 When you hear the term "think globally, act locally" do you ever wonder what that really means? There are so many things going on socially, politically and environmentally in the world that it is hard to know where to start and many get overwhelmed when trying to think of what they can do on a daily basis to be a good steward of our planet and our people. At Lawrence Give Back, we believe individuals can take solace in knowing that if they focus on the positive things that one can do at the local level, it will actually have a more direct impact on one's daily life.
We as consumers make a difference! There is something all of us can do that will help our community in a simple yet profound way…Shop at locally owned businesses as much as possible! By doing this, it helps to ensure that we have more direct control over our local economy. When our dollars go to local businesses the owners can hire, buy, and spend within the community and support the unique charitable organizations that provide the services that are needed in Lawrence.
Why shop at locally owned businesses as much as possible? Because when you do, more money gets re-circulated back into our local economy. Managers of the national chain stores are typically at the mercy of decisions that are made at corporate headquarters. These decisions usually have little consideration for the impact on or the fate of local citizens in each community. Instead, they cater to shareholders and outside owners’ interests, which may affect the nation and the world in ways that are unintended and out of our control.
Why is it important for more dollars to get re-circulated back into our local economy? Because the more money that re-circulates back into our local economy, the more wages are earned, the more jobs are created and the more funds are made available to our local social services. All of this contributes to a happier more sustainable community.
TIME Magazine Article
Buying Local: How It Boosts the
Economy
By Judith D. Schwartz
Read now
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Local Works! Impact Study
Examining the impact of local business on the West Michigan economy
Read now
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Excerpt from Local Works Impact Study |
LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS
Spend $100 at a local business
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NON-LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS
Spend $100 at a non-local business
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For every $100 spend locally,
$68 remain in the local community. |
For every $100 spend non-locally,
$43 remain in the local community. |
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