Double your impact: Shop local and buy local products
There has been much buzz about the loss of 159,00 manufacturing jobs in Michigan lately.
This made Think Local First wonder, what is still being produced locally?
We knew the answer was a fair amount, but even we were surprised by what we found.
We asked our independent retail members what they offered that was locally made. The response was amazing! Some sell 100% locally made items, most sell a few items, but if you ask, it is remarkable how much you can find.
As it is gift-buying season, why not consider purchasing local products as a way to boost the local economy? This is a great way to double your impact, as you’ll be helping the manufacturer and the retailer. Convinced? Want to give it a try? We have some suggestions for you right here.
For gifts produced locally, look to Motawi Tileworks, The Sunday Artisan Market, the Clay Gallery and WSG Gallery for places to shop.
The Sunday Artisan Market is a collective of local artists selling their wares. Looking for knit hats? Soaps? Birdhouses? Small furniture? It is all there!
Or hand made pottery can be found at the Clay Gallery and ceramic tiles at Motawi Tileworks. While WSG Gallery offers a variety of different media works beginning at $50. By supporting these businesses, you are directly helping local folks who live in the community and giving a creative gift.
But there are many other options, too.
How about books? The newly published "Riverwalks Ann Arbor" by Brenda Bentley takes the reader on a journey through Ann Arbor along different river routes while providing a bit of regional history as well. Plus, it was printed by Goetzcraft Printers, a fifth generation Ann Arbor printer.
It’s tough to get much more local than that. But let's try.
Do you miss the Del Rio? Then pick up a copy of "Liberty, Equality, Consensus and All That Jazz at the Del Rio Bar," by former owner Ernie Harburg.
Or maybe you are looking for an eco-friendly kids book? Then "The Rock People” by Sue Aliquot is a perfect choice. It’s a fun, eco-friendly message the whole family will enjoy.How about a book written by kids? "How to Rise" is a collection of personal narratives, short fiction, and poetry by 46 seniors from Ypsilanti High School. And yes, all of these books are authored by locals and can be found at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, Downtown Home and Garden, Falling Water or Nicola’s Books.
Or perhaps you have a foodie in your life that likes to support locally produced products?
Sandhill Crane Vineyards makes a Raspberry Dessert Wine produced with local flavorful berries and packaged in a chocolate covered bottle. It makes the perfect hostess gift that you can find at Arbor Farms Market for only $30.
Or The Produce Station sells locally made cheeses from Tecumseh and Fennville ranging from $8.99 to $29.99 a pound. You can even find hand made candy canes from Lansing at Morgan and York for only $2.
Candy Canes from Morgan and York
And for those interested in a variety of products, stop in and create your own gift basket at any of these stores. They would be happy to create the perfect combination for your foodie.
These are just a few examples of what you can find that is locally produced in our area. You have the ability to support local independently owned businesses by buying locally produced products from locally owned shops. This is a great way to have a true impact on how your community looks and feels.
Think Local First suggests that you ask ‘what is made locally’ when you shop this season. We think you will be surprised to see just how local some items are
Comments
David Paris
Sun, Dec 13, 2009 : 11:01 p.m.
The first three posts here are commendable, however, people have to get out of the mind-set that buying the cheapest is always the best for their family. Buying the cheapest only gets you more crap, not a better life. You will,however, have a better life when you are keeping your neighbors employed. You will feel better, and know that their continued employment will eventually trickle back to you. Also Note: The Ann Arbor Art Center sells locally made arts and crafts, including artists that were educated at our home town university(a.k.a. the U), as well as The Art Centers own students and instructors works. Cheers!
russellr
Sun, Dec 13, 2009 : 7:14 p.m.
I agree we need to buy local products and especially GM and Ford products. Most people do not understand that when you buy a foreign car or truck the profits go back to other countries not America. We need Americans to try there best to buy what is made here. I know it's hard to do but we try to buy American made products to keep our friends and neighbors and people of America in a job. I can't stress this enough. If people do not try it is a trinkle down effect and eventualy it will get your job and home.
flintcitylimit
Sun, Dec 13, 2009 : 2:40 p.m.
Don't just consider the small items when you buy local/Michigan/USA. Gascho furniture is made in the USA--much of it in Michigan--solid wood, not MDF, and available at Art Van. Capel braid rugs from JCPenney are US-made. Fiesta dinnerware is still made in the US. I actually found a Christmas ornament (one!) at K-Mart that was made in the USA. You should know the provenance of everything you buy and act accordingly. My Ford Taurus was assembled in Chicago with an engine made in Lima, Ohio--my late mother's home town. Kinda makes ya feel warm 'n fuzzy when you fire it up in the morning.
DPL
Sun, Dec 13, 2009 : 9:30 a.m.
I really like the "Seven Reasons to Buy Local". It applies to the automotive industry too, in that we should all buy automobiles from those companies head-quartered here in Michigan. GM and Ford have comparable quality to foreign based automakers; GM products have better fuel economy when compared head to head and prices are comparable. Please, for your local automotive industry employed neighbors, consider buying GM or Ford products, keeping all the profits here in Michigan.