Shopping Local: What is it? Why do it?

The “buy local” movement has been around in some form since international trade and globalization began.

Historically, during WW1 a movement began to buy “Made in Canada” goods. This was because the economy at this time saw imported products as a growing threat. Similarly, in the United States, the “Buy American Act” of 1933 prioritized “American-made” products. These movements gained momentum again in the last decade or so with pressure to support locally sourced and sold products, over imported goods sold at corporate chains.

More recently this concept of shopping locally has gone viral, especially since the pandemic hit, and local/small businesses were significantly impacted. Buying locally can mean paying more, but it can also mean getting better quality. Trying to balance between saving money and also supporting local business is difficult! This blog post is just giving one perspective on the buy local movement.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to shopping and we are all just doing our best!

What is “LOCAL”?

First, let’s take a closer look at what “shopping locally” can mean. There is definitely a gray area about what constitutes this. Let’s consider a hypothetical company that was founded in a small town in Canada and is considered a local company. Said company grows into a massive corporation and it can be assumed that a majority of their product inventory shifts to being shipped in from overseas.

A product is defined as “American–made” under the Buy American Act if at least 50 percent of its constituent parts and/or materials originated in the US. Similarly, according to the Competition Bureau of Canada, a product is defined as a “Product of Canada” if 51 percent of its components are made/originated in Canada. Additionally, a product is defined as “Made in Canada'' if it meets a 98 percent threshold.

Potential “IMPACTS” of local vs. import products

Sustainable/Eco-Friendly Practices

When you buy locally manufactured and sold products, it is often easy for the consumer to determine if the company is sustainable and eco-friendly in their practices. Having “access” to the owners of a local company can help answer any questions about sustainability.

Export/Import pollution

Pre-Sustainability discusses carbon miles, “a term often used to remind us about the distance the product travels from producer to consumer.” Local sourcing can be beneficial to the environment, as it uses less transportation and consequently causes less carbon emission.

Quality of the product

Supporting local businesses and products can mean spending more, because a local company that uses local materials often has higher overall costs. However, the quality is often superior. For example, a locally manufactured planter with trusted materials ensures you are getting high-quality Western Red Cedar, built to last.

One-Time-Purchase vs. Throw-Away Culture

Cedar Works explains that many playsets or planters marketed as "Cedar" are actually "China Fir" (Cunninghamia Lanceolata). While it looks similar, it is an inferior wood that doesn't resist decay like real Western Red Cedar. This contributes to throw-away culture, as products need to be replaced every few years.

Ultimately, being a consumer is not easy, and balancing living on a budget and trying to shop locally proves very difficult. It is always helpful to do research, reach out to companies, and look at reviews. There is no right or wrong answer!