Why Buying Local Matters

It is not uncommon in certain circles to hear people talking about the importance of buying local. But what does that mean and what is the real impact on communities?

In the late 2000's, local was the buzz word.

It seemed everyone was talking about building local economies. From buying locally produced food to creating networks of people and businesses to sustain communities in case of peak oil, there was often a dizzying amount of information and opportunity to plug in.

Though it doesn't seem to be the topic du jour anymore, it isn't because the need has been erased. Let's unpack some of the ideas about the importance of buying local.

Environmental impacts

According to Sustainable Connections, residents of communities with more local businesses drive 26% less miles. This reduces air pollution, impacts of the urban heat island effect, and congestion.

In turn, if the inputs of the goods produced were purchased (or even produced) locally, this compounds the effects.

Locally produced and small-scale produced goods often contain much less packaging, sending less waste to landfills. At the Handmade Showroom, we carry several artists that take materials out of the waste stream such as reclaimed fibers and leather, and produce new goods out of them.

Economic impacts

Up to 90% of new jobs in the United States are created by locally owned businesses. As a group, they are the largest employer nationally, and in the community, provide the most jobs to residents.

For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 continues to circulate in the local economy. These funds are used to buy food, housing, clothes, school supplies and more. Every time the money is reinvested locally, there is impact.

When that same $100 is spent at a national chain, only $43 remains in the local economy. That's a $25 difference. 

Community Impacts

Recreational sports teams, non-profits, charities and events depend on donations. And it turns out, local businesses donate almost 2.5x more than national chains do to these organizations and causes. 

Selection of products is based on local need when the buyers are part of the community. This increases the likelihood of getting what you really need when you shop, because they can be more responsive to demand.

Independent stores also contribute to the character of place. This is evidenced by all the towns and cities that people enjoy traveling to because of their unique vibe. National chains add nothing to the character of place.

The Handmade Showroom is an independently-owned business that supports over 250 artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. In other words, we're not a corporate owned chain store like many you encounter these days. Each of the artists we support are independent business owners as well. 

When you shop with us, you are supporting this vast web of small, independent, and often local businesses.