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Local Economy

Local First Arizona hosted an enjoyable evening with Michael Shuman.  Michael is the author of Small-Mart Revolution and Going Local and is a renowned economist.  The topic of the talk was localism, ideas and tools for building healthy local economies.  Michael's passion for his vision of strong local economies shows in his speaking, making what might have been a boring talk, truly interesting and thought provoking.

In very basic terms, rising fuel prices increases the costs of imported items, bringing the price into the same range as locally grown or manufactured products.  There has never been a better time than now to stress the importance of, and invest in, local economies.

Building local economies is gaining prominence and strength just like the green movement.  People are beginning to think maybe this is something we should be doing.  A recent article in the Times was titled "Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy".

Farmers markets are coming back into vogue and a are popping up in towns all across the country.  The principal behind them is very simple, organically grow produce harvested from local farms is fresher and better for you than the same products sold at major grocery stores.  Farmers markets are just one example of products being produced and sold in the same town.

It is being discovered that money spent with local merchants generates two to four times more local economic benefit than the same money spent at globally owned businesses.  This benefit is measured in income, wealth, jobs and tax revenue.  When money is spent locally, a large amount of that money stays local, helping to grow the local economy.

In the book Small-Mart Revolution Michael gives many ideas for improving your local markets including a list of twenty seven items for consumers.  Many of the items on this list make good sense and would be easy to put into practice in your life.  Give these ideas a try and maybe it will catch on in your town.

Localizing can start at home by renting from a local property owner, as opposed to an out of town investor.  If you own your home and have a mortgage, try switching to a local back when you have the chance.  When you buy furniture, building materials, yard stuff and anything else you spend money on, do it locally.  Try shopping at stores owned by locals as opposed to national chains.  Try finding furniture made in a local shop using local materials.  It takes a little research at first but gets easy in time.

Unless you are stuck in a warranty situation requiring you to take your vehicle to the dealership, find a good reliable local mechanic.  You can also buy your fuel from a locally owned store instead of a major chain station.

Get active and healthy and do it locally.  Instead of watching the tube try making use of the local health clubs, pools, parks and playgrounds.  Get out of the house and make use of all the activities within walking, or biking distance from your home.  Get fit locally.

It should not take you long to come up with a list of restaurants that are locally owned.  Being owned by business people who are also your neighbors is a good start but when the food they prepare is grown locally, it's even better.  One of the best advantages of this idea is you will be avoiding the major chains of fast food, the stuff that is just not that good for you.  Eat local for better health and a better local economy.

Think before you buy, can I find this item at a local market.  You can reduce you usage of Safeway and Wal-Mart if you really try.  Find local pharmacies, book stores, hardware stores and clothing stores.  Try second hand stores before buying new, it never hurts to save a little money, and support a neighbor.

In all matters of everyday life, the more you can shift your thinking to "green" and "local", the more you will experience the benefits of this new way of living.  Shopping green can be as easy as avoiding excessive packaging and buying organically grown veggies, or it can work it's way into every aspect of your life.  We have a seven page series of green shopping ideas that pretty much cover everything you could ever spend money on, in a green way.