60 Before 60 Project: #36 - Shop at a Local Farmers Market

I admit, I tend to shop online now more than ever before. My online shopping increased substantially over the course of the pandemic when access to physical stores was limited but I have since found that the ease and convenience of online shopping just continued with me long after the pandemic was over. 

But there is a growing movement urging people to start considering the benefits of shopping local. When we shop local, it offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond the products themselves and extend into the heart of our communities.

First there is the economic impact. It’s estimated that there is a $68 local economic return for every $100 spent.

Plus there is also the positive environmental impact of shopping local. The carbon footprint associated with transporting products is significantly reduced when we buy local products. 

With this in mind, I thought I would visit a local farmers market.

I haven’t been to once since before the pandemic so I thought I would check one out during a stay at our cottage. 

I had expected to see mainly locally grown produce but was surprised by the diverse and unique range of products that were available. Local artisans, craftsmen, and boutique stores offered goods that were handmade. I was able to hear the stories behind their products. How they got started, why they were doing it. Each stall had some story to tell.   

As for the produce or meats that was available, it was great to discover that we were buying this directly from the farmers who grew the produce or raised the animals.  

It was also evident that these local businesses thrived by building strong relationships with customers. They depended on word-of-mouth referrals so their attention to both their current and future customers was strong.  

I discovered that shopping local is more than just a transaction; it is a powerful means of empowering communities. Along with providing economic benefits and positive environmental sustainability, buying local also serves to remind us that there are actually people behind the products we buy. And you don’t get this same feeling when boxes are just dropped off on our doorsteps.  

My 60 Before 60 Life Lesson: Where and how we choose to shop can create ripples that we may not even realize. 

Interested in seeing all my 60 Before 60 experiences? Click here.