7 Reasons Buying Local is Better for You and the Planet.

The ease of access enjoyed in today’s modern society allows us to obtain goods and services more readily from almost anywhere on the planet! While this is nothing short of a blessing, we often opt for goods produced in overseas countries at the expense of locally produced goods. Supporting local businesses, be it at the community or national level, from food to bath and body products, can result in tremendous economic, social, and environmental benefits. Not sold yet? Check out this awesome list of reasons why you should buy local!

1. Higher Quality Food

Particularly when it comes to food, local produce is usually the higher quality alternative. Locally grown food is usually fresher and more nutritious as it has not travelled overseas, or been kept in storage extensively. Typically, produce at a farmer’s market comes directly from the farm to the customer and has been very recently harvested. Eating locally grown food is a more sustainable option. (For more guidance on sustainable eating check out my post Sustainable Eating Made Easy.)

Imported produce, usually found at the supermarket, has often travelled several days, even weeks before it reaches you. Preservatives and genetic modifications are often necessary for produce to last the lengthy journey, and these preservation methods can sometimes be harmful or result in less nutritious food.

2. Money savings

In addition to high quality, local products are often a lower-cost alternative also. The use of local resources reduces the cost of inputs significantly. Compared to overseas goods, locally produced goods enjoy lower transportation costs, attract little or no import duties, and less packaging and preservatives are needed to keep food safe and secure due to the shorter distance travelled.  

3. Boosts Local Economy

Supporting locally produced goods encourages the development of local industries and therefore helps to create and sustain jobs. Further, it also supports the investment in, and development of, local resources. This can be extremely beneficially for the wider community as local businesses often reinvest their wealth in local communities, supporting community groups such as non-profit organisations, and invest in the development of local infrastructure like parks and youth centres.

4. Lower Environmental Impact

Imported goods use a significant amount of fuel for transportation and storage (especially those which require cold storage). Further, large quantities of greenhouse gases are emitted in the transportation process as goods move from city to city and across nations. Locally produced goods travel shorter distances and require less packaging to keep products secure. This reduces fuel consumption, harmful emissions, and packaging waste.

5. A bit more quality control

Locally produced food offers an opportunity to be better informed on where your food comes from, the conditions under which it is produced, and how it gets to you. The production standards for overseas goods may differ from locally accepted ones and may be difficult to ascertain. Further, potentially harmful chemicals and by-products not tolerated in local processes may be involved.

6. Promotes food security

As previously stated, supporting local products can boost the local economy and this often results in the re-investment and subsequent expansion of local businesses and industries. Such support for the local food industry can yield tremendous benefits. An increase in locally available resources can be a lifeline in the event of an international trade disruption or disaster (as illustrated at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic). Thus, just by consuming more local foods, you’re promoting the development of a robust and sustainable food network, which is essential to food security.

7. A broader range of options

Local businesses add diversity to the range of product choices and prices available to you and your community. Locally produced goods are often developed in response to local needs and preferences, reflecting the unique characteristics of the domestic or local community. In other words, unlike large international corporations that often focus on mass sales and broader market categories, local businesses develop products and services just for YOU!

Buying local is good for you and the planet! And, given its economic, social, and environmental benefits, can be a catalyst in your sustainability journey.