4 Lifestyle Swaps To Support Local Businesses

With a rise in overconsumption and many smaller businesses being priced out by mass production, it’s about time we all did our bit to support the local businesses around us. Whilst it might cost us slightly more, we’re fuelling our communities, as well as accessing better quality products which have been made with better materials, and genuine care. We’re here to introduce 4 easy swaps you can make to support local businesses. 

Eat At Independent Cafes and Restaurants

One of the best things you can do to support local businesses is to ditch the chains and eat at local cafes and restaurants, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinners, bakeries or grabbing your takeaway coffee on the way to work. Independent restaurants are more likely to also source their foods and drinks locally, so you’re not only supporting the restaurant itself, but the wider community. You will be able to enjoy a greater variety of foods crafted by people who truly care about what they do, rather than menus designed to be profitable and appeal to the masses. Do some research into your local independent restaurants and you won’t look back. 

Use Local Delivery Services 

Another good swap is to utilise your local delivery services rather than ordering online. Think about anything that you would normally order online and consider whether there are companies you could use locally for it. For example, if you usually order flowers online, see if a local florist delivers for you instead. Rather than ordering milk with your food delivery, find a milkman near you like McQueens Dairies, that utilise local depots to deliver the freshest milk, supporting local farms. 

Attend Local Markets and Festivals 

When they’re around, make sure you head down to any local markets, food festivals and music festivals. So many local, small businesses come together at these events, from bars to food trucks, bakers to jewellery brands and everything in between, so you can have a really good wander around and shop from very local businesses. If you need to stock up on some nice foods for the week, want to go out to enjoy some food and drink, or you’re in the market for a gift for someone, head to markets to experience something new and different. 

Buy Your Fruit and Veg From Local Grocers

Last but not least, you should always try to buy your fruit and veg from local grocers. Not only will it be much fresher as they will source the fruit and veg locally, but this will also encourage you to eat a variety of different fruit and veg throughout the year depending on seasonality, which is great for your health and the environment. Most supermarket fruit and veg is heavily packaged in plastic, whereas local grocers will use paper bags that can be recycled, or you can take your own tote bags along with you for a completely packaging free experience. By association you’re also supporting local farms, so it’s a win-win!