While using materials found or fabricated near a building site is an important Green idea today; they help reduce the carbon cost of transporting heavy materials lengthy distances. In a world of quickly depleting resources, Green architects also favour renewable materials, such as certain woods. In a similar fashion the supply of locally sourced goods and services whenever possible has many benefits.
Here are 10 benefits of buying local:
1. Buy local – Support yourself
Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather than nationally – owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms. Thus continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.
2. Support Community Groups
Non – profit organisations receive on average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
3. Keep our Community Unique
When we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” Richard Moe, National Historic Preservation Trust
4. Reduce Environmental Impact
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation, and generally set up shop in town or city centres as apposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.
5. Create more good jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.
6. Get Better Service
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
7. Invest In Community
Local businesses are those owned by people who live in the community; are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
8. Put Your Taxes To Good Use
Local businesses in small community centres require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally – owned stores entering the community.
9. Buy What You Want, Not What Someone Wants You To Buy
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
10. Encourage Local Prosperity
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
sustainableconnections.org/why-buy-local/
Some favourite Field to fork or Paddock to Plate destinations
Paddock to Plate Field to Fork; whatever the label, the Great Ocean Road region teams with fresh, local, artisan produce: some handcrafted and too many to mention…some of my favourites are listed below so:
Why not try:
gorgechocolates.com.au
pennyroyalrasberry.com
timboondistillery.com.au
brownmagpiewines.com.au
shawriverbuffalo
birregurrafarmfoods.com.au
braerestaurant.com
alagrecque.com.au
chriss.com.au
merrijiginn.com
Happy trail blazing and enjoy!