Katherine Spriggs, "On Buying Local": Summary, Analysis, Meaning

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Argument Analysis of “On Buying Local”
In recent discussions of consumer behavior, a controversial issue has been whether people should buy local or not. On the one hand, some argue that buying local has some clear economic, environmental, and social benefits. Others, however, believe that buying local would have negative effects on not just the environment but the country’s as well as other country’s economies. Katherine Spriggs, in her article “On Buying Local,” argues that buying local is indeed advantageous and not just on the economic and environmental end, but also sentimentally. According to Spriggs, buying local would encourage the development of small local farms, help reverse the trend towards industrial-scale farming, is environmentally sound, and reduces the high cost of oil and fuel used to transport food across the world. Her use of credible statistics and evidence from reliable sources and a real and relatable example in selling her perspective makes her argument persuasive.
One strength in Sprigg’s argument is her use of credible and reliable sources. The strength of an argument is often judged based on the amount of evidence one provides as well as the specific types of evidence one provides. Quoting any document or article does not necessarily justify your argument because not all authors are dependable. However, in her article, Spriggs makes use of Global Warming statistics as well as sources such as Progressive Policy Institute and quotes from the director of research and education at the Center for Global Food Issues to build and endorse her argument. “According to the Progressive Policy Institute, however, only 13 percent of the American diet is imported (“98.7 Percent”)” (155). Using such sources will indeed help to justify her argument and also show that her perspective is grounded in credible data.
Additionally, she also makes use of a real-life story in her article which is not only relatable but also fits perfectly into her narrative. Her use of Mr. Lermio’s story is indeed a plus because this story not only emphasizes the effects of not buying local but also personifies the entire argument. By using a real-life example, Spriggs further persuades her readers by showing them first-hand how avoiding to buy local can have adverse effects on the locals. Here, she seeks to appeal to her readers’ emotions by showing them how life for farmers like Mr. Lermio has changed. “You just can’t have a small herd...