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
I shop at Greer Farms country store...it's the west valley's answer to a farmer's market. It's clean. The food is fresh. And you can drive by fields where it's growing, give lessons in irrigation, and enjoy a short outing. It may be a couple of miles further than the corner chain store, but the lettuce and cabbage were crisp, right down to the outside leaves. There were all kinds of greens, fruit, squash, potatoes, onions, eggplant, well, quite an assortment. And the smile on my son's face as he chomped that fresh cabbage and celery is priceless! ( take your own garden basket for a trip down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteTy. You helped us to remember to "eat healthy in order to stay healthy". Not always easy to do, but we are more aware of our buying local, fresh and reading labels.
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