You know about Black Friday but have you heard about Small Business Saturday? Across America people are pledging to do some of their holiday shopping at locally owned businesses on November 26th.
Why shop local? Recent research reveals how buying local benefits our regional economies. David Boyle of The New Economic Foundation told Time Magazine, "Money is like blood. It needs to keep moving around to keep the economy going". He added that when money is spent at non-locally owned giants or online: "it flows out, like a wound." And, locally owned businesses create two out of every three new jobs, they contribute more to charities and local fundraisers than national chains, and, as we say in Louisville - small businesses keep local communities "weird" (aka unique). Simply put, buying local revives ghost towns and spares us that Any Town, USA quality of life.
Every Christmas my church collects toys for needy children. On Small Business Saturday I will purchase our contribution at Amazing Green Planet, a locally owned store that sells environmentally friendly goods, including toys. American Express will give us cash back for every $25.00 we spend at such participating small businesses. To learn more visit The Small Business Saturday website.
*This is not a sponsored post. It is inspired by my passion for local self-reliance.
Further Reading:
Buying Local: How it Boosts the Economy - Time Magazine
Why Buy Local? An Assessment of the Economic Advantage of Shopping at Locally Owned Businesses - Michigan State University
Small Business Saturday on Facebook
Small Business Saturday main website
Hi Moonbeams,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea, and the push, from below, is just what we need. You have really gotten in touch with some wonderful roots here. I am definitely going to be sponsoring via Kiva (and if I buy from Amazon I'll click through from here!)
Hi Carol. Thank you. That is what I think too, that a push from below is essential. We vote every day with how we spend our money. There is true power in that. Even those who aren't especially materialistic have to buy something sometime. It makes total sense to me to think about what purpose I want my purchases to serve.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited that you will be doing Kiva. It is very rewarding. I'll see if I can find a general Amazon web search bar for this site, in addition to all the specific affiliate stuff.
It's great to hear how big shopping small has become. I love hearing more about all the ways supporting local businesses benefits communities. Even more, I love that you are supporting local businesses and giving back to your community all in one shopping trip. Consumerism at it's finest!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah. Thanks for coming by! I too love how big shopping at small business has become. When I first grew interested in these issues fifteen years ago the consciousness just wasn't there. I think the internet's ability to spread ideas has helped considerably. Thank you for the kind words. I think conscious consumerism can change the world for the better, as long as it is done sustainably.
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