Local Shmocal

   You hear it all the time these days about shopping local.  Support your local buisness, local farmer, local vet, local morgue, ya know.  Well, it really is important and I'll tell you why.  I have a local buisness.  That's why.  The only reason.  No really, now that I have my own buisness I understand this concept, this way of life so much clearer.  When you support a local buisness, that money goes almost directly back into the community.  Not everything can unless that business is also buying it's supplies from local sources.  Often you will find that local products tend to be a bit more expensive.  I always used to be like "how come this stuff from right down the street is a dollar more than this huge company's stuff from California?  I'm gonna buy the cheaper stuff.  Well, now that I have my own buisness I see that unless you buy a bajillion pounds of something or say a semi truck load of containers you are not going to get the best bulk price.  Local producers are often small, have little storage and a lower budget, so they can't afford to compete with the best price.  If you buy organic, you know that organic producers are providing a higher quality product and are concerned with the environment and the health of their consumers. It's more expensive to produce and we understand that and we pay extra.  Local buisnesses are much the same.  Often they are more concerned with the quality of thier product, sourcing and impact on thier community.  When you support these buisnesses you are supporting your community.  Also, many times you are helping to support someone's dream.  These people are often doing it not because they have to, but because it is something they love.  It takes guts, time and sacrifice. 

As a small local buisness owner, I have found that working with other locally owned buisnesses is much more satisfying and gratifying.  The results often are more immediate as well.  If I walk into a locally owned small store or restaurant with my Kombucha, most likely I will know within about 10 minutes whether they are going to take it or not.  The bigger the venue, the harder, longer and tougher it is unless you know someone.  Which brings me to another point, when you act locally, you are most likely dealing with people you already know or through some sort of refrence via a friend or or colleague.  Dealing with a company that is big, corporate, and has no real relation to your life is much, much harder.  Not to mention it makes you think, " do I really want to be this far and impersonal from what I do?"  For me the answer seems simple...mostly because I'm lazy and don't want to follow through sending over more than 5 e-mails wondering if I'm just talking to a human or some mass e-mail dump that no one looks at or has time for. 

My real point, and I have one, is this:  Buy local.  When you do you are supporting your community, someone's dream, and maybe a friend.  When you do, you are making the world a better place.  No really, what is your dream?  Will it help your community? Take the leap, use your local resources, start talking and support eachother.  THAT, my friends, is how we can all be successful no matter where the economy is at or heading.

Love, your Local Boochie Bitches,

NessAlla!