Where do you make most of your purchases? On-line at large internet outlets such as Amazon? On-line at smaller, closer businesses? At physical retailers outside your community? At small businesses in your community? What difference does it make where you buy your stuff? Actually, it makes a big difference – to Planet Earth as a whole and to your community, the place where you live.
“Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally-owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs.” – Michael H. Shuman, author of the book Going Local.
Of course, before we buy anything, anywhere, we should first ask ourselves “Do I really need this item?” Consumption of all types is the root cause of pollution and our current climate crisis so it is wise to think twice before buying anything. However, we all need some stuff so we need to buy it in the most effective and least polluting way possible. Once we have determined that the purchase is necessary, we should look for the closest source. The item might not be available locally which means we might have to shop further afield. But if it is available in our community, that should be our first choice. Even if the price is slightly higher, if we buy fewer items, we can afford to support local businesses.
Here are a few benefits of buying from small local businesses in your community:
Keep Your Money in the Community: Local businesses pay their employees and spend money at other local businesses. By buying local, you help create jobs for your friends and neighbours and help other businesses grow, contributing to the local tax-base. You are investing in your community both socially and economically.
Reduce Commuting Hours: The more jobs you have in your local community the less people will have to commute, meaning more time and less traffic and pollution. People who work where they live become a more integral part of the community.
Build Community; Support Local Charities: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s welfare and future. They donate more to local charities than non-local owners do.
Create a Characterful & Prosperous Business Community: The unique character of your local community is defined in large part by the businesses that reside there, and that plays a big role in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of your home and property. Local businesses usually hire local people – your friends and neighbours. You will see these people around town so they are more likely to be courteous and helpful because they know you.
Reduce Environmental Impact: The less transportation required to get your purchase from its source to your home, the better. If the product is made locally, it doesn’t have to be shipped across the country or around the world. If you walk, cycle or drive to your local business, you are not generating emissions by driving a longer distance. If you take a shopping bag, you reduce the amount of packaging needed. A fuller analysis of the pros and cons of on-line shopping is available here.
Have More Influence on Businesses: You exert influence with your purchasing choices; you “vote with your wallet.” Businesses respond to their customers but you will have more influence with your local community business than with a large big-box store or on-line seller.
CREATE A THRIVING AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY:
When businesses and residents come together as an integrated network, the result is a thriving community that will be more resilient to economic and environmental shocks. By shopping locally, you will be helping to
Build Resilience In Mission!
To learn about local businesses here in Mission:
Downtown Business Association (DBA) Business Directory