Synthesis AP Prompt
Prompt: Imagine that a community is considering organizing a locavore movement. Carefully read the following seven sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed essay that identifies the key issues associated with the locavore movement and examines their implications for the community.
As America grows more diverse by the century, thousands of new ideals and beliefs are created and encourages. An example of this growth is that of the lcoavores, which are people who only eat food that is locally produced. New Studies estimate that the number of small farms have greatly increased in the past years (source E). There is a controversial issue over whether the implications of this movement to the community are positive or negative. Some argue that it is an impractical solution to a nonexistent problem. Others maintain that fresher food tastes better for the soul, and the community. The locavore movement, overall, has a neutral impact on the community as the majority of its outcomes prove beneficial for the individual. However, this can make it beneficial for the society as a whole.
The opposition to this position states that the locavore movement is impractical with its lenient definition and lack of overall benefit. According to Conservation Magazine, pro-locavores are mistaken over the benefits to their lifestyle. A key proponent of the locavore theory is that by minimizing transport, they will be minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. However, according to a study in 2009, transport did not even account for 1/4 of climate impact per households (source D). Furthermore, another study conducted by Forbes.com, it actually made more sense ecologically in London to purchase food from New Zealand, and not locally (source C). Another issue with the locavore movement is that it is incredibly hard to define. There is no standard set of what it means to be a locavore. Many cartoonists have ridiculed the lack of cohesion amongst different locavores, and how grocery eating is technically local (source G). Some define locavores to eat within a hundred miles of their house, and others define it as 500 miles from their house (source F). It is also concedable that his practice could harm mass-producing jobs as factories and truck-drivers would be hit hard by any excessive growth of most locavore lifestyles.
However, when looking at this issue one must also look at the overwhelming benefits to the individual, which would be helping society. By eating locally, one is eliminating the middleman that is taking away nutrients from the good. Nutrients are lost as more time is passing, and the locavore movement helps eliminate this loss (source B). Cynthia Sass even states that the more powerful disease fighters could be consumed for the individual if eaten at an earlier step in the food energy cycle (source B). This increase of health in the individual would be beneficial for the society, as that is one more person whose maximum productivity can be utilized in their respective communities. Furthermore, contrary to what the opposition states, there would be a positive impact on jobs in the community. As locavores eat locally, they eliminate the need and dependence on foreign nations for this food. This would also eliminate excessive fuel use and exploitation of cheap labor in these nations (source F). Eating locally means more for the local economy and it protects the nations from bio-terrorism (source A). Therefore, not only is their a physiological benefit for the community, there is also a moral and economic benefit in helping the populace this way.
When one looks at the debate of locavore's impact on the community, one most asses the costs and the benefits. the opposition stresses the unfeasibility of coming to a consensus of what a locavore is, with just reasons. The exact definition is challenging to pinpoint. However, when looking at the benefit to the individual, and the economic gain for the society, a compromise must be reached. With effort a definition can be standardized, but what about positive outcomes? Those rely on human strategy, strategy that dictates that the locavore movement is a positive thing.
As America grows more diverse by the century, thousands of new ideals and beliefs are created and encourages. An example of this growth is that of the lcoavores, which are people who only eat food that is locally produced. New Studies estimate that the number of small farms have greatly increased in the past years (source E). There is a controversial issue over whether the implications of this movement to the community are positive or negative. Some argue that it is an impractical solution to a nonexistent problem. Others maintain that fresher food tastes better for the soul, and the community. The locavore movement, overall, has a neutral impact on the community as the majority of its outcomes prove beneficial for the individual. However, this can make it beneficial for the society as a whole.
The opposition to this position states that the locavore movement is impractical with its lenient definition and lack of overall benefit. According to Conservation Magazine, pro-locavores are mistaken over the benefits to their lifestyle. A key proponent of the locavore theory is that by minimizing transport, they will be minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. However, according to a study in 2009, transport did not even account for 1/4 of climate impact per households (source D). Furthermore, another study conducted by Forbes.com, it actually made more sense ecologically in London to purchase food from New Zealand, and not locally (source C). Another issue with the locavore movement is that it is incredibly hard to define. There is no standard set of what it means to be a locavore. Many cartoonists have ridiculed the lack of cohesion amongst different locavores, and how grocery eating is technically local (source G). Some define locavores to eat within a hundred miles of their house, and others define it as 500 miles from their house (source F). It is also concedable that his practice could harm mass-producing jobs as factories and truck-drivers would be hit hard by any excessive growth of most locavore lifestyles.
However, when looking at this issue one must also look at the overwhelming benefits to the individual, which would be helping society. By eating locally, one is eliminating the middleman that is taking away nutrients from the good. Nutrients are lost as more time is passing, and the locavore movement helps eliminate this loss (source B). Cynthia Sass even states that the more powerful disease fighters could be consumed for the individual if eaten at an earlier step in the food energy cycle (source B). This increase of health in the individual would be beneficial for the society, as that is one more person whose maximum productivity can be utilized in their respective communities. Furthermore, contrary to what the opposition states, there would be a positive impact on jobs in the community. As locavores eat locally, they eliminate the need and dependence on foreign nations for this food. This would also eliminate excessive fuel use and exploitation of cheap labor in these nations (source F). Eating locally means more for the local economy and it protects the nations from bio-terrorism (source A). Therefore, not only is their a physiological benefit for the community, there is also a moral and economic benefit in helping the populace this way.
When one looks at the debate of locavore's impact on the community, one most asses the costs and the benefits. the opposition stresses the unfeasibility of coming to a consensus of what a locavore is, with just reasons. The exact definition is challenging to pinpoint. However, when looking at the benefit to the individual, and the economic gain for the society, a compromise must be reached. With effort a definition can be standardized, but what about positive outcomes? Those rely on human strategy, strategy that dictates that the locavore movement is a positive thing.