The holidays are the season for gathering, giving, sharing meals, and, yes, shopping. Lots of shopping to make it all happen. This year, as you plan menus, decorations, and gifts, consider shopping locally and supporting local farmers and artisans.

There’s a cache of unexpected treasures in the offerings to be discovered in your community. Sourcing local ingredients, gifts, and services is in the true spirit of the holidays by connecting with people and bolstering the economy. Keeping closer to home is also a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to shop.

Why Local?

There’s no denying the ease of one-click internet shopping and next day delivery to your doorstep. But, buying local has several advantages. Food is fresher, and local farms are more likely to follow sustainable standards than large industrial farms. Supporting local producers minimizes transportation, which means a lower carbon footprint.

Local connects you to the people behind the purchases, welcoming dialog and questions about their products and how they’re produced. Shopping locally supports these people, which helps build community and the local economy.

Bring it closer to home with these tips:

Farmers market finds: From farm to table, the farmers market is a great way to source a variety of the freshest, locally grown ingredients, which are at their seasonal, most flavorful best. But it’s so much more! You’ll find nuts, breads and other baked goods, cheeses and yogurts, flowers, chocolates and confections — even locally distilled spirits, beer and wine. Local artisans sell handmade wares as well — anything from pottery, clothing, jewelry and more — to check off a holiday gift list.

Mainstreet: Take a stroll through your town’s shopping main street or downtown district. Shops are often changing and chances are you’ll find something new. There may be some large chain businesses, but there will also be small businesses run by the people who live in the community. This is a great way to find unique gifts and décor, which often have local color and “flavor.”

Holiday fairs: Don’t miss fairs, festivals, and other local holiday events where local artisans and merchants set up booths to showcase their artistry, crafts and food. Surrounded by holiday lights and décor, music, food and entertainment, these community events make shopping enjoyable. Find a schedule at your local chamber of commerce, on social media, or by word of mouth. Many nonprofits, such as schools or hospitals, have fundraising craft guilds with one-of-a-kind homespun gifts.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

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