Instead of supporting businesses owned by multinational corporations, consider supporting businesses that are more localized.

 

Localizing economies includes choosing to shop at farmers’ street markets rather than at large supermarkets; going to family-owned businesses rather than corporate chains; growing your own food; using the skills of local craftspeople; and even supporting local musicians and artists rather than generic, corporate-sponsored music and art events. Disconnect from celebrity culture, turn off your TV, and connect with your local culture.

 

Localizing cuts down on waste and pollution, builds local expression, and keeps resources in the community – rather than sending them to investors in distant cities and countries. Localizing includes creating local energy, such as with wind turbines and solar panels.

 

Walking and biking instead of driving helps communities localize because it reduces dependence on foreign fuel, and keeps money in the community.

 

When industrial hemp farming is legalized, it will provide a way for people to locally produce paper, fabric, fiberboard, insulation, oil, and fuel using hemp fiber, cellulose, and seeds. This will protect local forests and wildlife habitat, improve the water and air, and reduce dependence on imported fuel, paper, food, fabric, and building materials. See: VoteHemp.com.