Analyzing "On Buying Local" by Katherine Spriggs

• Spriggs' main point is that buying locally is better for the environment.
• Her thesis is clearly stated at the end of the first paragraph, "we should give up a little bit of convenience in favor of buying local."
• Some of the reasons she gives are: 
• The US is a major contributor of green houses gas emissions as well as a guzzler of world oil supplies, to transport food goods across country.
• Local farmers would not have to compete against large farms as much to survive.
• Large farms use monoculture techniques that deplete earth of nutrients.
• Small farms are more sustainable, using local and natural resources.
• Buying locally can reduce fuel costs.
• She uses quotes and statistics from a wide variety of sources.
• Yes, her reasons are plausible and sufficient.
• She does mention counter arguments, and uses facts to prove how they are flawed.
• She acknowledges them but holds to her argument.
• she presents the counter arguments respectfully
• avoids sweeping generalizations.
• She uses quotes from experts like the director of research and education at the Center for Global Food Issues, and uses statistics from not only credible, but varied sources.
• Her sources are credible and unbiased.
• Her essay was published in 2010 and all the sources are from 2006 or later, so they are current within the last ten years.
• She does not assume that the reader knows a great deal about the topic and provide appropriate detail and background to make it accessible.
• The language is fairly informal and generally inclusive.
• This is a topic is one that I have studied fairly recently, and I have found that I do agree with all the point Spriggs has made.