Shop Local, Shop Handmade - Day 24

Hopefully you have been able to do some of your holiday shopping at the many recent bazaars packed with handcrafted goods. Even though those are winding down for the season there are still opportunities to shop local and or handmade. Look for small galleries in your town that feature handcrafted art by local artisans. In my neck of the woods that would be shops like Crazy Lady on Bay Street or one of the many galleries in Poulsbo. I am sure there are several in your own town.

Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit.  “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust

So many reason to shop local!!