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.