Buying Local Goods Is Better for the Local Economy and Our Health
Ever visited the vegetable market and wondered how fresh peas are available in summer? Or how dragon fruit from Australia is available at the nearby shopping mart? We live in a global village. Advances in transportation and warehousing have now made it possible to order any product from any part of the world all year round. But there is a flip side to this anytime, anywhere availability of goods and produce. Let’s talk about why it is always better to buy locally produced goods.
Adds to the Nation’s Economy
Every purchase you make in your country contributes to the country’s economy. So, the question we must ask ourselves is, is whether my money is being spent for my country or a foreign nation? When you buy goods produced in another country, you are putting your money in the pockets of foreign entities. The seller’s earnings add to the economy of the other country. When you buy locally produced or sourced goods, your rupee is at work for fellow citizens.
Great for the Environment
The most unnoticeable benefit of buying local is also the most critical for mankind. It helps conserve the environment and lowers the overall carbon footprint. The longer it takes to transport goods, whether within the country or from beyond its shores, the more fossil fuel is burnt during transport. There is a spike in pollution levels due to warehouses using deep freezers. When you buy locally produced goods, the effect on the environment is significantly reduced.
Seasonal Consumption Is Healthier
We might be happy buying a watermelon in winter or broccoli in summer, but these vegetables are being made available outside their seasonal cycles. Researchers have established that the nutrient density of in-season produce is always better than those grown outside the cycle. Also, freshly produced goods are infinitely better than those stored in warehouses. They also taste better!
Creates Employment Opportunities
At a time when machines with intelligent applications are increasingly eating into the livelihoods of people, buying local encourages entrepreneurship and provides gainful employment to families. This way, we invest our hard-earned money to build livelihoods around us. When you buy locally, you generally know the location from where the goods you buy come. Buying goods produced locally boosts trust and brings people together as a community.
Conclusion
Modern technology has made our consumption patterns more flexible and spoilt us for choice like never before. But our purchases from outside the country have economic, environmental, and health consequences that should not be overlooked. Buying local is a great way to contribute to society and lead a healthier life.
FAQs
- What does buying local mean?
Buying locally means investing in goods produced nearby or in your home country.
- How is buying local goods better for the economy?
Every act of purchase results in the transfer of currency. When you buy locally, the money you spend goes to local businesses. This builds your state’s and, consequently, your country’s economy.
- Does buying local help reduce pollution?
Yes. Local procurement of goods means reduced burning of fossil fuels due to limited transportation. It also brings down noise pollution and reduces the need for mining.
- Should we encourage the production of goods outside their seasonal cycles?
Crops are now produced outside their seasonal cycles. While this has been made possible due to advances in farming and warehousing, it is not entirely a healthy practice. Food supplied from warehouses is nutrition-deficient and lacks taste.
- How does buying local impact polythene use?
Buying locally produced goods reduces the use of polythene, as long-distance logistics do not come into the picture. It also promotes the healthy practice of carrying bags from home to the vendor instead of depending on polythene carry bags given by vendors.
