Want to grab everything on your holiday lists while reducing your carbon footprint and preserving natural resources? Buying local products stimulates the local economy by creating jobs and supporting small businesses. This helps to build stronger and more resilient communities. 

Here are a few tips: 

1.      Consider purchasing local and fresh produce, grains, and tasty meats for your holiday meals. Locally sourced food can often be traced back to its origin more easily, ensuring transparency and potentially higher food safety standards. This is important for your health and well-being.

2.      Buying local products fosters a sense of community and strengthens local connections. Tara Boone is a SC Master Naturalist and co-owner of Three Sisters Essentials in Camden. Tara says, “We curated our shop to showcase and provide access to local farmers, growers, crafters, and artisans — a true local grassroots market — which celebrates locals supporting locals. When you buy your beautiful lettuces and microgreens, honey, coffee, housemade chicken salad and meals, fresh baked breads, and so much more at local, small businesses, it's part of a circular economy which benefits you, your neighbors, and the community. Pretty cool, right?”

3.      Try this gift exchange hack. Swap convenience for conservation. It is so easy to conquer our gift lists by swiping on our phones in our lounge wear, within the comfort of our homes. However, this is not always good for the environment. Because sustainable and local products often have less packaging, shopping locally reduces the amount of shipping waste that ends up in landfills. 

Following these tips can have a far-reaching positive impact on the environment, our local economy, and personal well-being. 

May your holiday cheer begin with more mindful consumption, and contributions to a more sustainable and resilient future.