The Top Five Benefits of Buying Local

1. It keeps your neighbours in business

Every time you shop local, you're putting euros into the pocket of more than one person. In addition to helping business-owners pay their bills and look after their families, your purchases ensure that other locals like their employees, suppliers, and accountants continue to make a living too. It's a small but impactful way of supporting your community, especially during these unprecedented times.

2. It helps protect what makes our towns and villages so unique

We all hate to see small, honest businesses disappear from our streets. The historic infrastructure of local shops, eateries, hotels, pubs, and offices is what often lends our towns so much of their charm — not to mention the buzz that a street full of thriving businesses creates. By shopping local, you'll be doing your bit to hold the atmosphere and keep your town looking lovely. 

3. It brings better quality food and produce to your table

In general, the goods that you buy from local producers are tastier, less processed, and better designed to last. Their perishables like meat, fruit and vegetables have probably been grown and packaged locally in sustainable batches, which reduces environmental waste. They´re also fresher as they haven't spent several days in a crate being shipped across an ocean. 

Meanwhile, goods like jewellery, homewares, art and clothing produced by local creators are usually made with greater care, attention to detail, and longer-lasting materials. They also make unique, reliable gifts!

4. It helps protect Ireland's iconic farmland

Buying from local farmers helps ensure that their land doesn't end up in the hands of developers. By sourcing our foods locally, we reduce the need for giant corporations to step in and build warehouses or parking lots on once-farmed land. Sure, urbanisation isn't all a bad thing — but we still need to support farmer livelihoods, hold onto our gorgeous green landscapes, and preserve the habitats of wildlife and native species. 

5. It promotes community spirit and togetherness

At a time when we're all experiencing different degrees of isolation and loss, having a sense of community has become all the more important. Recently, we've witnessed so many local demonstrations of goodwill and generosity in response to those struggling amidst the ongoing pandemic. These kinds of gestures build trust, establish support systems, and foster a sense of pride in the place we live — which leads to a healthier, more empathetic community. Buying local is one such small gesture that allows you to strengthen your community ties and express solidarity with your fellow neighbours.