By: Stephanie Jackman

It’s January and, like we do at the start of every new year, many of us are looking for ways to make positive change in our lives. Research shows that people make more resolutions to start a new habit than break an old one and the top three are:

1. Increase exercise,
2. Be more conscientious about work or school, and
3. Develop better eating habits.

But what if your resolution this year could benefit you AND everyone else in Calgary? What if changing one habit could contribute to millions of dollars in economic impact and create a better, more vibrant place to live?

Shopping locally can do just that.

Research conducted by Civic Economics has shown that locally owned businesses spend, on average, 25% more money locally and typically generate two to four times the economic multiplier benefit for their communities than nonlocal businesses. This means that a small change in your shopping habits can have a big impact.

One study – conducted in Grand Rapids, MI in 2008 - found that if consumers shopped at local businesses one time out of 10 that nearly $140 million in new economic activity would be created each year, and more than 1,600 new jobs would result, providing over $50 million in new wages. Studies in Austin (2002), Chicago (2004), San Francisco (2007), and Nova Scotia (2011) had similar results.

One time out of every 10 isn’t onerous. Let’s put it in perspective.

If you buy groceries weekly that equates to one trip to Community Natural Foods or a Farmer’s Market every 2.5 months. Maybe it's eating at a local restaurant like Boxwood or River Cafe (instead of a chain) once per month or, if you buy coffee on your way to work each weekday, it equates to one coffee from Good Earth or Phil & Sebastian (instead of Starbucks) every other Friday.

For most of us it’s more than manageable.

On top of the obvious economic benefits, buying products and services produced locally creates a healthier environment by cutting down on the fossil fuels associated with transportation, reducing our carbon impact. Locally owned businesses are also likely to undertake environmental initiatives because they care about the place in which they operate. For example, REAP Members reduce CO2 emissions by more than 1,700 tonnes each year by purchasing wind power and green natural gas. That's the equivalent of removing 830 cars from the road annually*.

Local retailers also provide a unique sense of place. Think of the mystique of shopping districts like Kensington, Inglewood or Marda Loop. Each local business brings with it a creativity that resembles the independent owners and workers. Compare your latest shopping experience from one of these merchants to a nonlocal chain store and you’ll likely understand the difference.

There is also a correlation between locally owned businesses and increased community involvement. Local business owners are more likely to get involved in and contribute to local charities and community organizations because they are rooted in the place they do business. In 2011, REAP Member businesses donated $1.4 million dollars and more than 4,000 volunteer hours to about 100 Calgary charities.

While it’s not always possible to meet all of our needs for products and services through local businesses, a small shift in our buying habits can have a positive economic, environmental, and social effect on our communities. And - like getting more exercise, accomplishing more at work or school, or eating better – it feels good!

So, as you’re considering the new habits you will work on building this year, think local first and create a healthier and more prosperous Calgary.

TAKE ACTION:

1. Remember that it only take one purchase out of 10 to make a big impact, so start with something small and do it consistently until it becomes a habit.

2. Choose products that are important to you and align with your values. Buy things that are safe for your family and the environment, from businesses that are honest and transparent. Use third-party certifications and networks like REAP to identify potential places to shop.

3. Look for local businesses that have met REAP’s criteria for economic, social and environmental responsibility by clicking here.

4. Being local is about our relationships with our neighbours and our city, so talk to your family and friends about your positive experiences with local businesses. Mention your favourite local business to your co-workers or, if you’re really enthusiastic, Yelp! about it. Get more people to buy into buying local and help create a more prosperous and vibrant city for everyone!

5. For more information on the importance of living locally, visit the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) online. This is a North American network - of which REAP is a member - of 22,000 independent businesses that are creating the new economy.

*Based on an average emission of 2,112 kg of CO2 per year for a 2011 Honda Civic using numbers published on www.car-emissions.com. Mileage is based on the Canadian average of 16,000 kms driven per year as published in a 2004 Transport Canada survey.