Buying+Local+Essay

Buying Local

==As local economies decline, people are wondering why it is happening and how to fix it. If every family in the United States spent an extra ten dollars a month at local, independent businesses, approximately 9.3 billions dollars would be returned to local economies (“Independent We Stand”). It is a worthwhile endeavor to buy locally in order to build sustainable communities, link neighbors, promote diversity, ensure quality products and food, and keep the uniqueness of the community alive.==

==Some people are turned off to this idea because they fear the potential for higher costs. While that can be true for some products, the benefits far outweigh the costs. And, really, the financial impact would benefit everyone.== ==While independent businesses create more jobs, national chains often bring loss of employment. The opening of a Wal-Mart reduces retail employment in that county by an average of 150 jobs (“Quick Facts”). We should also consider the higher transportation and environmental costs that are associated with national chains and corporations. Local products often require less packaging than products from large businesses.. In 2003, the EPA estimated that the U.S. produced 11.9 million tons of plastic packaging, and 90% of that went to a landfill after only one use (“Quick Facts”). Local products also travel less, resulting in less of an impact on pollution levels.==

==On a personal level, there are many more relationships formed by buying from people we know. This results in more honest business. We know //what// we are getting and //where// it is coming from when we purchase a product from someone we know. Local produce, for example, often tastes better and is better for you because it is fresher, natural and has genetic integrity, unlike the modified crops which have been compromised by biotechnology companies.==

==Buying locally generates more money for the community. For every $100 spent in locally owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If we spend that same amount in a national chain, only $43 stay in our community (“Independent We Stand”). A real life example of this is shown in a study that was done in Austin, Texas. The study showed that $100 spent at a local bookstore produced $45 worth of local economic activity, while $100 spent at Borders brought back only $13 (“Quick Facts”). Compared to large businesses, small businesses also donate about twice as much per employee to non-profit organizations.==

==The New Economics Foundation (NEF), based in London, compared the results of people shopping at a supermarket versus a local farmer’s market or community supported agriculture (CSA) program. The findings revealed that twice the amount of money stayed in the community when people shopped locally. Those purchases are twice as efficient in keeping the local economy alive (Schwartz). Money needs to continuously move around to keep the economy going. David Boyle, author and NEF researcher, argues that “money is like blood”. When money is spent at big supermarkets or online retailers, it flows out of the local economy “like a wound” (qtd. in Shwartz).== ==Shopping at local, independent businesses also creates more resilience for the economy. There is less reliance on foreign-made goods which may increase in cost. We do not want to be stuck if we are unable to produce goods ourselves. Of course, small communities would still need to rely on other regions for certain products, but there would at least be more flexibility due to diverse businesses.== ==While the economic reasons for buying locally are strong on their own, there is still the idea of maintaining uniqueness. When we walk down our streets, would we rather see unique neighborhood shops or typical chains? Who would want to take a walk through town and see row after row of impersonal, national businesses? It’s safe to say that most people enjoy inviting, diverse places owned by folks from the neighborhood.==

==It may seem like we have to completely overhaul our spending habits in order to support the local economy, but it doesn’t have to be quite so overwhelming. If the people of an average American city were to shift only 10% of their spending from chains to local businesses, it would bring an additional $235 million per year to the local economy (“Quick Facts”). A little change goes a long way.==


 * ==Attend community events.==
 * ==Support your library.==
 * ==Shop at street fairs and farmer’s markets.==
 * ==Order produce from a CSA.==
 * ==Go to events that are put on by the senior center.==
 * ==Donate to local organizations.==
 * ==Buy bread from a bakery in town.==
 * ==Stop for a cup of coffee at an independent coffee shop.==
 * ==Use the local post office.==
 * ==Attend local fairs and festivals.==
 * ==Go to an independent restaurant instead of a chain.==
 * ==Give gift certificates to local businesses.==
 * ==Subscribe to local newspapers.==

Works Cited

Independent We Stand, 2011. Web. .

"Quick Facts on the Benefits of Buying Local." //Buy Local: Quick Facts on the Benefits of Buying Local//. Home Expert Network, 20 Apr. 2011. Web. <[|__http://www.elocal.com/ content/home-expert-network/buy-local-quick-facts-benefits-buying-local-goods-766__]>

Schwartz, Judith D. "Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy." //Time Business//. TIME, 11 June 2009. Web.