Live Local, Buy Local

I recently started reading The Small- Mart Revolution by Michael Shuman.  I started as a skeptical, but open minded reader, but by Chapter 3 I'd become a full fledged enthusiast/fan. 

For the most part, I am guilty of not taking local options into account when making my daily purchases. I eat at franchise chain restaurants, shop at malls and big box stores, online, and via mail order.  Let's face it, it's a matter of convenience.  Boot up the computer and in three or four days you can have the latest and greatest on your door step.

Buying local is not just a shopping priority. It's banking, healthcare, and entertainment.  You can get a mortgage through a local bank. You can find a local doctor and dentist. You can turn off the TV and get your entertainment via local lectures, sporting events, festivals, and fairs.

Mr. Shuman has assembled an easy to use checklist for implementing these ideas and incorporating them into your daily living. 

Still not convinced?  I urge you to read The Small Mart Revolution for more facts and figures like this one:

According to Shuman's book, studies have shown that spending $1 at a chain book store puts $13 back into circulation in the local economy, but spending that same $1 at a locally owned book store puts > $40 back into the local economy.  Want to reduce local unemployment? Make buying locally a priority.

You can get started by printing out The Small-Mart Revolution checklist today.