Do we REALLY need to shop locally?
An increasingly common activity these days is buying handmade things, and for good reason. Buying locally created products has several advantages for the consumer as well as the community at large. In this blog post, we'll talk about the benefits of buying locally produced goods.
Unique and High-Quality.
Finding distinctive and high-quality items that you won't find in mass-produced stores is one of the main advantages of shopping locally for handmade goods. Products that are produced by hand are usually unique and expertly crafted. They are typically constructed from high-quality materials and have a long lifespan. This implies that you can buy items that are timeless and attractive in addition to being useful—heirloom quality, if you will.
2. Supports Small Businesses.
Shopping for handmade goods helps small, independent companies and craftsmen in your neighborhood, like myself. This promotes the expansion of small enterprises and fosters the development of a more vibrant local economy. Imagine a bunch of small businesses in your area being able to thrive off of each other, that would make for a great emerging economy. By assisting these regional craftsmen, you are ensuring the preservation and transmission of their special skills and talents to the next generation.
3. Environmentally Friendly
Locally made goods are frequently more environmentally friendly than mass-produced items supplied from elsewhere. You may lessen the carbon impact of shipping and transportation by supporting regional craftsmen. The environmental effect of many local craftsmen' products is further diminished by the use of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.
4. Personal Connection
The biggest draw for shopping locally is a big one for me, and that is the personal connection with that artisan, that crafter, that maker. When you purchase goods from “big box stores,” as we call them in the maker community, or from large chains, you don’t have the same sense of connection or pride in that item. You want it fast and cheap. This way, you can find out more about the artist's creative process and perhaps even ask for special orders or customizations.