Not Alone

Other people's reaction to our resolution has been mixed:
"That's...uh...different."
"That's impossible."
"Why?"
and the occasional overwhelming enthusiasm.

In response: I suppose it IS different, it's not impossible (though at times, highly inconvenient), why is slowly becoming clearer than the original idea that this is generally a Good Thing, and the enthusiasm is always appreciated.

Solidarity is always nice when people are thinking you quite odd so it was nice to get this link from my sister yesterday. Some nice, financially secure, folks in Seattle are doing there bit to keep their local bookstores afloat in the current crappy economy. They aren't shopping 100% at local stores but they are conscious of the tenuous position of small shopkeepers and are actively spending money in a way to keep the community alive that they enjoy.

As great as that is, this British woman gets top honors. Eight years ago, she made a New Year's resolution (yay!) to shop on only one street.* She did it to support the shops and has ended up saving money, eating better, and enjoying socializing with shopkeepers. The whole experience was so positive that she has continued to do her shopping on one road for eight years. Wow.

There is a common thread in the interviews with these local shoppers. They like walking to the stores, chatting with the shopkeepers and participating in the local community. When was the last time you walked to Barnes and Noble or Best Buy and had a chat with the owner? Or did you go from house to garage to car to parking lot, pick up your goods and pay for them with maybe a sentence or two exchange with the checkout clerk, and go back into your car, garage and home?

Isn't that a little lonely?

The alternative is to reduce your carbon footprint, get some exercise, interact socially and be a part of the community where you live. If you buy locally, the money stays local and you are probably indirectly helping local charities or arts that your shopkeeper supports.

Or you can shop at the chain store from which most of your money will be sent off to parts likely unknown. But hey, you'll probably save a few bucks on your purchase. That might cover gas, part of the gym membership, and a little 'feel good' purchase to make up for the lack of community belonging.

*In Britain, most towns have a High Street where there are a lot of different shops in a row. Americans: think Main Street. But not the abandoned strip or square of vacant buildings that is likely at the center of your city. Main Street in the 1960's, before the invention of the strip mall and move of commerce to the then fringes of town.