Buying Locally

What does it mean to “buy locally?” when speaking of produce or food stuffs, utilizing local farms and purveyors helps keep money in our community. Food purchased from local farms is fresher, less fossil fuel and has been used to get the product to your local market and often times; smaller farms use more natural means to produce the food.

Now with produce, it is not always possible to buy everything one might desire locally. Our weather may not allow us to grow plums in November, so of course if a plum is what you wish, then a plum from Chile is what you will need to purchase. But think about that plum. It will have to be picked early, before its peak ripeness, and it will have to travel quite some distance to reach a store near you. The truck that takes that plum from the farm to the plane, and the plane that flies the plum to the closest airport, will use a lot of fossil fuel! Was that plum really worth it?

This brings up the subject of “buying in season.” Using products with in their natural growing season not only saves money, but makes sense for the environment too.

It also makes sense to buy products from local stores when possible. They are often key members of the community, doing more than just selling goods. They might donate to local causes, boost the tax base to pay for public improvements and employ local people who in turn spend much of their money here. Each dollar spent can roll over several times, each time benefiting more people and the community as a whole. That does not happen when purchases are made out of town or online.

Ultimately, the decision you make on where to purchase a single item can have long lasting affects on your own home town. With the economy unstable and the many small businesses struggling, the need to support your local business owners is paramount, keeping your hard earned dollar here in your own community.

To respond or read more,

Please join us online www.winetrain.com/ontrack.