Do you know the price you're paying for buying on the cheap?  Sure, we all have to watch our budget, especially these days.  But what exactly, is it costing you or your community in the end?

We did a little research and it turns out that shopping at your local brick and mortar store (also known as mom & pops, boutiques, local shops, etc.) returns 63% back to your local economy; shopping at your local big box retailer (you know the "marts" out there) returns 43% back to your local economy; and you guessed it shopping online brings NOTHING back to your community (unless you're in one of a few states like NC which require state residence to pay tax on online purchases).  

Why does this matter especially if you're already purchasing eco- friendly items that are more expensive anyway?  Well, when you consider that the the average community spends $420,000 subsidizing employees via housing, medical care and child care at a certain "mart" store, it means a lot, turns out you might not be saving all that much after all.

So consider this, check your prices at your local stores if they are compatible and you're getting the expertise on the products that your local store offers then make an effort to support your local economy.

We're not suggesting you swear off franchises, chain and online shopping completely, we know that for most that's impossible.  We're simply asking you to consider where your dollars are being spent and consider the amount that local business brings back to the community in which you live.

Think smaller means more expensive?  Here at Planet Pleasing Goods, we make an effort to price match all of our products as closely as possible to Big Box Retailers such as Target and online retailers such as Drugstore.com or Amazon.com.  And, most of the time we're right at their prices- sometimes even under and typically not more than 50 cents over.

By the way, this doesn't apply to just retail shopping.  Eat at your local restaurant, buy a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop, buy a bottle of wine at your local wine shop...I could go on and on... 

Why is shopping locally a greener choice?  For many reasons, but one simple reason is the more money back in to your community the great the chance your commissioners will offer programs and initiatives with the environment in mind and that's good for all of us.

We will continue our Sustainable Shopping Blog Series next week with deciphering "green" labels.

Remember, when you have to shop, shop to Please the Planet and the people who live here! 

Tags: green_shopping, local_shopping, sustainable_shopping