Every year around this time, I renew my pledge to buy handmade items from local and somewhat local artisans.
As an Artisan, I understand how important it is to buy from small individually owned and operated businesses. In the past 50 years or so we have made a habit (as a whole) of buying from big “box” stores selling mass produced items. We are now seeing the issues this buying mindset brings to our communities.
By supporting these large stores who buy their products from countries that condone low wages for their workers and a sever lack of human rights... we are encouraging the mistreatment of our economy and the people in these countries. When we buy from the companies who support this mindset we are contributing to the problems.
“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
--Albert Einstein
In addition, we are no longer supporting our economy when we choose cheap mass produced items form big box stores. When we spend our money on items that are not made here, we are supporting another country’s economy.
We hear time and again that we need to support small locally owned and operated businesses in order to create strong local economies. Only this will build local economies strong enough to weather the dips and hurricanes caused by outside influences. So why don’t we do this?
I have heard the excuses. “It’s too expensive?” I can’t find anyone in my area.” And so on…
It is easier than you think.
On average for every $100.00 spent in our local economy $73.00 of those dollars remains in the community. Compare that to $100.00 spent at a box store, only $43.00 remain in the community.
Shifting only 10% of your buying habits would generate MILLIONS of dollars for our parks, schools, roads, and more. You can make a huge impact by switching your habits just a little.
That's only $10 out of every $100 you spend each week. I am sure out of all the spending you do each week/month; you can carve out $10.00 of every $100.00 you spend for a local artisan.
Take baby steps. You may know realize how much of difference you can make, but you habits and actions matter a great deal .
Need more incentive?
Here are the top 10 reasons you want to buy local.
Top Ten reasons to Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local
1. Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.(Click here to see summaries of a variety of economic impact studies; these include case studies showing that locally-owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.)
2. Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
3. Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust
4. Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
5. Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.
6. Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
7. Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
8. Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.
9. Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
10. Encourage local prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!
So don't delay! Take the handmade pledge and support your community! Get to know your local artisans and the treasures they have in store for you!
Click here to take the pledge!
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