Do You Want to Help the Environment, Your Community, and Promote Small Business at the Same Time? Shop Local!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

The Week of April 22, 2013, is designated as Earth Week.  It is a time we all take stock of what we are doing and what we can do to help Save our Planet

 A new focus will be placed on recycling, saving energy, and a myriad of other things to put us in the right direction.

These are all worthwhile and important steps.  But I believe we can accomplish these goals in another surprising way....by Shopping Local!

 
When we Shop Local, we have the opportunity to make a huge impact on our environment and in our community.  I also think it is a great way to promote Small Business.

By Shopping Local, we use less fuel because the markets and shops are right in our own neighborhood.  The fuel used by trucks that carry the goods from the local farmer or manufacturer is also lessened.  When we buy local, we conserve that energy.

Local goods also frequently use less packaging.  Whether it is the produce from a local farmer’s market or some other good from a neighborhood store, the packaging is often minimal when compared to nationally sold goods.

Shopping Local also helps our Community.  By frequenting local merchants, we become active and important members of our neighborhoods.  We become acquainted with the owners of those businesses and they get to know us.  This creates a real sense of “community” and connection.

Another way shopping local helps our community is by keeping our money “in town”.  Money we spend at a local storefront or farmer’s market is a true reinvestment in our community.  In this way we can have a real economic impact in helping support and grow local business.

In this past year, I myself have answered the “Shop Local” call.

Once a week my husband and I like to go out for breakfast.  Instead of going to the chain we used to frequent, we have now made a habit of eating in a diner down the street.  This cafe is owned and staffed by people right in our own neighborhood.  The bread and produce they use is also local.

We have come to know everyone who works there and often see many of our neighbors there also.  Eating in this diner has really created a sense of community in ourselves and given us the feeling we are helping “friends”. 

So, for this Earth Day and for the days to come, make it a real commitment to Shop Local.  The benefits to our environment, communities, and Small Business can really make a Difference!

Kimberly

Please visit my website, www.accessprofiles.com and my Facebook page for more ideas to help our environment and Small Business.  Thanks!