No matter what you’re looking to achieve in the new year, shopping local has become more popular over the past few years and shows no signs of stopping. While it may seem obvious that this helps local artists and vendors, it’s actually great for the environment and your own health. As you look for festivals or craft fairs to attend, here are a few things to keep in mind while supporting local businesses.
Community Well-Being
So often, we travel to big supermarkets or go online to find what we’re looking for. But what about looking down the street? Local vendors and shops tend to carry what you’re looking for without the markup to create crazy profit. In fact, you’ll find that these vendors may be supporting other causes.
Vendors that sell hot sauces may be buying their farmer’s market groceries from the same places you are, and those who create beeswax candles might be working with the local honey farmers. The connections that are right under your nose might be what is helping these small businesses grow. These vendor and craft fairs are what link different people together, and create great art and food that you get to enjoy, at a price that works for your budget.
Sustainability
It goes without saying that buying local and supporting small businesses is better for your wallet, but it can also be beneficial for your health. Most of the time, small businesses will make sure their products are allergen free, toxin-free, and overall better for the environment in their production process. Plus, you’re less likely to see air and water pollution from small businesses, and due to the walking nature of these types of vendor events, you’re even saving on gas.
For example, there are a considerable number of products and name brands that use materials like dioxane, lead, and even chlorine bleach, which can affect your health both in the short and long term. Whether it’s makeup that contains talc, dye-free products that contain bleach, or anything in between, shopping local means you’re less likely to find use harmful chemicals in your daily life.
These products are usually of higher quality as well and are not mass produced, which makes them more sustainable over national brands. Instead of requiring warehouses and massive shipping routes, the product is likely made in your town and stays within the area.
Public Benefits You May Not Know About
So many of these festivals and craft shows are what help businesses grow. In fact, festivals help build exposure for small groups by creating these large gatherings of people. All it takes is one person who shows interest to hear about your product, and you’re off!
Plus, these types of events don’t necessarily need the infrastructure that malls or superstores need. All you need is a big open space; this may be why you see farmer’s markets, craft shows, and the like, in strip mall parking lots or similar areas. But, this is where the hidden gems lie. You’ll find products you may only see at a few shops, and with that comes product diversity you may not see in name-brand stores. You may just find that your favorite candles, new headbands, or ceramic mugs are unique, with no others being crafted just like them. What’s better than a one-of-a-kind item?
As you gear up to head to a craft show, festival, or art event, make sure you’re keeping in mind that everything here is benefitting your community. Your direct interest in something a small shop has made isn’t always to make a profit; it could be next week’s groceries, a new laptop for school, or something even as simple as just being for fun. But, by supporting local vendors, you’re staying sustainable, and what better way to start 2023 than with that goal in mind?
