What’s your New Year’s resolution? Make 2021 a Conservation New Year?
Let’s start by shopping locally.
When we buy from independent, locally owned businesses a significantly greater portion of our money is then recycled back through our local economy — to make purchases from our friends’ businesses, to aid our neighbors in need, and to support our local farms , when you personally know the people behind the business where you’re buying local products and services, you enjoy a connection you would not otherwise have.— ultimately strengthening the base of our whole community. One added benefit; shopping local conserves energy and resources, for example; less gas for travel. Additionally, local businesses often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger companies.
Here are a few examples of buying local:
- Purchasing locally grown Christmas Trees and handmade wreaths support our farmers and is good for the environment
- Buy locally farmed and butchered meat and poultry, there are many producers in the area
- Gift certificates from local restaurants, especially this year, when many local businesses have limited capacity, a gift certificate supports their future
- Homemade cookies and fresh apple and pumpkin pies from local merchants, many small, family-owned bakeries buy ingredients and various products from other local businesses
- Fingerlakes wines are considered some of the best in the world many producers have websites to order
- Honey and honey products, Wayne County is home to many beekeepers
- CSA certificates, many sustainable farms have Community-Supported Agriculture programs, why not purchase for a friend?
- Pottery and craft items, ask friends and neighbors for local artisans, many work from their homes, and even sell on Etsy!
- Alpaca products are warm — consider a local farm for those hats and scarfs
- Purchase a Forever Green Tree & Shrub sale gift certificate! for 2021
If you are on Facebook, visit Find your Farmer in Western NY or for NY Grown and Certified producers visit NYS Ag & Markets
