We all see messages about supporting local businesses and local farmers – but perhaps you wonder what kind of difference it really makes, or what you can do.
Shifting 10 per cent of your spending doesn’t cost more – it just takes a little effort. In fact, if you think about how you’re spending your money each time you open your wallet, you may indeed spend less.
While travelling in Nova Scotia recently, I noticed a campaign called Shift 10 per cent. Nova Scotians spend $13 billion annually on food and consumer goods. Asking Nova Scotians to Shift 10 per cent of their spending toward local goods would mean $1.3 billion would flow back into local businesses and farms. They remind us that those businesses and farms are run by friends, neighbors and families. Those businesses are also the ones that donate to local charitable organizations & sports teams because they live there too. I’m sure that B.C.’s annual spending is considerably more due to our larger population.
If 1.3 billion sounds like a lot of money, it’s because it is! You can make it happen by making a lot of small choices. For instance:
• Buy a B.C. apple instead of an imported one
• Check out the fruit stands, farm gates and the farmers market for locally grown, seasonal food
• Buy a locally roasted coffee at a locally owned café instead of a chain
• Buy your bread and other baked goods from a local baker
• Drink local wine, beer and spirits. Meet the winemaker who picked the grapes and crafted the wine
• Buy a pair of sneakers from the locally owned shoe store that sponsors the road race you’re taking part in
• Teach your children that things are still made here, that food is still grown here and that community matters.
On Sunday, August 5 come out and explore the Hedley Farmers Market. We will be celebrating BC berry madness on BC Day. The Similkameen valley grows the sweetest, tastiest strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and saskatoons – and we aim to have a great big selection to share with you from local growers.
Take the pledge to Shift 10 per cent of your shopping – make your own choices – think about your community – make a difference.
- Vickie Hansen