local

Shopping Local This Holiday Season

Where you decide to shop this holiday season could have a major impact on both the economy and our environment.

Consider This... Shopping locally cuts down on processing, packaging and transportation waste, leading to much less pollution!

Your independent retailers and restaurants generally stock a greater percentage of locally produced goods, meaning less fuel consumption, and these goods typically will come from smaller scale farms, factories, artists and producers. As well, local and independent companies are much more likely to reuse materials. 

These businesses are usually owned by people who live in your area and are more invested in the community’s future. A great deal of the money you spend with them stays in the community. Best of all, studies show that local businesses support non-profits by 250% more than large ones.

If you don’t like the idea of becoming a “clone town” filled with the same retail and fast food chains as the next town, then consider spending your money locally this holiday season.

The 100 Mile Diet: Buying Locally

No matter where you live, you’ll find that buying local has a wealth of benefits for you and your community. Here are some reasons and tips to help get you started:

Top reasons to buy local

  • Support yourself and your community economically
  • Keep your community unique and promote diversity
  • Reduce environmental impact
  • Create more good jobs
  • Get better service
  • Invest in community
  • Put your taxes to good use
  • Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy
  • Encourage local prosperity and diverse character.
  • Support community groups
  • You can taste the difference and experience new flavours
  • You know what you're eating.
  • Get in touch with the seasons.
  • Have more fun travelling.

Tips on how to buy local

  • Frequent the same farmers markets and stands
  • Know what is in season and available in your community
  • Invest in a farm share program and receive weekly boxes of fruit and vegetables.
  • Arrive at markets early for the freshest and best picks. You can also arrive just prior to close to take advantage of deals.
  • Start your own garden of herbs or veggies
  • Consider raising your own animals in your yard, i.e.) turkeys or chickens
  • Volunteer in markets
  • Be open to trying new things
  • Research local products before travelling.