Contact Lawson Lawson works on the Central Coast as an analyst for residential renewable energy systems. The Bioneer Conference will be taking place October 19-21. Visit their website for more information. Energy Upgrade California Solarponics Scott Secrest is a SLO based financial advisor with Natural Investments, LLC., a socially responsible investment advisory firm.  Natural Investments is an investment adviser registered with the SEC.  Scott can be reached at 805-235-3031 or toll free 877-861-4161. Join Us On Facebook

Shop Local for the Holidays 

by Lawson Schaller

Holiday shopping is upon us and the choices we make in gift giving have an impact on the environment and our local economy. 

First to the dollars. Many studies have shown that purchases made at locally-owned businesses allows the money to stay in the local economy and circulate (or some say multiply).  Studies also show much of the money spent at a multinational store leaves our local economy.  So spending your money at locally owned and operated businesses will benefit our local community.  It essentially supports our neighbors, community organizations, and businesses.

Now to the environment. I would whole heartedly endorse spending your money on gifts that benefit the environment.  There are many options. Some of your best choices may be at the local farmers market where farmers, ranchers, fisherman, artists, cooks, bakers, and others offer their products.  If you have a friend or family member who lives in the area and has not been to a market, this could be an opportunity to introduce them to our local markets.  Buy them something and provide a brief explanation of where it came from or who made/grew it.

Some examples of my favorite products from local markets and businesses that I have given as gifts:

— Stoltey's local raw honey, available in small to large sizes
— Avocados and Guacamole from Jack McCall
— Soaps, lotions, etc., from Elfin Herb Farm (they have a great selection)
— Grass-fed, local, sustainably raised beef, pork, and chicken
— Fresh, sustainable harvested fish from Tognazinni's, Giovanni's, etc.
— Fair Trade Coffee from Central Coast Coffee Company - SLO Roasted
— Beer from local microbreweries
— Wines from local wineries
— Native plants / vegetables or gift certificate from local nurseries (check out Fairyscapes)

Here are some other examples:

— Furniture from local craftsmen
— Garments, photographs, and paintings fromlocal artisans
— Recycled jewelry (check out From War to Peace)

— A donation to the ones favorite non-profit (or introduce them to yours): Surfriders, KCBX, ECOSLO, Prado Day Center, Audubon etc.
— Purchase a calendar from a non-profit (i.e. Elfin Forest, Sierra Club).
— Buy a small component of a gray water system or rain water harvest system (Green Goods or Loomis Tank) to give someone the idea or to get them started.
— Massage or yoga gift certificate (Central Coast Body Therapy is one great option). — Pilates classes certificates (i.e. Five Seasons Pilates).
— Gift certificate to locally owned and operated restaurants and bakeries.
— Gift certificate to local bike shop (i.e. Marks Baywood Cyclery).
— Tickets to Pewter Playhouse, Coalesce Bookstore, SLO Little Theatre, etc.

Many interesting items can be found at local thrift stores (purchases at these often support non profits).
Get creative. Google items that interest you, check out local papers, postings at community centers, churches, etc. for special seasonal markets that highlight artisans.  There are many great choices I did not include here.

Buying a local product is better for the environment and better for our local economy.  Support your local farmers, fishermen, and artisans/crafts people.  Avoiding some of the standard gifts from multinational department stores and, instead, focusing on supporting local businesses, will likely be refreshing for you and the recipient.  It may prove to be a much more satisfying experience to wander and stroll through an open-air local farmers market or business than to snake ones way thru the countless racks and displays and wait in line in the big box stores.

In a nutshell, this holiday gift giving season offers opportunity to explore and support local markets and businesses.  Keep those dollars local and have an enjoyable holiday season.  All the best to you and yours in 2013!

Great Horned Owl Image on Banner Courtesy Cleve Nash