Conscious Spending Series #1: How to Buy Local and Strengthen Your Local Economy
When I say, "buy local," I'm referring to supporting your area businesses. This doesn't include chain stores or restaurants, but rather local business. Those family-owned, and small businesses that you see all over your store. Being so comfortable with running down to your nearest Target or Friday's, you may not know anything about these area businesses and pay them no attention.
Your city, however, gains when you buy local. Strengthening local economies is incredibly important-not only for those that own these businesses, but everyone that lives within them. Think about it, the greater the economy of a particular city, the more jobs there are available. This also means more money for roadwork and upkeep in public space such as parks or libraries as well, because "For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here."
I'm not proposing that there is anything wrong with shopping at chain stores. For convenience's sake it's hard not to. But the next time you decide you want to go out to dinner or buy a gift, check out one of those restaurants or shops in your area you would generally look over. In a struggling economy, it will be difficult for them to fight the big business competition without the support of those in the area.
Small changes can make a big difference, and examining how we spend our money is a great way to begin them. Take a look at your finances and consider where your money goes. If you want to help your local economy (and perhaps you don't), this is a great way to start. If you would like more information about spending local, visit the 3/50 project for some great tips and a plan to get your local economy rocking.
Until next time, everyone, cheers!
Published by Tara Dawn
Tara is a freelance writer, AC Featured Food and Wine, and Local Akron Contributor, currently pursuing a B.A. in Sociology at the University of Akron. She has written on a wide variety of topics-- but partic... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentGood article! Buying (and eating) local is so important.
great job!!
Sounds like a great idea!!
This is common sense we can all practice.
excellent, great to support your local economy
Good idea for a series.