So that is it then, do nothing about the environment? I like Formula 1 and Drag Racing too, should I give them up? IMHO it is about doing what you like to do with the least impact possible.
Buying a local product is helping, this is a proven fact. I understand I can get a better yield using coco, I have seen that proven time and time again. But for me it isn't all about yield, I can produce more than enough weed for my needs using a growbag and some tomato feed. Coco is way more plug n play than soil, much less work. But I don't like that, I like to fiddle with things and learn stuff.
About 20 years ago I used to grow in Coco. Coco Coir in I gallon pots with a capillary mat, it grew me fuck tons of weed which I sold illegally to friends and family. I haven't done that in 15 years. Now it is a hobby, something I do to stop my brain turning to mush.
TBH I might not bother with anything. We grow all manner of fruit and veg in containers and don't bother with Perlite there and have no problems with drainage and aeration