Quote of the day: “The New Economics Foundation, an independent economic think tank based in London, compared what happens when people buy produce at a supermarket vs. a local farmer’s market or community supported agriculture (CSA) program and found that twice the money stayed in the community when folks bought locally. ‘That means those purchases are twice as efficient in terms of keeping the local economy alive,’ says author and NEF researcher David Boyle.” —Judith D. Schwarz in Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy
Beautiful Fresh Lettuce at Mill City Market, Minneapolis
It’s June in Minnesota. That means local Farmer’s Markets are open and buzzing with activity. Yesterday I visited the Mill City Market in downtown Minneapolis. I found sugar snap peas, freshly grown strawberries, radishes, turnips, arugula, spinach, kale, lettuce, scallions, handcrafted breads, art, beautiful woven goods, handmade pottery, organic pork, and more.
Musicians performed and people milled about in the bright sunshine enjoying the sights and sounds of summertime. What a great way to spend a Saturday!
Besides the economic benefits of buying local (including more money staying in the community and increased circulation speed of money), there are ecological and nutritional benefits to supporting small local businesses. Whenever I can, I buy organic food that’s grown locally. When I can buy a gift that’s made by someone locally I do. I like knowing who produced the goods I use. I believe that creating small locally owned businesses is healthier than big multi-national corporations.
Mmmmm... organic locally grown strawberries!
Amongst the hustle and bustle, a weaver works
All ages enjoy farmers market
Music at the market
Flowers at market
More music at the market
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