E-Reserves

 "Avoiding the Local Trap" offers the assumption that local food is, by default, better than food chains and cuisines from places that aren't based nearby.  Local people see their food as healthier, more ecologically sustainable, and more beneficial to the global food system overall.  Often people don't want their food to be grown on large local farms.  I can agree with this usually, as living near farmers markets has provided me with the perspective that locally grown agriculture tastes better then corporately manufactured agriculture.  Large corporations constantly are selling their produce as a commodity instead of a basic food need, differing generally from many local farmers around the world.  While food being "good" is subjective, many people, such as the people in the article, are starting to prefer their local agricultural movements more and more over corporate-based ones.  They believe its not only better tasting, but added chemicals into international produce can be deterring for some when thinking about purchasing them.

   The "Food Miles" article also discusses how impacted food can become after it travels an incredibly long distance.  The author discusses the oversimplification of local vs international food, saying that there are advantages and disadvantages to both. It's good that both perspectives are offered in this article, because I do agree that there are advantages and disadvantages to both shipping produce internationally and growing food locally.

    The Piracy article about the Neem Tree is also interesting.  It discusses the idea of biodiversity, and how there's a dividing line between allowing people to use your resources for the benefit of the community, and companies using your resources purely for their profit.  It explains that companies coming in and patenting your products is piracy, and isn't a new concept in India.  While I don't want this to be true, the reality is that this happens more often then most people think.  I think people should be able to have the confidence that the government isn't going to simply come in and steal your ideas without at least giving the proper credit for it.