It’s not hard to notice the increasing dominance of the major supermarkets. You only have to walk 100 meters or so up any highstreet these days before passing the next big shiny giant of hydrogenated ready-made meals.

Lets be honest though, the vast majority of us all shop in supermarkets at some point or another but when you look at some of the facts , buying locally and from smaller independent grocers needs to be up there at the top of new years resolution list for 2008.

An average big supermarket emits three times more CO₂ per square foot than an average greengrocer shop and it would take more than 60 greengrocers to match the CO₂ emissions from a single average superstore. Supermarkets also generate vast quantities of waste – both in terms of packaging and wasted food as fresh produce is often rejected because it fails to meet supermarket cosmetic standards.
Something which was highlighted in the recent Channel 4 food series is also the huge purchasing power of supermarkets which allows them to push down the prices they pay to farmers thus making it harder for the farmer to invest in ethical or environmental measures. Then there’s the fact that most people tend to travel to them in cars, increasing pollution and congestion.

Friends of the Earth are currently running a campaign to slow down the increasing expansion of the giant supermarkets. In a recent report the Competitions Commission recommended the Government free up planning rules to allow more supermarkets to be built on the edge and out of towns. There is a Government Consultation on the subject until April so now is the time to have your say. If you agree with Friends of the Earth that the Government should instead be tightening planning rules and introducing new tests to ensure high streets and independent stores can thrive then take action and email your local MP here expressing your concerns.

If we don’t do something it could all go horribly wrong. To see what might be in store for us check out this clip from Armando Iannucci’s brilliant satire Time Trumpet on Youtube.