10 Reasons to Buy Local & Independent
Many of our shopping habits have changed over the past few months due to being quarantined after the coronavirus pandemic and it’s been a chance to try different ways of shopping. Many of us have been isolated to only our local shops and our community of independent sellers and small businesses have been the backbone of our local economy, supporting us through this time. We’re so used to taking to our computers or smartphones and having the world at our fingertips that we often forget about the local artists, artisans and creators on our doorsteps. Whether you’re looking to reduce your ecological footprint, support your local community, enrich your local economy, buy higher-quality items or just save a bit of money while shopping, here are 10 reasons we should all be buying from local, independent sellers when we can:
1. Local Economy
Supporting local small businesses means we’re also supporting the local economy. Choosing to support a local artist means our money is being circulated locally, boosting out local economy and making sure our community is supported and thriving.
2. Sustainability
Buying local items means fewer air miles have been used to get that item to you and if the item is also handmade then fewer resources like electricity, water and gas are used in home or craft studios compared with larger businesses and chains who require production facilities and factories. Sintra Naturals are a UK-based skincare brand whose products are made locally by hand with minimal and all-natural ingredients and packaging.
3. Transparency
When we buy locally and from independent businesses it is easy to see the full supply chain of the item. Transparency is key when buying things aligned with our ethics and buying locally, from small companies and independent businesses means it’s easier to track how the products have arrived including whose made them, where the materials are sourced from, what processes they’ve been through, and how far they’ve travelled.
4. Quality
Fast-fashion items tend to be poorly made from low-quality materials. Slower items made by artisans tend to be higher-quality, well-made by someone with a refined skill set and can stand the test of time. Because they’re made to last they also tend to have more classic designs that you’ll love for many years to come as oppose to fast fashion pieces that simply jump onto trends you’ll be sick of this time next year.
5. Connection
We live in a consumer society that is designed to make it easy and convenient to buy whatever we want whenever we want it. While there are benefits to this, it has also created a divide between the consumer and the creator (and often between creator and creator in large factories and through worldwide manufacturing processes). Buying local, handmade items made by independent sellers means re-connecting with the designers. Without a huge supply chain creating a disconnect we’re closer connected to each pieces story, better able to imagine the person who spent so much time energy into the piece you now hold. We can admire the colours, shapes, materials and patterns they chose and feel a sense of of who they are through their designs.
6. Support
Buying from a local seller means providing direct support to the creator. Local, independent sellers rely on local custom and so each purchase made helps them maintain their business. When we buy from a chain or large company the artist only receives a fraction of the sale. When we buy from local artists we directly affect someone’s life and our support can mean they are able to keep their business running. It also provides the individual with an opportunity to grow their business, develop and hone their skills and reinvest in their business. I’ve been using the Soothing Cleansing Balm from Sintra Naturals which has my skin feeling soft and gently cleansed every day. It comes in the perfect size glass jar to travel with and is made from beautiful, simple ingredients to keep my skin happy. My skin is loving this product and I’m so glad to know that by using it I’m supporting a small business to grow and create more amazing products for more people. It feels wonderful for my skin and my spirit!
7. Personalisation
Handmade and small-batch items feel special because of their unique nature. Items crafted by hand hold imperfections which means no other piece in the world is just like it. These pieces feel precious and have so much character and charm, making them a perfect gift for someone special.
8. Fun
It’s fun to explore the local creative markets and find unique pieces created by local makers. Not only does it feel like there’s a deeper connection with the local area and it’s community, you can also take home a completely unique and personalised item that nobody else has. It’s a great talking point when friends and family visit, they make beautiful gifts and it’s something special to treasure because it can’t be replicated.
9. Face to Face
Often times it is the artists themselves who are selling their products meaning we get the opportunity to speak directly with the creator about the item. This always leads to fun and fascinating conversations and we get to hear a little more about the story of the pieces like how they were created, what inspired the artists, how they began their own business and what stories there are behind each creation. This makes the pieces just that bit more special and you’ll always remember the very person who crafted the item and the stories they told you.
10. Save Money
Items from local and independent businesses tend to be a lot more affordable because they’re not competing with larger corporations and chains. As the product quality is usually higher, too, you’ll often be getting a lot more bang for your buck! The Sintra Naturals handmade soaps are so beautiful and unique it’s difficult to believe they only cost £3 each. It begs the question… why don’t more of us buy locally and from small, independent sellers?
this blogpost is sponsored by Sintra Naturals