How Your Choices as a Consumer Make a Difference

By now you have likely heard of the expression 'Shop Local' or 'Buy Local', but have you ever stopped to consider what it really means, or if it's even something you should think about? If not, you may find the following of interest to you.




Simply put, to 'Shop Local' is to have a preference to purchase locally produced goods over those produced farther away. The definition of 'local' can be different to different people. Some may strive to only purchase items from the immediate local community of which they're part of; others feel buying items produced and manufactured in the country of which they're part of more reasonable.

In the end, the main objectives are the same - to support the local community/country of which they are part of, in particular the small businesses/manufacturers selling and producing the goods: to support the local economy and maintain jobs; and to reduce unnecessary transportation of goods, thereby reducing the impact on the environment.

So why do a growing number of people feel this is important issue? Well, I thought this info-graphic pretty much sums it up. Though it's based on USA facts and figures, I would say it's not too dissimilar here in Australia. (please click imagine to enlarge)



Source: www.elocal.com/infographics/why-buy-local.html

So the question is, where does the products you buy come from? And importantly, what influences your decisions as a consumer?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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