We're Hearing it Often, But Why? Why buy local?

All of us have the ability to make a powerful impact on our own communities every day when we make choices as to how much we spend and where we spend our dollars. We have seen many signs and ads over the past year about "Buying Local", but we would like to know the reason for the requests...how does shopping locally really help?

Here is a small list of the major reasons that have resonated with us as to why we strongly believe it's important to support our local business owners...

 

Buying Local Supports Economic Strength

Recent studies show that for every dollar you spend locally over 60% goes directly back into your local economy vs. 40% if you are not buying locally. The percentage goes down even more if you're buying nonlocally and online. On top of that, the money you spend in locally-owned stores recirculates in the community 2 to 3 times more than dollars spent at non-locally owned retailers.  This means that when you  buy local, you're making an impact in your own community by creating jobs and helping endangered family owned businesses thrive.

Buying Local Creates More Jobs

Studies show that when a national retailer hires two people in an area, three higher paying jobs are lost in that same area due to local businesses closing.  Small local businesses are the largest overall employer in the US. Unfortunately, too many of them are struggling or going out of business thus taking away so many essential jobs.

Buying Local Decreases Pollution An abundance of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by road traffic. When you shop locally, you are more likely to visit businesses closer to home. You may choose to walk or and, when choosing to drive, may prefer to avoid the traffic in more congested areas. Secondly, the transportation costs and pollution caused by transporting locally produced goods such as food from local farms is much less since the food is not traveling across the country or farther.

Buying Local Supports Local Charities and Schools

Studies show that non profit organizations receive an average of 250% more support from smaller locally-owned business owners than they do from large businesses.

Buying Local Supports Better Health
We are lucky to have so many local farmers in our area who are extremely knowledgable about how to grow food in healthy soil with little to no pesticides. Our local farmers are willing to spend their lives making and preparing the freshest food imaginable for our families and also in making the food readily available for us to buy at their farms, local farmers markets and farm to table restaurants. Buying from a local farm supports better health because the food is fresher. Also, when children grow up visiting the farms and viewing the growing process for themselves, studies have shown they are more interested in eating their fruits and vegetables. 

We have talked to many small business owners over the past year to discuss their concerns and how we can help them be successful. Consistently, we have seen that local business owners really care about the people and communities that surround them. They want to get to know you and give back to their communities.

Let's make their appreciation for us go full circle by visiting and making purchases with them and by showing them support for years to come.

To the small business owners in the DC/MD/VA areas: Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication!!!!

 -The Loyal Local 

 www.theloyallocal.com