Recently, most of America's industry has been
"outsourced" overseas, causing a loss of jobs and the
disintegration of hometowns built around factories. Our current
recession is an indication that this global economy is not
working. Economist and author Michael Shuman said recently
"about 42 percent of our economy is 'place based,' or created
through small, locally owned businesses." This means that almost
half our economy depends upon small independent businesses that
make up the backbone of our hometowns.
These small businesses are what give our town
local color and local flavor. They are what differentiate us
from every other exit on the highway that has the same six chain
stores. Local businesses are also committed to their hometowns
and support the local economy through hiring people in the area,
donations to Little League and volunteer ambulance and fire
service, and paying local taxes. Shuman estimates that we could
expand our national economy to be 70 percent local or more by
incorporating these 10 simple steps that will actually save you
money in the process.
— Localize your home! The biggest expense
most of us have is our mortgage. Actually, 60 percent of our
annual expenses go to shelter. This money often flies out of our
pockets and communities and into absentee landlords' hands, or
corporate banks in other places. By renting from a local
landlord, or buying your own home with a mortgage from a local
bank, you can localize this expense. Local banks and credit
unions typically have the best rates anyway, possibly saving you
money in the process.
Try to find a bank that doesn't repackage and
sell loans on the secondary market, which would stop your money
from flowing through the community.
— Drive less! According to Shuman, Americans
spend one out of every five dollars on transportation. That
amounts to almost $5,000 per year! Until we can start replacing
imported oil with locally produced biofuels, our best bet is to
drive less.
Using mass transit, bicycling or walking are
highest on the list, but not very easy for us rural folks. Use
the car sparingly, buy gas from an independent gas station if
you can find one, and use a local repair shop you trust.
— Eat Independently! Households spend about
$2,300 per year on restaurants. Unfortunately, it's mostly fast
food chains. This one is a simple matter of choice with very
little effort required to find a wonderful independently owned
restaurant.
— Local Arts and Entertainment! Most people
opt for a movie at a corporate multiplex at the mall. Enjoy
homegrown talent! Visit the small repertory theaters, see a real
play instead of a movie. Visit an art show, and buy art from
local artists, buy music directly from the bands.
— Localize Your Health Care! Most of us have
health care plans that are far from local, yet two components,
high-tech equipment and prescription medications, can be
localized. Get your meds from an independent pharmacy,
preferably one that also uses local suppliers. If we take better
care of ourselves, walking more, eating local, building strong
family and community ties, we will reduce our need for the
high-tech equipment. Using local midwives instead of OB-GYN's,
and naturopaths or herbalists are alternative ways.
— Buy Locally Grown! Eating locally, meaning
buying fresh vegetables, meats and dairy from local farms,
reduces transportation costs and vitamin loss. Farming is one of
the few industries that isn't totally outsourced yet. The closer
you eat to home, the more you improve your health, your view and
your local economy.
— Localize Electricity! We could save $3,000
per year just by increasing our energy efficiency. Simple things
like using compact fluorescent bulbs, improving insulation and
having a home energy audit are some ways. Invest in solar hot
water through a local provider, and save even more.
— Give Locally! More than 6 percent of the
U.S. economy is nonprofit, according to Shuman. Most of these
nonprofits are in the forms of hospitals, universities and
churches, but locally we also have arts organizations,
environmental groups and many others.
— Buy Local! In the time it has taken you to
read this, Americans have collectively spent $23 million. Shuman
says that $16 million of this figure could be spent in small,
locally owned stores. How far would $16 million go in your
hometown today?
Shawn Dell Joyce is an award-winning columnist and founder of
the Wallkill River School in Orange County, N.Y. You can contact
her at Shawn@ShawnDellJoyce.com. To find out more about Shawn
Dell Joyce and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers
and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at
www.creators.com.
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