It’s a precarious time in the world. While struggling to find some sort of normalcy in these crazy times, we stretch towards the familiar. When at one time we would have gone to the local shops to get what we needed for groceries, for work and for leisure, we now simply type what we’re looking for into our Google Search and it magically appears on our doorstep – sometimes within 24 hours. It’s becoming the familiar. Isn’t life grand?!
I’d like you to take a step back now and think about what the repercussions around these easy choices might be. The little Mom and Pop shops that your community members took a chance on have significantly lesser odds of keeping the doors open. The money that disappears out of your checking account goes into the “ether” and supports goodness knows who. In the case of Amazon, the largest on-line supplier, much goes into the pocket of the extremely rich. When that is the case, no money remains in the pockets of your community members, It’s food off the table of those entrepreneurs who live next to you.
Buy local. As the Christmas season approaches and your family makes plans for the festivities, maybe come to an agreement. During these trying times, take the challenge to support local businesses for your purchases. While you may pay a little more for things, you support your neighbor and can often find some really unique gifts. If you don’t want to hit the stores due to the current crisis, no problem. Most of our little shops have an on-line presence. If what you need to find is something that isn’t made locally, give the local box store a call. At the very least, they are employing people from your community.
The world is a little unsettled right now and people are hurting. On a personal level, we can’t cure COVID nor solve the climate crisis. What we can do is make changes in our communities. One of those little changes is to support those who are struggling through making choices that support community, and encourages your neighbors to continue to provide service to you!
Keep learning – and buy local!
Dave
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