Delivery can wait. The importance of shopping local and the offerings of Downtown Chico

CONNECTING BY SUPPORTING

Whether you’re strolling around the Saturday Farmers Market or shopping at stores downtown, everywhere you look, there’s a local vendor who’s put their heart and soul into their products. Whether it be a delicious beverage from Live Life Juice, sourdough from Tin Roof Bakery or T-shirts with your favorite swimming holes from Upper Park Clothing, shopping local is an amazing way to connect with the people in our community while stimulating our local economy. By shopping locally, the sales tax generated from the local businesses go back into the community, providing funding for things helping to improve our city such as road maintenance and creation of public parks. In addition, shopping locally also allows for businesses to expand and hire more people, creating a better job market for those in the area.

Not only is shopping local good for the community, it is also a great way to help protect our environment. Although

shopping online may be convenient, the effects that it has on our environment are detrimental. According to the NBC News, in 2017 Recology in San Francisco collected over 100 tons of cardboard waste every day, most of it coming directly from homes due to packaging from online shopping. Not only is the packaging harmful to our environment, the amount of emissions coming along when choosing options for fast delivery is concerning as well. Quick delivery options means that trucks are delivering less items over further distances, creating longer distances per delivery. Companies even use planes in order to meet these fast deadlines. These emissions are some of the factors that play a role in warmer temperatures and an increase of the rate of climate change.

Going to shop at local stores helps to mitigate some of the damage done by online shopping. Local shops such as Orange Street Consignment and Eighth and Main Antiques bring a second life to many items including furniture, clothing, and kitchen appliances. Buying from local stores such as these creates less waste, and you’ll be able to find an item that fits your unique taste. Even when it comes to clothing, shops such as Bootleg are great ways to find items that are still in great condition for a fraction of the price you would find at other big box retail stores. This is a win-win situation on all fronts.

Buying locally also helps with the hassle of proper sizing and customization of your wardrobe without the pesky return labels. Whether it’s finding the coziest fall hoodies from 3 Seas, the most comfortable shoe at Birkenstock, or the best outfit for the occasion from 5th St. Clothing or For Elyse, there’s something for everyone. To complement the look, you can count on finding the right seasonal accessories from Anika Burke, some stylish shades at Winter & Co and the perfect handbag or purse at Tomfoolery.

We know that brands matter, and people have a strong connection to them. Your downtown shops have taken the time to invest in the names that you might think you have to travel for. Not only does Bird in Hand have the best selection of games and educational toys, but they also carry a wide selection of Tommy Bahama. Ever

Here at 5th Street Clothing, we strive for excellent customer service & the ability to create working wardrobes. We are dedicated to creating outfits that fit your body and lifestyle.

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found yourself needing a C.C Beanie and a Fossil watch in a pinch? Head over to The Watchman, and they have you covered. Need some Kitchenaid or Le Creuset in your life? Collier Hardware has the style and color you’re looking for. Most stores have that little something extra that you didn’t know you would need but you’re glad you found along the way.

Home decorating is simplified within a few short blocks. Find an elegant statement rug at Pasha or adorable serveware for your next event at Little Red Hen Home. When it comes to framing, Art Etc. and Chico Paper Company also take the time to go over the different frame sizes and options for your heirloom photos or favorite art pieces, what kinds of finishes they have available, and the right matting to make your piece pop. And if you can’t find the candle that best suits your senses, you might have Covid. By shopping local, you also learn a great deal about your surrounding area. For example, vendors at the Chico Saturday Farmers Market not only provide you with great produce, but talking with them allows you to learn about what’s in season, their growing techniques, and the best ways to enjoy their products. When shopping at your local farmers market, you can be sure that what you’re taking home was treated with respect from farmers who care about their craft.

One of the greatest benefits about shopping local is being able to support the people making up our community. Many artists from Butte County have their art displayed at galleries, such as the Chico Art Center, which boasts a gift shop where proceeds from the art go back to the artists themselves. Cafés such as Upper Crust Bakery and Naked Lounge also display and sell artwork from local artists. There’s no shortage of performance art in Downtown Chico either. Theaters like the El Rey and

2.35" W x 4.86" H.

H T E HAPPIEST TIME OF THE Y EAR

Senator have a wide array of shows, California Regional Theatre now sits atop Collier Hardware, and the world class shows at Laxson Auditorium have something for everyone.

Ultimately, by shopping locally, you’re able to see and learn about what exactly makes your community unique. When it comes to food, art, or music, seeing what your community has to offer is an amazing way to connect with the people and places within your area. More often than not, you’ll be surprised at all the hidden gems that are waiting around every corner.

Shop for Fun - Downtown Chico

AdaptDX pro has arrived at Chico Eye Center

The Doctors and Staff at Chico Eye Center are excited to announce the adoption of the AdaptDx Pro® test as part of their effort to detect and monitor age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The AdaptDx Pro is an innovative, wearable headset that offers a simple, non-invasive test to measure the time it takes a patient’s vision to adjust from bright light to darkness, a process known as dark adaptation.

As one of the first signs of AMD, dark adaptation testing using the AdaptDx Pro, will provide clinicians at Chico Eye Center an additional resource to help diagnose AMD before vision loss occurs – and put a plan place to help preserve vision. “Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of adult blindness, and more than twice as common as glaucoma. It is a chronic disease that causes a part of your retina, called the macula, to slowly deteriorate as you get older making it difficult to recognize faces, read, watch TV, and drive,” said Dr. Benjamin Gilbert, an ophthalmologist at Chico Eye Center for more than 20 years. “Many of our patients over age 50 have trouble seeing or driving at night – which can be the first symptom of AMD. With the AdaptDx Pro, we are able to quickly and easily measure dark adaptation speed, which can be useful in diagnosing AMD in its earliest stages, a critical aspect in delaying vision loss.”

The doctors at Chico Eye Center recommend AdaptDx Pro testing to patients over age 50, particularly those who have trouble seeing or driving at night. Other than age, risk factors for AMD include a family history of the disease, Caucasian race, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease. “We are excited to have this technology in our office as it provides a very patient-friendly test experience and helps us identify AMD in its earliest stages,” said Dr. Gilbert. “While there isn’t a cure for AMD yet, there are lifestyle changes and supplements that have a proven track record of delaying the progression of the disease.” With the AdaptDx Pro, patients can be tested right in the exam room.

Chico Eye Center is the leading comprehensive ophthalmology practice in Northern California. In addition to providing advanced cataract surgery and general medical and surgical eye care, they offer subspecialty care in pediatric ophthalmology and cornea surgery. It’s time to SEE what you’ve been missing. Call Chico Eye Center (530) 895-1727 to schedule a consultation today!