Every so often there is time to deepen resolve on previous ideas and commitmentsThat time is now. This year we are working to deepen our commitment to local makers, and encourage creativity, inspiration, design, and a stake in the local community. Bootyland Kids will be focusing on our many local artists and creators this year. Our goal is to bring their designs to light!
In Jan 2016 we were nominated for the Heart of Seattle Award along with 500 other local businesses focusing on community and sustainability. After a Vetting Process with B-corp we were one of 15. These 15 businesses are our friends and neighbors. As we celebrated the winners I also have realized it is time to deepen our resolve and our connection to community.
Locally Designed from A to Z
Locally Made xoxo
TOP 10 REASONS FOR BUYING LOCAL
1) BUY LOCAL – SUPPORT YOURSELF
Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather than a nationally-owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms — continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.(Click here to see summaries of a variety of economic impact studies; these include case studies showing that locally-owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.)
2) SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS
Non-profit organizations receive on average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
3) KEEP OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE
Where we shop, where we eat and have fun — all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust
4) REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation, and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.
5) CREATE MORE GOOD JOBS
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.
6) GET BETTER SERVICE
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
7) INVEST IN COMMUNITY
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
8) PUT YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE
Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally- owned stores entering the community.
9) BUY WHAT YOU WANT, NOT WHAT SOMEONE WANTS YOU TO BUY
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
10) ENCOURAGE LOCAL PROSPERITY
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!