Why Shop Local?

You've probably heard the term, "Shop Local." There is even a designated Saturday that takes place annually that's known as, "Small Business Saturday" that was designed to encourage consumers to shop locally. However, how often do you really shop local? If you do, major kudos to you! Keep on shopping! If you don't, that's okay but you may want to consider some interesting facts and possibly change some of your shopping habits by supporting some of your local small businesses rather than the large chain businesses. Here are 7 great reasons you should shop local (even when it comes to your Solar Project!):

1) It improves the local economy. Did you know that if you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy? If you spend the same at a large business, only $43 stays in the local economy. (Source: Civic Economics Study in Grand Rapids, Michigan). The graphic below was created in the Economics Study in Grand Rapids, Michigan and provides interesting insight into how your funds are spent at local businesses vs. non-local businesses.

2. Know the People Behind the Product. This creates a personal connection. Getting to know the owners and employees of the business is a great reason to shop local. They are the decision makers and they work on building personal, quality relationships with their customers. If you can trust the people, you can trust the product they are offering.

3. Better Customer Service. Customer Service leads to an overall better experience. Local businesses are most likely better informed about their products and know what they are selling. They choose to sell the products they do for a specific reason, not because they were being told they had too.

4. Local Business Owners Invest Back Into Your Community. Local businesses are invested in your community because they live and work in them too! "Studies show that nonprofits receive 250 percent more support from small businesses than large ones," explains Sue Lyn Sasser, PhD, Professor of Economics at the University of Central Oklahoma.

5. Shopping Local Reduces Your Carbon Footprint. Local businesses are able to operate in their local community. It's easy for them to provide products to their consumers because their consumers are nearby. Larger retailers usually get their product from out of town which increases fuel consumption and carbon footprint. One great example of how this really supports your local community is when it comes to eating locally. By buying and eating locally, consumers are able to enjoy produce that is fresh and nutritious. In addition, when you buy local, you are supporting local farmers and producers!

6. Buying Local Helps Support Your Neighbors. Local ownership means that important decisions are being made by people who live in your community and also feel the impact of their decisions.

7. Creates Jobs for Your Local Community. Supporting local businesses also helps employ those that live and spend money in your community.

There are so many other great benefits to shopping local but hopefully these 7 benefits gave you some sort of an idea on just how beneficial it can be to support your local businesses. Many of you already do this everyday and for that, WE THANK YOU!

As a local business, here are are some of the ways we've been giving back to our community the last couple of months:

Athletic Sponsorship. #Vacaville #SolanoCounty #YouthSports #Local

Raising Money for Local Schools and Education. #EducationMatters #Vacaville #SolanoCounty #Local