Back in college, I did some research and wrote a paper about why Buying Local and at Public/ Farmers Markets was better for our Communities, as opposed to buying food or other products from Corporate Retailers.
In summary, briefly, the reasons are as follows: 1. Products generally travel less distance (which has an economic and environmental-impact advantage); 2. The money spent at Local ('Mom and Pops') businesses was better for the community, as the money is more likely to stay in the community (which has long-term consequences); 3. The Food (specifically) is fresher and healthier; 4. Prices (especially in the long term and 'actual cost') are cheaper, and very comparable to chain-stores (despite the misconception); 5. The Products are more unique and generally better quality than mass-produced products; and, 6. Local shops and markets foster more Social interaction, which is good for both individuals and communities.
There were more reasons, but ya'll probably get the gist, and I want to focus on the last point real quick: "Local shops and markets foster more Social interaction". I went to the Phoenix Public Market yesterday (Saturday, 3/31/12) and had dozens of conversations, ran into some friends, and learned a lot while enjoying the ambiance and some tasty samples (currently on a tight, social and environmental activist/ advocate's budget- lol).
So, I am going to keep this post short in order to accomplish my ultimate goal for this post: To get YOU to go to a local market. If you already frequent the Local shops and markets, great! But, if not, and you have time (especially on this Sun-day), PLEASE go to a local market and/ or local stores, AND then *comment on this blog's thread about your experience. (Again, if you frequent Local shops/ markets, feel free to especially chime-in and share your experiences!)
I desire to make this blog interactive, via discussing things in society that Unite us and make our communities better.. :)
If you live in AZ, here is a good resource for info on Farmers Markets: http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/
If you live out of AZ/ the Valley of the Sun, Google/ research where your Local Markets and 'Mom & Pops' are, and start patronizing them!
Peace and Love,
Unity
