There are multiple reasons to shop locally. It's better for the environment, it's better for the economy, it's better for your community, and ultimately it's better for all of us. Wouldn't it be great to generate $1.3 billion dollars a year for Utah's economy? It could happen if we all bought just 10% more local products. Want some great recommendation for Utah products? Check out Utah's Own website for Utah products ranging from salt and honey to cheese and chocolate and soaps and herbs but we can't forget local farmer's markets, food trucks, and farms! https://www.utahsown.org/
Here's a few thoughts from some other sites:
10 Reasons to Buy
Locally (in Utah)
Thank
you for buying locally! Here’s what happens when you do:
01. YOU KEEP
YOUR MONEY IN OUR ECONOMY
For
every dollar spent in a locally owned business, $.55 stays right here in Utah.
That's four times more money than if that same dollar was spent at a national
retailer.
02. YOU
EMBRACE THE CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITY
Independent
businesses emerge from a sense of place and contribute to a sense of place.
They are fed by the nature of the community and define the unspeakable
attributes of a town.
03. YOU
CREATE LOCAL JOBS
Local
businesses are better than chains or giant online retailers at creating more
jobs per consumer dollars spent. As well, independent business provide a
diverse array of job opportunities and wages.
04. YOU HELP
THE ENVIRONMENT
You
conserve energy and resources, in the form of less fuel for transportation and
less packaging. Walkable business districts reduce sprawl and automobile use.
05. YOU
BENEFIT FROM OUR PASSION AND EXPERTISE
To
thrive as an independent business, many owners have spent years honing their
craft. Often it is the intangibles that set local businesses apart — their
dedication, the quality of their personal character, and their commitment to
customer service.
06. YOU KEEP
YOUR TAX DOLLARS HERE
Buying
from locally owned business that are rooted here in Utah ensures that sales and
property tax dollars are reinvested right where they belong, paving your roads,
providing for your local schools, and supporting your first responders.
07. YOU
ENCOURAGE INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DIVERSITY
Independent
businesses are able to identify the niche markets in their communities, and
expand from those niches into broad markets creating diverse products.
08. YOU LOVE
YOUR NEIGHBORS
We
know you and you know us. Studies show that Utah's local businesses donate to
community causes at three times the rate of chains.
09. YOU KEEP
THE AMERICAN DREAM ALIVE
Buying
locally nurtures entrepreneurship, which fuels prosperity by serving as a means
for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class. This is
the foundation of our American economy.
10. YOU MAKE
US A DESTINATION
Utah
is already a world-class destination. A vibrant, active, independent business
community will amplify life in Utah for visitors and residents alike! This
benefits everyone!
And I love this infographic from the Huffington Post that came out in 2013: (just click on the picture to make it large enough to read)
https://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-20-buying_local_infograph1-thumb.jpg
Utah is not the only one to benefit from trying to buy more local products and services. Buying locally helps people around the country and around the world, not just in your own backyard.