Why shop local and small? Part 2: Circular Economy
This is a fun buzz phrase you hear a lot when people are promoting the value of supporting small and local shops. But what does it really mean? I am going to try to make it super simple.
Think of it as a "what goes around comes around". I truly believe that we all want to live in communities that offer unique and interesting food, goods, entertainment, services, etc. But in order for that to happen we all have to continue to spend money with those businesses that we feel fit that description. And yes, that means even if sometimes we have to spend a little more then we would if we chose to shop at a big box store or online marketplace.
Furthermore, we need the small and local businesses to support those unique and interesting business that add vitality to the community.
So in an effort to be transparent here is a list of where I spend my money (both my personal and business money):
Mile Creek Fram
Carroll Creek Farms
Rosebuds Real Food
Requarth Lumber
Reduce Reuse Refillery
Old Scratch Pizza
Grist Provisions
Napales Dayton
Matria Patisserie
Antiques Village
Adelaide's Baked
Namesake Coffee
Partial to Pie Bakery
Trader Joe's
Gem City Market
Dorothy Lane Market
Rocky's Ace Hardware
Tadmor Greenes
Kendall Printing
Barrel House Tap Room
Collective Good Health
Far East Center and other International Grocery stores
Toms Mulch
Wright Patt Credit Union
I have 24+ local independent small businesses on my roster of vendors and countless other small businesses across the country that are all contributing in the same ways to their little communities.
I have a few customers that regularly bring me used packaging to reduce my expenses and reliance on having to purchase these materials.
This not an exhaustive list but should give you a clear indication that most of my income is spent locally. In short that is a circular economy. Money earned is spent supporting other businesses in the community that keep it thriving in the unique ways we hope for.
Share your thoughts about the value of a circular economy and how you think it helps Dayton (or your town somewhere else in the country) thriving and vibrant.