Shopping from independent craftspeople and locally-owned businesses is a sure fire way to promote economic and environmental prosperity within your community. An awesome nonprofit in my home state of Michigan shows that for every $100 spent by a consumer locally, $73 of that $100 remains in the community. Whereas for every $100 spent with non-local businesses just $43 remains within the local community. This is because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses and service providers. If more cash in your community isn’t reason enough to shop locally, know that local businesses are owned and operated by people who live in this community, meaning they are more invested in the community’s welfare and future. They hire locally and give your neighborhood a unique flavor. This is why I encourage you to make your purchases from independent craftspeople and locally-owned business this holiday season and throughout the year.
“Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It Means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependant on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs.”
- Michael H. Shuman, author of Going Local
In hopes of encouraging Boston folks to shop indie and locally this holiday season I’m offering the following discounts:
- 20% discount on all custom orders of $35 or more placed Friday 11/26 through Sunday 11/28.
- 15% discount on any item in my Etsy Shop November 29th to December 5th. Use discount code HandmadeHoliday2010 at checkout.
