localgreenchain/docs/guides/consumer-guide.md

Consumer Guide

How to use LocalGreenChain to find, purchase, and track local produce.

Getting Started

Create Your Profile

Register as a consumer to receive personalized recommendations:

// Consumer profile
{
  consumerId: "consumer-uuid",
  location: {
    latitude: 40.7128,
    longitude: -74.0060,
    maxDeliveryRadiusKm: 25,
    city: "Brooklyn"
  },
  householdSize: 4,
  weeklyBudget: 75
}

Setting Your Preferences

Food Preferences

Tell us what you like:

POST /api/demand/preferences

{
  consumerId: "your-id",

  // Dietary needs
  dietaryType: ["vegetarian"],
  allergies: ["peanuts"],
  dislikes: ["cilantro"],

  // What you want
  preferredCategories: [
    "leafy_greens",
    "herbs",
    "nightshades"
  ],

  preferredItems: [
    {
      produceType: "tomato",
      priority: "must_have",
      weeklyQuantity: 2,  // kg
      seasonalOnly: true
    },
    {
      produceType: "lettuce",
      priority: "preferred",
      weeklyQuantity: 1
    },
    {
      produceType: "basil",
      priority: "nice_to_have"
    }
  ],

  // Quality preferences
  certificationPreferences: ["organic", "local"],
  freshnessImportance: 5,  // 1-5 scale
  priceImportance: 3,
  sustainabilityImportance: 5,

  // Delivery
  deliveryPreferences: {
    method: ["home_delivery", "farmers_market"],
    frequency: "weekly",
    preferredDays: ["saturday"]
  }
}

Priority Levels Explained

Priority	Meaning	System Behavior
must_have	Essential items	Prioritizes matching these first
preferred	Strong preference	Tries to include when possible
nice_to_have	Would enjoy	Adds if supply available
occasional	Sometimes interested	Suggests opportunistically

Finding Local Produce

Browse Available Produce

GET /api/plants/nearby?lat=40.7128&lon=-74.0060&radius=25

View Grower Profiles

Each grower shows:

• Location and distance from you
• Available produce
• Certifications (organic, etc.)
• Delivery methods
• Customer ratings

Check Seasonal Availability

SPRING (Mar-May)
├── Lettuce ✓ Available locally
├── Spinach ✓ Available locally
├── Peas ✓ Limited supply
└── Tomatoes ✗ Not in season

SUMMER (Jun-Aug)
├── Tomatoes ✓ Peak availability
├── Peppers ✓ Available locally
├── Basil ✓ Abundant
└── Cucumbers ✓ Available locally

Understanding Plant History

Scanning QR Codes

Every item from LocalGreenChain has a QR code. Scan to see:

1. Complete Journey - From seed to your table
2. Growing Conditions - Environment during growth
3. Transport History - Every movement tracked
4. Carbon Footprint - Environmental impact
5. Grower Info - Who grew it and where

What You'll See

{
  "plantId": "lgc_abc123",
  "journey": {
    "seedOrigin": "Heritage Seed Bank",
    "grower": "Green Valley Farm",
    "location": "Brooklyn, NY",
    "distance": "12 miles from you",
    "harvestDate": "2024-08-01",
    "daysFromHarvest": 1
  },
  "environmental": {
    "growingMethod": "greenhouse",
    "certifications": ["organic"],
    "carbonFootprint": "0.15 kg CO2/kg",
    "waterUsage": "10% of conventional"
  },
  "lineage": {
    "generation": 3,
    "parentPlantIds": ["plant-parent-001"],
    "variety": "Cherokee Purple Heirloom"
  }
}

Ordering and Delivery

Place an Order

Match with available supply:

POST /api/demand/match

{
  consumerId: "your-id",
  supplyCommitmentId: "supply-123",
  produceType: "tomato",
  matchedQuantityKg: 2,
  deliveryDate: "2024-08-03",
  deliveryMethod: "home_delivery"
}

Delivery Options

Method	Description	Typical Cost
home_delivery	Direct to your door
pickup_point	Central pickup location	$
farmers_market	Weekly market booth	Free
csa_distribution	CSA share pickup	Subscription

Track Your Delivery

GET /api/transport/journey/order-123

Real-time updates on:

• Current location
• Estimated arrival
• Temperature during transport
• Handler information

Providing Feedback

Rate Your Experience

After receiving produce:

POST /api/feedback

{
  orderId: "order-123",
  rating: 5,
  qualityScore: 5,
  freshnessScore: 5,
  feedback: "Absolutely fresh, arrived within hours of harvest!"
}

Report Issues

If something isn't right:

POST /api/feedback/issue

{
  orderId: "order-123",
  issueType: "quality",
  description: "Lettuce was wilted on arrival",
  photos: ["url-to-photo"]
}

Environmental Impact

Your Personal Impact

Track your contribution to sustainable agriculture:

GET /api/consumer/impact/your-id

Response:

{
  "totalPurchasesKg": 45,
  "carbonSavedKg": 112,
  "milesSaved": 67500,
  "waterSavedLiters": 4500,
  "localGrowersSupported": 8,
  "comparisonToConventional": {
    "carbonReduction": "89%",
    "waterReduction": "90%",
    "foodMilesReduction": "97%"
  }
}

Understanding the Numbers

Your Purchase	Conventional	LocalGreenChain	Savings
1 kg tomatoes	2.8 kg CO2	0.3 kg CO2	2.5 kg
Food miles	1,500 miles	12 miles	1,488 mi
Water use	50 liters	5 liters	45 L

Seasonal Planning

Subscribe to Updates

Get notified when your favorites become available:

POST /api/consumer/alerts

{
  produceType: "strawberry",
  alertType: "in_season",
  notification: "email"
}

Seasonal Calendar

Plan your eating around what's fresh:

JAN: Microgreens, Sprouts, Winter Greens
FEB: Microgreens, Early Sprouts
MAR: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
APR: Spring Greens, Peas, Herbs
MAY: Strawberries, Asparagus, Greens
JUN: Early Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Basil
JUL: Peak Tomatoes, Peppers, Corn
AUG: Melons, Squash, Late Tomatoes
SEP: Apples, Winter Squash, Kale
OCT: Root Vegetables, Late Greens
NOV: Storage Crops, Greens
DEC: Winter Storage, Microgreens

Best Practices

For Best Quality

1. Order In Season - Peak flavor and nutrition
2. Accept Some Variation - Farm-fresh isn't uniform
3. Plan Ahead - Pre-order for best selection
4. Store Properly - Follow storage guidelines

For Maximum Impact

1. Buy Local First - Lower carbon footprint
2. Support Small Growers - Build community
3. Accept Imperfect - Reduce food waste
4. Provide Feedback - Help improve the system

For Community

1. Share with Neighbors - Group orders reduce delivery
2. Attend Markets - Meet your growers
3. Spread the Word - Grow the network
4. Save Seeds - Close the loop

Frequently Asked Questions

How fresh is the produce?

Most items are harvested within 24-48 hours of delivery. The blockchain record shows exact harvest time.

Is everything organic?

Not all growers are certified organic, but all practices are transparent. Check certifications in the plant profile.

What if my order is wrong?

Contact support immediately. All issues are tracked and resolved. Our blockchain ensures accountability.

Can I request specific varieties?

Yes! Set preferences for specific varieties. Growers see demand signals and may grow what you request.

Next Steps

• Grower Guide - Understand how your food is grown
• Transport Guide - Learn about the journey
• Quick Start - Get started immediately