD MILES: IS BUYING LOCAL FOOD ALWAYS BETTER?

Recently, campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food. This reduces ‘food miles’, that is, the distance food travels to get from the producer to the retailer. They reason that the higher the food miles, the more carbon emissions. Buying local food, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint and is more environmentally friendly.

However, the real story is not as simple as that. If our aim is to reduce carbon emissions, we must look at the whole farming process, not just transportation. According to a 2008 study, only 11% of carbon emissions in the food production process result from transportation, and only 4% originated from the final delivery of the product from the producer to the retailer. Other processes, including fertilisation, storage, heating and irrigation, contribute much more.

In fact, imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown food. Take apples, for example. In autumn, when apples are harvested, the best option for a British resident is to buy British apples. However, the apples we buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months, and this uses up a lot of energy. In spring, therefore, it is more energy-efficient to import them from New Zealand, where they are in season. Heating also uses a lot of energy, which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain, where the crop grows well in the local climate.

We must also take into account the type of transport. Transporting food by air creates about 50 times more emissions than shipping it. However, only a small proportion of goods are flown to the consumer country, and these are usually high value, perishable items which we cannot produce locally, such as seafood and out-of-season berries. Even then, these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food. For example, beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using manual labour and natural fertilisers, unlike in Britain, where we use oil-based fertilisers and diesel machinery. Therefore, the total carbon footprint is still lower.

It’s also worth remembering that a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket. The distance consumers travel to buy their food, and the kind of transport they use will also add to its carbon footprint. So driving a long way to shop for food will negate any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce. Furthermore, choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries. Many of them work in agriculture because they have no other choice. If they are unable to sell produce overseas, they will have less income to buy food, clothes, medicine and to educate their children.

Recently, some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labelling foods with stickers that show it has been imported by air. But ultimately, the message this gives is too simple. Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint besides the distance it has travelled. And even if we only buy local food which is currently in season, there are ethical implications. What’s more, our diets would be more limited.

According to a study in the USA, 11% is ...

FOOD MILES: IS BUYING LOCAL FOOD ALWAYS BETTER?

Recently, campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food. This reduces ‘food miles’, that is, the distance food travels to get from the producer to the retailer. They reason that the higher the food miles, the more carbon emissions. Buying local food, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint and is more environmentally friendly.

However, the real story is not as simple as that. If our aim is to reduce carbon emissions, we must look at the whole farming process, not just transportation. According to a 2008 study, only 11% of carbon emissions in the food production process result from transportation, and only 4% originated from the final delivery of the product from the producer to the retailer. Other processes, including fertilisation, storage, heating and irrigation, contribute much more.

In fact, imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown food. Take apples, for example. In autumn, when apples are harvested, the best option for a British resident is to buy British apples. However, the apples we buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months, and this uses up a lot of energy. In spring, therefore, it is more energy-efficient to import them from New Zealand, where they are in season. Heating also uses a lot of energy, which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain, where the crop grows well in the local climate.

We must also take into account the type of transport. Transporting food by air creates about 50 times more emissions than shipping it. However, only a small proportion of goods are flown to the consumer country, and these are usually high value, perishable items which we cannot produce locally, such as seafood and out-of-season berries. Even then, these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food. For example, beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using manual labour and natural fertilisers, unlike in Britain, where we use oil-based fertilisers and diesel machinery. Therefore, the total carbon footprint is still lower.

It’s also worth remembering that a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket. The distance consumers travel to buy their food, and the kind of transport they use will also add to its carbon footprint. So driving a long way to shop for food will negate any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce. Furthermore, choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries. Many of them work in agriculture because they have no other choice. If they are unable to sell produce overseas, they will have less income to buy food, clothes, medicine and to educate their children.

Recently, some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labelling foods with stickers that show it has been imported by air. But ultimately, the message this gives is too simple. Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint besides the distance it has travelled. And even if we only buy local food which is currently in season, there are ethical implications. What’s more, our diets would be more limited.

Seafood is given as an example of food which ...

FOOD MILES: IS BUYING LOCAL FOOD ALWAYS BETTER?

Recently, campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food. This reduces ‘food miles’, that is, the distance food travels to get from the producer to the retailer. They reason that the higher the food miles, the more carbon emissions. Buying local food, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint and is more environmentally friendly.

However, the real story is not as simple as that. If our aim is to reduce carbon emissions, we must look at the whole farming process, not just transportation. According to a 2008 study, only 11% of carbon emissions in the food production process result from transportation, and only 4% originated from the final delivery of the product from the producer to the retailer. Other processes, including fertilisation, storage, heating and irrigation, contribute much more.

In fact, imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown food. Take apples, for example. In autumn, when apples are harvested, the best option for a British resident is to buy British apples. However, the apples we buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months, and this uses up a lot of energy. In spring, therefore, it is more energy-efficient to import them from New Zealand, where they are in season. Heating also uses a lot of energy, which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain, where the crop grows well in the local climate.

We must also take into account the type of transport. Transporting food by air creates about 50 times more emissions than shipping it. However, only a small proportion of goods are flown to the consumer country, and these are usually high value, perishable items which we cannot produce locally, such as seafood and out-of-season berries. Even then, these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food. For example, beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using manual labour and natural fertilisers, unlike in Britain, where we use oil-based fertilisers and diesel machinery. Therefore, the total carbon footprint is still lower.

It’s also worth remembering that a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket. The distance consumers travel to buy their food, and the kind of transport they use will also add to its carbon footprint. So driving a long way to shop for food will negate any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce. Furthermore, choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries. Many of them work in agriculture because they have no other choice. If they are unable to sell produce overseas, they will have less income to buy food, clothes, medicine and to educate their children.

Recently, some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labelling foods with stickers that show it has been imported by air. But ultimately, the message this gives is too simple. Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint besides the distance it has travelled. And even if we only buy local food which is currently in season, there are ethical implications. What’s more, our diets would be more limited.

According to the text, how are Spanish tomatoes and Kenyan beans similar?

FOOD MILES: IS BUYING LOCAL FOOD ALWAYS BETTER?

Recently, campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food. This reduces ‘food miles’, that is, the distance food travels to get from the producer to the retailer. They reason that the higher the food miles, the more carbon emissions. Buying local food, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint and is more environmentally friendly.

However, the real story is not as simple as that. If our aim is to reduce carbon emissions, we must look at the whole farming process, not just transportation. According to a 2008 study, only 11% of carbon emissions in the food production process result from transportation, and only 4% originated from the final delivery of the product from the producer to the retailer. Other processes, including fertilisation, storage, heating and irrigation, contribute much more.

In fact, imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown food. Take apples, for example. In autumn, when apples are harvested, the best option for a British resident is to buy British apples. However, the apples we buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months, and this uses up a lot of energy. In spring, therefore, it is more energy-efficient to import them from New Zealand, where they are in season. Heating also uses a lot of energy, which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain, where the crop grows well in the local climate.

We must also take into account the type of transport. Transporting food by air creates about 50 times more emissions than shipping it. However, only a small proportion of goods are flown to the consumer country, and these are usually high value, perishable items which we cannot produce locally, such as seafood and out-of-season berries. Even then, these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food. For example, beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using manual labour and natural fertilisers, unlike in Britain, where we use oil-based fertilisers and diesel machinery. Therefore, the total carbon footprint is still lower.

It’s also worth remembering that a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket. The distance consumers travel to buy their food, and the kind of transport they use will also add to its carbon footprint. So driving a long way to shop for food will negate any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce. Furthermore, choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries. Many of them work in agriculture because they have no other choice. If they are unable to sell produce overseas, they will have less income to buy food, clothes, medicine and to educate their children.

Recently, some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labelling foods with stickers that show it has been imported by air. But ultimately, the message this gives is too simple. Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint besides the distance it has travelled. And even if we only buy local food which is currently in season, there are ethical implications. What’s more, our diets would be more limited.

Which of these does the writer NOT support?

FOOD MILES: IS BUYING LOCAL FOOD ALWAYS BETTER?

Recently, campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food. This reduces ‘food miles’, that is, the distance food travels to get from the producer to the retailer. They reason that the higher the food miles, the more carbon emissions. Buying local food, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint and is more environmentally friendly.

However, the real story is not as simple as that. If our aim is to reduce carbon emissions, we must look at the whole farming process, not just transportation. According to a 2008 study, only 11% of carbon emissions in the food production process result from transportation, and only 4% originated from the final delivery of the product from the producer to the retailer. Other processes, including fertilisation, storage, heating and irrigation, contribute much more.

In fact, imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown food. Take apples, for example. In autumn, when apples are harvested, the best option for a British resident is to buy British apples. However, the apples we buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months, and this uses up a lot of energy. In spring, therefore, it is more energy-efficient to import them from New Zealand, where they are in season. Heating also uses a lot of energy, which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain, where the crop grows well in the local climate.

We must also take into account the type of transport. Transporting food by air creates about 50 times more emissions than shipping it. However, only a small proportion of goods are flown to the consumer country, and these are usually high value, perishable items which we cannot produce locally, such as seafood and out-of-season berries. Even then, these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food. For example, beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using manual labour and natural fertilisers, unlike in Britain, where we use oil-based fertilisers and diesel machinery. Therefore, the total carbon footprint is still lower.

It’s also worth remembering that a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket. The distance consumers travel to buy their food, and the kind of transport they use will also add to its carbon footprint. So driving a long way to shop for food will negate any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce. Furthermore, choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries. Many of them work in agriculture because they have no other choice. If they are unable to sell produce overseas, they will have less income to buy food, clothes, medicine and to educate their children.

Recently, some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labelling foods with stickers that show it has been imported by air. But ultimately, the message this gives is too simple. Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint besides the distance it has travelled. And even if we only buy local food which is currently in season, there are ethical implications. What’s more, our diets would be more limited.

The writer thinks that labelling food which has been transported by air...