News Social Improvement Blogs
2 min.
In previous articles we have promoted choosing to buy local over buying imported products many, many times. However, equally important is knowing why it can make a difference and thus why it is a smart choice to make. In this article we have listed 10 reasons to make the decision to go local a little bit easier.
1. You get the opportunity to buy really fresh and less processed foods.
As food does not need to travel (as much), it is allowed more time to grow into more nutrient dense and riper food, which need less processing to maintain its freshness.
2. You know where your products originate from.
When you buy consciously by going to the farmer directly or by looking for local produce and products in supermarkets, you learn exactly where your food is coming from. Furthermore, farm-to-table dining is a very popular concept which creates wonderful opportunities for an amazing experience.
3. The local economy gets a boost in these uncertain and difficult times.
The more we boost our own communities by spending money in the community itself, the more opportunities are in turn being created in the local economy. For development, innovation, jobs, system upgrades, creating awareness, education, investments in social aid, etc…
4. Together we can reduce food waste on the islands.
As we’ve learned after interviewing The Hidden Green Movement, local farmers are working hard to provide for our islands. Yet, they are at times left with their produce, because companies and consumers choose to buy imported products instead.
5. Supporting the community is never a bad choice.
Showing interest in the community is motivational and inspirational. It shows our farmers and creators we believe in them, and it can inspire those around us to join in on the action.
6. A lot less packaging is being used.
A lot of (plastic) packaging is currently being used to keep food safe from damage and decomposing during transportation. However, these kinds of packaging - if any at all - are not needed if food doesn’t travel (far). Which means our own Future Guide Sabine Berendse would not have to fight as hard as she does now, to keep our ocean clean.
7. You can turn regular grocery shopping into an experience.
Going to a farmer’s market can be a truly fun experience! Spending time with - or away from - family, while exploring the many unique products and fresh foods, and at the same time enjoying a delicious refreshing popsicle with only the best ingredients, is bound to be time well spent.
8. You might even meet the superstars behind the beautiful products.
As suggested above, by going to the farmers directly or visiting a farmer’s market you get to meet the people behind the products. They get to share their passion and you immediately get to see who you are supporting.
9. It reduces the use of fossil fuels.
By diminishing shipping by sea and air, we also diminish the need for fossil fuels. This has a direct influence on our air quality, our oceans and therefore, our global environment.
10. Something we all tend to forget; buying local goes far beyond food. You can buy so much more locally.
Soaps, self-care products, oils, postcards, home decoration, furniture, candles, jewelry, to name a few…
Written by Thyrza Piëst
Header image by Rejauna Rojer
