I disagree with you, however, on the CSA issue. Rather than packaging and shipping the goods from a farm to a distribution hub and then to a supermarket, the CSA cuts out a step and either brings vegetables straight from the farm to a designated spot where members meet to pick up their goods, or members can come to the farm itself instead of the supermarket or shuk. Some CSAs will bring straight to your house for an extra cost, but only if the drop off location for many families is nearby (which I agree is more wasteful than it needs to be). CSA memberships also give farmers an idea of how much to grow, thus minimizing waste. And since CSAs are by definition local, the transportation costs all around are much lower. Sure, it’s not as ecologically sound as growing your own food or living in a rural town, but it’s certainly a responsible option.

While CSA programs are important for spreading the word, and supporting small farms, delivering food to each and every person’s house adds in a big way to the carbon footprint of producing our food. A thought.

I do, however, believe that it’s important not to lose sight of the social disparities that such a market reveals, and that while I plan on buying organic in Israel, many people cannot.