Local is better. Handmade is better. Buy local. Support small businesses.

We see these phrases all the time, but do you know why shopping local is better - and what exactly it’s “better” for? 

#1: Buying local means less miles driven

Whether you go to a local farmers’ market or shop online for pickup/delivery with a local business, you’re reducing your carbon footprint by ordering local!

When you buy from larger companies, your product will likely go through a few transportation stages before it ever reaches you - by air, sea and/or land. These miles add up quickly and before you know it, that small $8.00 bar of soap from a big box store has turned into a larger environmental problem.

When you buy local, your product is going from the business owner’s maker space to you. Even if you choose delivery from a local maker, many small business owners will make local deliveries or use the local post office. 

We’re all looking for ways to cut back our emission impact and buying local is a great way to do this…plus, who doesn’t love a farmers’ market?

#2: Supporting local businesses builds unique communities that protect the things you care about

Aside from buying better products, supporting a small business has a distinct impact on your local community. 

Small businesses are more likely to sponsor school events and community fundraisers. They’re also more likely to take a stand against locally harmful environmental activities that affect resources you love, like local parks and lakes. These business owners bring loud, important voices to the table when something is about to happen in the community; supporting their business is crucial in protecting the things you love about your town. 

Supporting local means strengthening your own voice within your locality; a win for everyone.

#3: Small businesses are more likely to use reusable or sustainable materials

Makers are uniquely positioned in the personal care industry because they produce items in small batches, which means they have more control over the packaging and quality of each finished product. 

When larger brands produce thousands of bars of soap, they’re concerned about packaging efficiently and inexpensively, which usually means lots of single-use plastic. When a local maker looks at packaging, of course they take cost into mind; but they’re also more likely to look at things like environmental impact, which means you’ll have more options for products with reusable or recyclable packaging if you go with a local maker.

#4: Supporting local businesses means more local job opportunities

Keeping resources local clearly has many benefits and one of them is the creation of local jobs.

The more successful a small business, the more likely they are to hire; this means that you, your friends and neighbors have a better chance of working close to home instead of having to drive long distances to work. 

Creating local jobs can only strengthen your community and benefits everyone involved.

#5: Low waste production

Most makers are mindful people; they’re looking for ways to cut down on waste for economical and environmental reasons. While you might not see this behind-the-scenes effort reflected in the product you use in the shower, it feels good to buy from a business that cares, doesn’t it?

If you’re not sure what kind of sustainable practices your local maker uses, start a conversation with them about it; you may encourage them to change things up if they haven’t already!

Conclusion

Modern shopping isn’t limited to finding good deals and quality products anymore; now, as consumers, we need to be vigilant. The goods we buy should come from companies we align with, and they shouldn’t have a negative impact on the world around us. With so many amazing small businesses offering quality products, there’s never been a better time to shop local; the environment, your community (and your shower) will thank you!