Local businesses need our support more than ever, especially with the growing dominance of big and often multinational businesses in our economy and this is key to a rapid transition to a green economy that benefits people and communities before vested interests.
1. Local Products
Local independents are the most likely sellers and producers of local artisan products from food and drink to gifts and household goods which are often more sustainably produced than most of the products sold by big businesses that come from big factories or intensive farms
2. Local Community
Many local independents invest in their communities by supporting local charities and local projects including conservation work
3. Travel
Local independents often specialise in local products that aren't transported long distances from the producers which keeps vehicle pollution to a minimum. Also, customers don't have to travel as far to shop at local businesses and they're easier to walk or cycle to.
4. Packaging
Smaller businesses tend to use less packaging as they need to keep costs down and the online retailers use lots of packaging (often plastic) to transport products safely over long distances
5. Less Waste
Local businesses give their customers are more personalised service and will let customers buy the quantity or weight of each product they need and because local businesses don't have the turnover of big businesses, they are more careful about how much stock they buy in
6. Location
Local businesses are more likely than bigger businesses these days to be located on the high street which is more eco-friendly because the high street is more accessible by public transport, foot or bike than out of town business and retail parks. Also, building out of town developments is causing countryside to be built over and therefore the destruction of natural habitats.
