The Truth About Homeless

Benefits of Buying Local

Our whole lives we’ve been told “buying local is better,” but why? With a global economy and folks in all corners of the world needing goods, services and a reliable supply chain, are we really benefiting ourselves more than others?

The answers are more convincing than you think.

By buying locally, we can reduce environmental impacts drastically. Not only does supporting the local economy mean less need for diesel-trucks and large ships, but it also ensures products are produced sustainably, using environmental regulations we are more familiar with and trusting of.

This even extends to less waste from less packaging and physical shipping.

As well, supporting a local economy creates a bigger impact around you that you can tangibly see, touch and taste. Local food tastes fresher, and putting money into local businesses creates more jobs, which turns into more tax money injected into your town or city.

If there is no need to import labour or goods, profits and wages naturally increase, creating a better quality of life for friends, family and community members.

This can spur innovation and product choice; when businesses are seeing a greater generation of income, they are able to flesh out more products and ideas that can both service the community (providing choice) and create jobs.

When food is locally sourced, you actually know where your products are coming from. You’re able to see what you are buying and know who is making it. This is paramount in terms of healthy preparation and ethical killing of animal products. It is far less likely that there will be a need for preservatives or other harmful additives when food products are farm-to-table.

Studies have argued that entrepreneurial efficacy and a desire for an efficient community can create a problem-solving spirit that addresses local, public health problems quickly.

In short, not only can buying local generate jobs and money, it also creates less of an environmental impact while encouraging a healthier community.

It’s never too late to get to know your local business owners and contribute to your municipality!