It’s no secret that when you buy local, you’re supporting your community. Buying local foods helps to Boost the economy and create jobs, it’s better for the environment, and it builds a sense of community. Let’s take a closer look at how buying local supports your community.
Did you know that when you shop at a locally owned business, you’re not just supporting that business—you’re also supporting the people who work there? That’s because small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and they play a vital role in creating jobs. In fact, small businesses account for more than half of all private-sector jobs in the United States! So, when you buy from a locally owned business, you’re not only supporting that business—you’re also supporting your community.
And that’s not all—local businesses also reinvest more of their profits back into the local economy than big box stores do. That means that when you shop at a local business, you’re not just supporting local jobs—you’re also helping to fund schools, roads, and other vital community services. So, next time you need to buy something, think about shopping at a locally owned businesses. It’s not just good for your community—it’s good for the economy as a whole!
Types of Local Businesses
There are all sorts of different types of local businesses, from corner stores to family-owned restaurants to boutiques and more. And no matter what type of business it is, when you shop there, you’re investing in your community. Here are just a few of the different types of local businesses you can support:
Restaurants:
Family-owned restaurants are a staple of the American economy. When you eat at one of these restaurants, you’re not only getting a delicious meal—you’re also supporting the family who owns the restaurant and helping to create jobs in your community.
Retail stores:
Shopping at locally owned retail stores is a great way to find unique items that you can’t find at big box stores. And when you buy from these stores, you’re helping to keep money in your community and supporting the people who work there.
Service providers:
From plumbers to locksmiths to dog-walkers, there are all sorts of service providers in every community. When you use their services, you’re not only getting expert help—you’re also investing in your community.
Why Shop Locally?
Shopping locally has all sorts of benefits—for both your community and for yourself! Shopping locally supports your community.
When you shop at a local business, you are investing in your community. You are supporting the local economy and helping to create jobs. You are also likely to be supporting a family or individual who is invested in the well-being of the community. Local businesses often give back to the community in ways that large corporations cannot or do not. For example, they may sponsor Little League teams or donate to the food bank. Shopping locally is a great way to give back to your community!
Shopping locally saves you money.
It may seem counterintuitive, but shopping locally can actually save you money. That’s because local businesses often have lower overhead costs than big box stores. They can pass those savings on to their customers in the form of lower prices. Additionally, many local businesses offer loyalty programs or discounts to frequent shoppers. So, if you shop at the same local store enough, you may actually end up paying less than you would at a chain store.
Shopping locally is good for the environment.
When you buy from a local business, you are usually buying products that have been made or grown locally. That means that they haven’t had to travel far to get to you—unlike the products at a big box store, which may have been shipped across the country or even across the world. The less transportation required, the better it is for the environment. Additionally, many local shops sell organic or sustainable products, which are even better for the planet.
Did you know that buying local food can also help to reduce your carbon footprint? That’s because locally grown food doesn’t have to travel as far to get to you. The average meal in the United States travels 1,500 miles to get from farm to table! When you buy local, however, you can often find food that has traveled less than 100 miles to get to you.
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, buying local food also cuts down on packaging waste. A study conducted by the Waste & Resources Action Program found that if everyone in the United Kingdom ate just one meal of locally sourced food per week, it would save the equivalent of 160,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year!
Building Community
Make no mistake—every time you make a purchase, you’re casting a vote. Will you support a faceless corporation that puts profits above people? Or will you buy from a local business that gives back to the community? When you choose the latter, you’re helping to build a sense of community. Here’s why that matters.
Small businesses are often deeply rooted in their communities and give back in many ways. For example, many small businesses donate to local charities or sponsor little league teams. When you shop at these businesses, you’re not only supporting them—you’re also supporting the causes that they care about.
What’s more, when you buy from local businesses, you help to create jobs in your community. Small businesses are the biggest job creators in the United States, so when you shop small, you’re doing your part to ensure that there are plenty of job opportunities for your friends and neighbors.
The next time you’re looking for something to eat or drink or needing to do some shopping, think about how buying local can support your community. From boosting the economy and creating jobs to reducing your carbon footprint and building community spirit, there are countless reasons why buying local is a good idea!
