It is no news that we live in globalized times. Consumer products have never been so abundant. As technology advances, so does our dependence. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though it has greatly changed the balance of production and consumption. Think of your cell phone, everyone has one right? But where did it come from? Chances are it came from no where close to where you live. This trend is not limited to high tech devices. The cut throat global economics have made it cheaper to produce almost everything overseas, including things like food, clothes, and even water.

 

This is ultimately the way of the world. Money is driving factor behind how business is made. This we cannot change, and the debate of rather this has been harmful or helpful is still open. Since we are so used to a globalized economy, it can be difficult to see what environmental and social harm it can do. So why should you use local products?

 

Local products require much less transportation than foreign products. Products from overseas arrive to us on large freighter and jet planes.  These vehicles use a tremendous amount of fuel, which in turn, produces a large amount of carbon emissions. Carbon emissions are the greatest contributing factor to ozone depletion and global warming. Try to avoid buying products that have been shipped across the globe (perhaps even several times).

 

Local sales stimulate the local economy. Recently, North America has seen a serious decline in its economy; some have labelled it a recession. By importing everything we are handing a large amount of local money to foreign nations. This is money that should be kept within the country so that it can be redistributed locally.

 

Global transportation can also lead to the spread of disease, viruses, and parasites. It is difficult to avoid this completely (especially since people move across the world everyday), but by buying local products you reduce the risk of spreading potentially harmful viruses. This is especially true when it comes to food, mad cow disease?

 

 

Conclusion

 

So as you can see there are plenty of reasons to buy local. This sustainable green concept can apply to many products including; food, clothes, building materials, and even automobiles. Buying local is not going to save the world, but it is a small step that everyone can take to help improve the environment, and maintain a local economy.

 

 

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