Sometimes (ok, often) I feel like a bit of an outsider.  I don’t always think the same way as a large majority of people.  I don’t like or support many of the places or companies that are part of other people’s day-to-day, so I’m really a bit unsure going into this post… 

I’ve been reflecting on what kind of world I want, and I’m wondering how much that matches with the majority of the population.  Personally, I don’t want a world with big, overflowing, generic box stores filled with cheap stuff made in China. I don’t want a world where people hole up inside, while large trucks circle around with deliveries. I don’t know… Maybe a lot of people really DO want these things. But, I have a feeling that many people just get caught up in habits and convenience and sucked into the madness of our consumerist society. I don’t really think this is what most people want. And yet, every time we order something from a large online store or support Jeff frickin Bezos or buy the latest gadget at WalMart, then we are voting for that world and those things. We are saying, Yes, this is the world I want.

And, I just don’t. I’m not saying I don’t want to buy things or support companies; I just want to do my best to support the ones that show me more of the world I want to see. So, when I go into an independently-run, beautifully-decorated shop full of items carefully selected from companies with good business practices, THAT’s where I want to spend my money. Will it cost more there than at some of the evil empires? Absolutely. And this is where I often hear people step in with the Woe-Is-Me talk about how they NEED to shop at WalMart or Amazon because they just can’t afford anything else. A majority of the time though, I find these same people buying loads more stuff for “cheap” prices and spending way more than they would have spent supporting a local business and buying a select few quality items.

What I actually love about spending a little bit more for a local product or from a business with fair and conscious practices is that A) I’m supporting a place that brings me joy and, in my humble opinion, brightens our world, B) I know I’m buying a quality product that was made with good materials and will last, C) I’m cutting down on the amount of stuff I can buy and thereby decreasing clutter, D) I feel a greater respect and appreciation for something I’ve spent more money on and I know I’ll treat it better, make it last longer, mend it, if needed, etc. and Lastly, hopefully, I’m supporting a place that makes more conscious decisions for our world and its people. To me, it’s an all around win situation. 

I know it’s tough. In the day-to-day craziness, when “needs” for items come up, heck ya, it’s easier to visit a big ol online store. But maybe, just maybe, we can start taking a breath before we buy things…  Ask ourselves if we really need it. Ask ourselves if we can borrow it instead. And, most importantly, ask ourselves where we want to put our vote. The companies and businesses where we spend our money are what we will see more of. We can easily shift the direction of how businesses are run, what environmental choices they make, how they treat their employees, how well products are made, simply by spending our money at places that have these practices already in place. We’ve probably all seen examples of how our money votes change what is offered. It’s commonplace to see at least some organic food items at even the most generic grocery stores these days. That wasn’t always the case. Our money votes matter.

And right now, more than ever before, small businesses NEED you!  I strongly, strongly encourage some research into local, independently-run bookshops, toy shops, gift shops, and so on.  Many have done huge learning curves this year to provide online shopping or phone ordering.  Many do curbside pick-up.  I’ve even had some hand deliver items to my door, free of charge.  This is the time to step up and support local.  Buying gift certificates or future memberships is also a great way to support local businesses.  And if you can’t think of somewhere in your local area, think about some of your favorite independent shops you’ve seen while traveling or from places you used to live.  Many will ship.  Your purchases will keep them alive for your next visit. 

This is your chance to save small businesses!  To support quality items.  To say Yes! to fair working conditions and practices.  To keep a family’s dream afloat.  To create more beautiful places.  Where you shop and which places you choose to support can and will make a difference in our world.