Buying Local: It’s Not Just for Produce Anymore!

When you hear “buy local”, what do you think? Veggies, fruit, farmer’s markets?

Let’s all expand our perspective! Think of the town you live in as a funnel. Now think of all of the cities and towns around you, each with their own funnels of various sizes depending on the population. We make choices every day as to where we are going to spend our money. When I choose to filter my money into the small funnel of my small town, I directly impact someone in my community and contribute to the well-being of those around me. The $50 I spend at a local independent business could be just what they need that day to keep their doors open!

Each time I choose to go to the toy store, the drug store or one of the gift shops in my town instead of buying online or going to a mass merchant in the city, I am making a conscious effort to maintain and prosper someone and something that is tangible to me. It could be someone who lives down the road from me, or who has children who will eventually go to school with my child.

Last week, after I had already been thinking about this blog topic, I received an email on the 3/50 project. I was thrilled that someone cared even more than I did and started a movement for “saving the brick and mortars our nation is built on”. This is the answer to supporting small local business, and the answer to spurring local economies to spur this country. Yes, a resurgence of hometown pride and independent hard working businesses! So save your gas and spend a few extra bucks in the small gift store you always pass by and never enter; your town and this economy will thank you!

Spend $50 in three different local, independent businesses each month to participate in this movement. Please visit www.the350project.net.

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