For the past nine months, I've been interning for the management of a weekly farmer's market. Through my experiences at the market and communicating with local farmers and shoppers, I've discovered that there are some important reasons everyone should shop local.
1. Community ties.
Shopping local creates a community of concerned individuals with a common desire to see their neighbors succeed. Local businesses and farmers are at the core of a vibrant community.
2. Fresh food.
When you buy groceries at a large supermarket, particularly produce, you run the risk of finding only older products. Many items have to be shipped cross-country in large trucks, rumbling around in crates for days before ending up on the supermarket shelf.
3. Supporting local jobs.
Local businesses promote local jobs. A community with members that do business with each other supports the economic prosperity of everyone in the community.
4. Environmental sustainability.
Local businesses and farmers markets promote walkable city spaces, which decrease pollution, city sprawl, and habitat loss.
5. Product diversity.
Every supermarket chain stocks the same basic groceries. Shopping local broadens a shopper's options, targeting the use of local natural resources in a sustainable way.
6. Political activism and relevance.
Involving local business owners and farmers in local decision-making ensures that the people behind the politics are invested in the outcome of their decisions and the impact of their policies.
7. Quality customer service.
The shopkeeper or farmer behind the products you purchase locally are always in close contact with the products and the people who consume them. Local businesses and farmers markets don't have 1-800 customer service numbers; they are real people who live in your community and share common experiences.
8. Healthier living.
Preparing food made with ingredients from the farmers market promotes a healthier lifestyle that includes fewer processed foods and unnecessary additives.
9. Conscious spending.
Local products might seem to have a higher mark-up on their price tag, but knowing the full price tag goes to the person behind the product is worth the difference in change (if you can make it). Purchasing from local vendors also ensures that you can practice more agency in choosing to spend money with companies whose ethical practices you agree with, not just whatever brand is on the supermarket shelf.
10. Quality products.
Locally produced goods often come with that handmade or home-grown special touch. Your dinner ingredients or furniture aren't just one in a billion. They're one of a kind.
I encourage everyone to research what local markets and businesses are in their area and support their neighbors. If you're going to spend money, why not keep it local?
