Monster Myths and Consumerism
I’m not sure WHY I randomly think about things like the Loch Ness Monster, except that it fits in well with my science fiction trendencies.
I’m also a proponent of our region’s strong Buy Local movement. “Loch Ness”… “Local-ness”… I guess the two thoughts were destined to parallel in my word-play brain at some point. Unlike the Monster (which, if it does exist, is apparently on a very long vacation), the need for mutual support of each other in our community is very present and real.
Many in a consumer-based society enjoy shiny, new processes and gadgets, as well as the mystique of shopping online. I imagine drones hovering at doorsteps, dropping off everything from books to shoes to hot lunches. I can certainly understand the appeal, as I advocate for innovation all the time.
I love movies where everything flies (like when you’re in another galaxy, for example. And everyone knows HOW to fly, too.); however, I like to shop in person from local businesses whenever I can. In the creative arts here, where one can’t swing a plate of regionally sourced barbecue & greens without hitting an artist, we have seen the closings of two Asheville art supply stores over the years, partly due to online competition.
Sometimes saving a hundred dollars over a year’s period by shopping in the void – while thrifty – can also nibble-away at the delicate financial web we have woven in communities like ours that are composed of inter-connected individuals and businesses, counting on each other’s patronage to keep on building and growing.
I am reminded of our Go Local shopping card campaign, which has continued to gain steam over the years, especially with our entrepreneurial set. It’s our own in person Hello!-I’m-here-good-to-see-you-how’s-things?-hey-that’s-awesome-see-you-tomorrow economy – where our support of everything from farmer’s market stalls to art studios to home buying keeps each of us progressing onward and upward.
Every local purchase any of us makes, from one dollar to one million and higher, means someone here gets to continue eating, paying the rent, and then further improving their offerings and services.
Do I live in a fantasy world? Of course! If you’ve read my column for any length of time, you know I’m a bit of a Rah-Rah Cheerleader for Art, Community, and Positive Outcomes. But I’m also a realist. It’s impossible to have a 100% Local footprint. Just look at the labels on anything in your home, studio or business. But we can take small steps to Localize, helping to offset some of the other stuff.
Some considerations to
increase one’s Localness
Shop local in the first place. Check out the Go Local 2015 Directory at participating merchants, and online at ashevillegrown.com. Walk around. Visit humans.
Advertise your venture, services and goods in person, in print, in programs like Go Local, and in your social media circles.
Shop at local non-profits like Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s store and Habitat for Humanity’s Restore, as well as at our many antique, thrift, and gently used goods shops.
Trading goods and services (up to a certain percentage of one’s business plan) is another way to help each other get what each party needs, keep a transaction in town, and maintain some connections.
Donate. Not just art for events, which I’ve written about often. But also any stuff you no longer want or need that’s useful for a younger family to help keep a roof over their heads, or for that newer business owner who is trying to keep retailing. I’m saying, quite literally, Give Stuff Away.
Our lives, even in consumerism, are about connection, communication, friendship, caring, love. And Giant Swimming Lizards. In a small town buying local is especially good, because we really do know each other. Each person who retains a foothold, strengthens bonds, and continues to flourish in our region enhances our cohesive success. Unlike chasing mythical creatures, this is a reality we can work toward and celebrate.