The benefits of shopping locally are multifold and every benefit complements another (you’ll find out after reading more). Being vocal for local is what has sustained us as a culturally rich and diverse society for so long. However, with increased industrialization and globalization – everything is gradually moving towards standardization which will eventually kill the cultural diversity by making products and people homogeneous.
We can go on and on about the reasons why you should be vocal for local because there are just so many but we picked 7 which we think should be convincing enough –
1. Supports local economy
When you shop at locally owned businesses, the circulation of money remains in your local community since most local businesses also source their raw materials from other local businesses, engage with local service providers, artisans, etc. Therefore, it helps in the growth of the local economy and helps in improvement of the overall standard of living for everyone.
2. Reduces the impact on environment
Shopping locally reduces environmental impact in multiple ways. If the raw materials are sourced and made into the final products all locally, it significantly reduces the carbon footprint especially related to transportation. Similarly, when you buy locally, it saves tons of resources that get used up in shipping and delivery of products – plastic and cardboard packaging, fuel, etc. Locally produced products also usually have more sustainable production practices as compared to big businesses who need big factories and machines to produce products at mass scale.
Also Read: 8 Reasons Why You Should Shop Secondhand
3. Creates local job opportunities and reduces migration
Who likes being far from home? When you support local businesses, it helps in creation of jobs for people in your community and thus, they don’t have to migrate to other areas in search of jobs. It also significantly reduces the time and resources people spend on commuting – in turn also reduces traffic and pollution.
4. Better customer service due to interpersonal communication
It’s very easy to build relationships when you shop locally due to frequent interaction with the business owners not only while shopping but also at other common spaces. You are more likely to receive a better customer service from someone you know than from a big far away business. Frequent shopping also helps business owners to understand your needs more efficiently and offer you personalized offers and deals.
Also Read: 5 Simple Ways to Support Small Businesses
5. Stronger Sense of Community
A strong community is not only healthy for the general well being of everyone but it often is beneficial while navigating changes in the society or standing against unwanted policies of the government, or big corporations. It’s easier for a close knit community to stand together during times of crisis than a community which is based on individualism.
6. Convenience & diverse range of products
Supporting local businesses helps create diverse products instead of everyone owning the same mass produced products. Ever spotted the same IKEA products at your friend/colleague/relative’s house? Plus, isn’t it more reliable and convenient to have the products you use be available in your vicinity than having them shipped from miles away? We know with most companies offering one-day deliveries this might not seem that big a deal but always remember that your one-day deliveries come at a cost – highly underpaid workers with absolute bizarre working conditions.
7. Builds ethical work practices and reduces the power status quo
It’s no secret that most of the big brands indulge in highly unethical and inhumane work practices where the workers in their factories and plants are grossly underpaid and extremely overworked. The situation of the Bangladeshi garment workers is just one such example. Since shopping from smaller local businesses help build the local economy and creates a stronger sense of community, it ensures that the employees receive a fair pay and have good working conditions.
Do we need to say more?
At Project Kive, we are building a marketplace for small businesses so that the next time you wish to shop from one, you know where to go. Check out our Marketplace to find some beautiful small businesses near you.
Have an interesting sustainability story to share? Please write to us at hello@projectkive.com. To stay updated with our latest stories, follow us on Instagram.
