Yep, you read that right. Shopping local saves land and culture.
Let’s break it down. Your local small-scale farmer raises animals, grows produce, and maybe even produces cheese, fiber, or other natural products. There’s no doubt that many generations before have passed down the wisdom on how to do so.
These farmers sell to local artisans who make products that they sell in local stores, at craft fairs, etc.
The farmers themselves sell their food items at local farmers markets and festivals. Some even sell in local grocery stores.
Let’s not forget those that sell their wares online.
But, pretty soon these farmers and their artisans aren’t selling enough products to make a living. Supporting a family becomes impossible.
This is when our farmers turn to factory-farming. Now I’m not saying that all large-scale farming is bad, especially those farms which produce organic crops to make high quality commercial products that we all love and use.
But when we lose a small-scale community farmer, we lose some of our local character, or local culture. We lose a little wisdom, and we lose all those stories, and we lose a little pride. And, literally, the landscape changes.
This holiday season, I’m challenging you to shop local, not only for gifts, but for food. Choose items that were grown by local farmers, or made by local artisans. Tell your guests and your recipients about how special the food or gift is, because it was grown or made locally. Tell them about the person who produced the item, and about their family. Share the stories that surround your retail choices.
If you want to go even farther, take your family to the farm or homestead where your items were grown or made. Introduce them to the people who made them. This only increases the meaning and the value.
Let’s keep it local this holiday season!
How do you plan to keep your holidays local? Please share with us.
