Buy Locally
Shop local for food, fashion and more
This is one of the few top ways to reduce your energy consumption that is unlikely to save you much money. It will, however, help the local economy, allow you to get more involved in the community and potentially direct you towards healthier foods and unique fashion finds.
Food miles
The longer it takes food to get from the farm to your table, the more “food miles” it racks up. Much of the food we eat has traveled over 1,500 miles by the time we get it home. That’s why more and more people are joining up to the 100-Mile-Diet way of eating, which means no food that has taken the long haul.
Farmers’ marketsare a great way to get fresh produce that hasn’t traveled thousands of miles before you take a bite. Not only does the produce at a farmers’ market taste better, you’ll be getting your food directly from the grower (make sure to ask if the seller did indeed grow it), and you can go to them with any questions or concerns.
Find a local market:
If organic foods are a priority, you can also join up with one of many organic home-delivery companies. They make up a basket each week and bring it to your home or workplace. Make sure they provide information about where the food comes from, so you know it’s locally grown. Some companies have both local and non-local organics, but let you choose products grown nearby.
Is local fashion possible?
It’s not as easy to commit to buying everything locally. But you can make some changes. With a little work you should be able to locate small businesses in your area that sell furniture, clothing and housewares.
Get and give free stuff locally
- Freecycle Network - This Yahoo group allows users to sign up and receive daily e-mails about free items other members in their area are getting rid of, as well as list their own. Giver and receiver agree on a time and place for pickup.
- Gigoit - Like Freecycle, this network allows users to post free items. It’s all done on the website and so far appears to be more user friendly.
- SwitchPlanet - This website allows you to trade - instead of buy - locally. List items including DVDs, CDs and video games to trade with others in your area.
