Hello Tunza Readers!

I was inspired to write about the topic of buying local as I remembered how much I loved going to farmer?s markets (and how I should really go to one soon)! There are so many benefits to buying local: it is environmentally friendly, it is more fresh, it holds more variety and you are supporting your own community!

Studies have shown that when you buy local, rather than from nationally-owned business more of the money is actually used to support other local businesses and service providers which strengthens the economic base of your community! On top of that small business owners are more likely to support non-profit organizations — non-profits receive 250% more support from small business than they do from large businesses!

Eating locally grown food is better for your health! Even if it?s not organic, small farms tend to be less aggressive in using chemicals on their crop and reduce its usage as much as possible. On top of that, small farms like growing a wide variety of vegetation which increases biodiversity and preserves a wider agricultural gene pool which is important in long-term food security.

One of the most important reasons to buy and shop local is that it reduces environmental impact! Local businesses require less transportation report by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture report states that fresh food takes 1,500 miles to get from the farm to our dinner table! Local farmers usually set up shop in local regions instead of developing on the fringe — this results in less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution!