EMBRACE LOCAL

In a world that's becoming increasingly globalised, it can be easy to forget about the importance of supporting our local communities. Many of us are guilty of prioritising convenience over community, opting to shop at big-box stores or order from online retailers rather than supporting the small businesses that make our neighbourhoods unique. But there's a growing movement of people who are rediscovering the power of localism, and the benefits are clear.

When we choose to embrace local, we're not just supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs; we're also investing in our communities as a whole. Local businesses are often the backbone of our neighbourhoods, providing jobs and economic stability, and creating a sense of place that's hard to find in chain stores and franchises. When we choose to shop at independent stores, we're contributing to a local ecosystem that benefits everyone.

But the benefits of localism go beyond economics. When we choose to support local businesses, we're also strengthening the social fabric of our communities. Small business owners are often deeply invested in the places where they live and work, and they're more likely to give back to their communities through charitable donations, volunteer work, and other forms of civic engagement. When we support these businesses, we're not just buying products or services; we're building relationships and connections with our neighbours.

Embracing local isn't just about shopping at small businesses, though. It's also about finding ways to connect with our communities in meaningful ways. That might mean volunteering at a local food bank, attending a neighbourhood block party, or participating in a community garden project. When we take an active role in our communities, we're more likely to feel a sense of belonging and purpose, and we're more likely to have a positive impact on the people around us.

Of course, embracing local can be a challenge in a world that's designed to prioritise convenience and efficiency. It's often easier to order something online than it is to visit a local store, and it's often more convenient to drive to a big-box retailer than it is to walk or bike to a neighbourhood business. But making the effort to support local is worth it. By investing in our communities, we're investing in ourselves and in the people around us.

So how can you start embracing local? Here are a few ideas: v Make a list of local businesses you want to support and make a conscious effort to shop there instead of at big-box stores. v Attend community events and get to know your neighbours. v Volunteer for local causes or participate in community projects. v Take advantage of public transportation, bike sharing programs, or other sustainable transportation options to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses. v Start a community garden or join a neighbourhood association to connect with other people who are passionate about localism.

At the end of the day, embracing local is about more than just shopping at small businesses. It's about recognising the value of our communities, and investing in the people and places that make them unique. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable, resilient, and connected world for ourselves and for future generations.

On the next few pages we have invited some local businesses to share how they embrace local in our Embrace Local Feature. a