Buying Local, Across the Nation
May 21, 2009
*You can also view this post at Buy Local First Clinton County*
By guest blogger, John Cropper
Maybe you’ve seen them. The “Buy Local First” window decals have been popping up in storefronts and car windows alike throughout Clinton County this past month. Independent business owners and their patrons have latched on to the marketability of the phrase, but more importantly they have rallied around a cause that has shown proven and consistent returns to the community.
But maybe there is something easier and more direct than just verbally committing to shopping locally when possible. One organization—if it can even be called that; the 3/50 Project is more of a movement than anything else— is founded on a principle so simple it’s almost laughable. In few words, the premise is this: pick your 3 favorite independent businesses in your town, and commit to spending $50 a month at those stores. Considering $50 a month is just a fraction of the typical Wal-Mart budget, it shouldn’t be too hard to shift that money back locally.
The 3/50 project has already seen an amazing amount of interest nationally, with thousands of “supporters” signing up and pledging their part on the group’s website. 3/50 founder Cinda Baxter half-jokingly suggested the idea for the project on her blog, and days later it was formed. Immediately, the viral nature of social media helped disseminate the idea around the country. A week later, almost 7,000 “unique” visitors clicked to the 3/50 website, and after that the seed was sown.
Putting a fairly simple idea like shopping locally and breaking it down into even simpler, actionable terms may be the best way to develop the habit of localism. So start today. As the group’s catch phrase says: “Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.” It can’t get simpler than that.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: 3/50 Project, Buy Local Clinton County, Buy Local First.
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1. Bart Cart | May 25, 2009 at 4:14 am
If shops would start stocking first and foremost on local products everyone would win in the long run. So what if it’s a bit more expensive? You’re helping your local businesses which means more taxes which means better roads/schools and so on.
2. Gry dla Dzieci | June 15, 2009 at 1:48 am
Local stuff is the best – too bad it’s so hard to get sometimes. But when it’s available, I always choose local. I help people I might know by buying their products which helps the local economy. It’s awesome!