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What good does buying locally do?

Posted Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 10:44 am ET|Updated Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 5:47 pm ET

What good does buying locally do?

It stimulates the local economy. A 2002 study done in Florida showed that for every $100 that was spent in a chain bookstore, only $13 of it was put back into the local economy. But that same $100 spent at a local, independently owned bookstore put $45 back into the local economy. Think of that next time you're deciding to get your coffee from a large chain or the local corner coffee house like Latte Luna.

It helps locals keep their jobs. Most people who work in local businesses live locally. By buying from these places like The Chop Shop and The Treasure Chest . You help your neighbors keep their jobs and that benefits your whole community.

Local businesses give back locally. Do you know who sponsors the little league and softball teams in your town? I do. The local corner coffee house, the corner bar, the independent ice cream parlor (is it beginning to sound like I live in Mayberry? It's not a bad comparison). I also know who donates gift certificates and baskets when the PTA is holding an auction or someone is holding a beef and beer night to raise money for a local cancer patient. It's the same businesses that sponsor's your kid's sports teams. By supporting these businesses, I help ensure that they can support the community.
It's good for the environment. Less auto emissions occur when you're going only a few blocks (you could even walk or ride your bike) for what you need vs. traveling miles away to a big box store. If enough people buy locally, it could actually prevent a big box store — which usually devours open space and requires new roads to be built — from infiltrating your community.
If you're buying locally grown food, it’s really good for the environment because you're helping the small farmers keep their farms operational instead of shutting down and selling to developers.

It promotes a sense of community. If you want to get to know your neighbors and others in your community, supporting the local businesses is a great way to do that after all Bradenton is in the running for the friendliest city in america so say hello and meet some new people.

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