It’s easy to fall into the trap of convenience and low prices from big businesses like Amazon and Walmart, but at what cost is it worth it? Big business is killing the planet, enslaving their employees, and having significant political influence, much to the demise of we the people. We have to see what the corporate salespeople are really selling us and change the parts we can control, like buying our goods and services from the locals.

Here are 4 reasons to shop small business:

1. Small businesses make less of an impact on the environment. The owners/operators have better control over their supply chains, product life, and client services. It is easier to know and control the inputs and outputs of operations, and there is much less room for error and waste. 

2. Local businesses create jobs, employ people, and drive the local economy. The money stays in the community and builds a strong foundation for the local people. The money is then spent on education, community projects, activities for the kids, care for the elderly, food, and a better quality of living for all.

3. When you shop locally, you can share an experience with a real person. We hide behind these screens and miss out on a lot of the things that make life sweet, like knowing the farmer that grew your mango or supporting a local designer or artist who creates handmade pieces with love, or the ecotourism business that shares off-the-beaten-path experiences and takes you to places you would never see on your own.😁 You can speak to or get very close to the owners of small businesses to share your comments, concerns, or praises.

4. The future is small business. The planet does not have the surplus of natural resources needed to keep doing business as usual. The only way for quality control is to stay local. It’s an opportunistic time to put on your entrepreneur hat and start that crazy idea you’ve had for years.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. If you must buy something from a large corporation because you don’t have an option, it’s ok; buy it but be aware so when a local option does pop up, you will see it.

It is easy to point the finger at Amazon and Facebook, but I am referring to any super large, chain, or franchise business that disregards its environmental impact and puts profit ahead of people.   

You can have an enormously positive impact on the environment, economy, and social wellbeing of the people just by eating locally grown foods from markets and conscious restaurants.

Your choices matter. Vote with your money. Shop local. 

Many Blessings, Sara Renshaw @ The Green Maya Project

P.S. Nature heals. Get some today.

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If you have any questions or comments about big/small businesses or the environment in general, leave them in the comment section below, and I will answer you.