Shopping and Buying Local

• Buying from local shops has a profound effect on the local economy.
• Purchasing goods from "big box" and "chains" can possibly save you a little money up front, but, the long term effects leads to loss of jobs and authenticity.
• Something as simple as choosing a local restaurant to dine at as opposed to a national chain
• Influx of "big box and chains" leads to a "deculturalization" of sorts and can make a city seem like Anywhere, USA, in distunguishable and without character.

I encourage everyone to add simple ways on how to eat, shop and live local:

• Dine at local restaurants; avoid chains
• Only purchasing local produce at a local grocery store
• Purchasing fruits and vegetables only when they are in season (from local farmers/grocey stores)
• Supporting local arts and culture