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It’s a simple concept, but there’s some confusion as to what shopping and buying locally is.
Shopping local is the act of everyday consumers, like you and me, making the decision to buy your produce, clothing and day to day items from a local business instead of going to a large retailer.
Shopping locally is important for each of us because it provides benefits beyond solely exchanging our money for a product or service. Our purchases help employ local residents, provide support important programs and initiatives, and revenue that will likely be spent here as well. When you support local businesses, you support local people.
Supporting people in our community is one of our core values. That is why we are committed to giving back to our community through research program funding and advocacy. Our goal is to empower people in our community by teaching them how to think differently about health and wellness, and by supporting Virginia's resilient agricultural community.
Here are two explanations as to what shopping local is and why it’s important.
“Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs.” — Michael H. Shuman, Going Local
“When you shop at independent or local-to-you businesses, more money is kept within your community because local businesses often use or buy from local service providers, farms, and companies. Buying locally helps grow other businesses as well as your region’s tax base.” — Gretchen Sowers
WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ON SHOPPING LOCAL?
As you go through your shopping list, consider what shopping locally means to you. What’s your definition of shopping local? Is buying online from a local business still shopping local? Do you make an effort to buy from local businesses? Why or why not? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.