Shop Local

In preparation for this end-of-year post, I happily journeyed through the photographs I took in 2023. Lots of family memories, moments spent with various volunteer organizations, and travels.

One theme that recurs throughout the year is nature. How much I enjoy being in it, feeling embraced by it, listening to it, exploring it. Which leads to my firm belief that it is my responsibility to do my part to care for it.

This year I found myself somewhat accidentally focusing on more local ventures. Sure, you can travel across the country or across the world and see some beautiful sights and meet some really nice people. But you don’t have to go far to have a good time and learn something new. Not only are there great close-by parks and museums to visit, but there are a lot of local shops that sell wonderful, often homemade wares. We can find just the perfect gift for a friend, relative or neighbor (or even yourself!) without traveling a far distance.

For example, your town may offer a local market, with the freshest fruits and vegetables and possibly coffees, teas, brews, artisan baked goods, jewelry and art. There may be local farmers who offer Christmas trees, pumpkins, cut flowers, meats, cheeses, peaches, apples or other produce that is grown locally. You may have a fruit stand nearby that sells farm to table meals. If you are planning a garden for next spring, chances are that the local nurseries will not only have expertise about your growing region but sell plants that will thrive in your area.

Shopping local helps the environment by helping farmers, ranchers, and creators near you, improving the freshness of the produce you buy, reducing the number of miles you need to travel for your purchases, and supporting the local work force. Next year, I have decided upon a couple of resolutions, one of which will be to explore more local attractions and shopping options.