There was an ad in our Sunday paper that urged us to “Spend $20 on the 20th.” They want you to spend money every 20th of the month to support the local economy. It doesn’t actually say so, but by the “Think Local” button that Andrew Jackson is wearing in the picture, I believe it was placed by our local Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber is trying to encourage everyone in the community to buy local for these reasons:
- More money stays in the community.
- Local jobs are created and sustained.
- The local community and economy are strengthened.
- Quality of life is improved.
- Customer service is enhanced.
Do you buy local? Why or why not?
I’ve been trying to shop more at my local independent bookseller and to boycott Amazon because of their bullying of state governments, unfair taxation stance, and poor working conditions (like no air conditioning in their warehouses). I did break down and buy two new hardbacks from favorite authors last week when my husband was ordering from Amazon. My local bookshop rarely carries new hardbacks.
In season we buy most of our produce from local farms. How can you not when you live in Amish country? But I won’t give up tropical fruits that aren’t grown locally, and I usually buy those at Costco because I know their quality and taste.
There are several local restaurants I like—for instance, Cafe Chocolate and Tomato Pie Cafe in Lititz and Rachel’s Creperie in Lancaster—but I’m never giving up Panera or Carrabba’s or Texas Roadhouse (who could resist those rolls?!).
What about you? Are you consciously trying to shop more from local and independent merchants? If so, I’d love to hear your reasons why you think it matters in the comment section. And if you don’t think it’s necessary, I’d love to hear your opinions too.