Why Buy Yucateco: In Simple Terms

We often think of hiring maids and gardeners as the main way we add to the economy of Yucatan, but that doesn't even begin to paint the whole picture of the effect we can have on the economy of this state. We spend money every day and our pesos have the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of many Yucatecos, if only we will spend them wisely.

There is an old economic rumor that every peso spent will turn over 7 to 10 times in the economy of the area in which it is spent. As it turns out, this is not necessarily true. Economists now admit that, because of "leakage," each peso spent actually has a multiplier of only 1.5 to 2.5. So we need to know what "leakage" is and how to stop as much of it as possible.

Leakage, in these terms, is related to how much of the dollar flows out of a region without entering the economy of the area in which it was spent. For example, if you purchase something that was made in China, your dollar just turned over and added to China's economy, as well as to the shippers along the way, and only a little to the economy in which you actually made your purchase.

How can we stop leakage in Yucatan? We can "Buy Yucateco" as much as possible. These are some suggestions:

Buy your fruit and vegetables in local mercados as much as possible. Your pesos will help support both local growers and small vendors.

Find yourself an "egg man" and a local butcher you trust. Buy your milk from the milk man, rather than from the store. ...find a good source of fresh goat meat - you just might be surprised at how good it really is. Drive to the docks (or take a bus) and buy seafood directly from the fishermen. This is a lot of going and doing, but its part of having a "real life" that doesn't depend on anything that's been preserved until you make your way to a chain store.

Patronize local cocinas economicas as much as possible. Buy your main dish there. Its too hot to cook anyway, and your pesos will support these marvelous vendors.

Patronize local artists, especially those who are actively working on community issues, such as protecting the environment or helping those who are ill or abused.

Cut out the middleman. If you are building or remodeling, go to the local craftsmen and buy your tile, sinks, and other items directly from them.

When you purchase clothing, make certain that as much as possible is made in Yucatan. Find a good seamstress or tailor and patronize them faithfully. You don't really want everything you wear to be "off the rack," do you? The same is true of drapes and bedspreads. Make your home distinctive by hiring a local seamstress to make every fabric accessory in your home.

Buy your furniture from local craftsmen. Some of them are just too talented for words and they will custom build furniture for you that is less expensive than anything you can find in the stores.

When you buy jewelry, make certain that it is made from Yucateco materials, by Yucatecos.

Buy from local hardware and paint stores, unless you just absolutely cannot find what you need and are forced to go to a chain store.

Volunteer... save the turtles and marine mammals (they bring in tourist dollars); save the dogs and cats (they cost tax dollars); save the poor and orphans (they are the taxpayers of tomorrow); save education (its graduates will be in power when you are old).

These suggestions are, by no means, a complete list of things you, as a foreigner, can do to contribute to the economy of Yucatan and to the preservation of this culture. If you can think of something else, do leave a comment and let us know. This concept can apply to any locality, anywhere in the world, so we would like to hear from you if you have any ideas on this topic.