Every Little Bit Helps

Or Don't Do Nothing Because You Can't Do Everything!

Changing the way we shop as a nation won’t be easy.  It will take a commitment of time.  It may take more planning than we’re used to doing.  And most importantly, we will need to change our entire attitude toward shopping.  None of those things will be easy.

So, as the experts say, take it one day at a time.  One item at a time.  Make a small commitment, something you can do without changing your life too much.  Pick ONE item you need, and see if you can find it locally instead of hitting the box store.

Did you know Ace Hardware and True Value locations are franchises - not box stores - and as such are small businesses?  Bet you can find one around you.   Or even better, if you use your Googling skills, I bet you could find an independently owned hardware store somewhere.  Or butcher.  Or fish market.  Or liquor store.  Or, well, you get the idea.

In the search box type in what you want to find and your zip code to narrow the search. For instance, if you live in the Frankford section of Philadelphia try: Ace Hardware 19134. Now sometimes this won’t work depending on distance between you and the store so play around with it-go to Acehardware.com and then click on the link to find a store.

Maybe something as simple as eating at a local restaurant instead of a chain for your next night out.  Think about where your favorite eatery or pub is - is it a cookie-cutter chain, or is it a small local spot that only you and a few friends know about?  Head on over, and keep your money local.

Maybe it’s not even shopping - maybe it’s spreading the word about a local business you know to be good.  Give your friends - in person or online - the heads up to check that local business out next time they need something.  Local businesses LIVE OR DIE on word-of-mouth advertising, and a positive word can be the equivalent of hundreds of dollars of precious advertising expenses.

Taking each day and buying local wherever you can, will help bring about this change in America.  Nothing happens overnight, but if everyone makes at least one change, it WILL happen.

What this is all about

Occupy MAIN Street and help create REAL change. Bills can't create jobs. Bring jobs back to America. Bring America back to Main Street.

Everyone is feeling the same frustration - the system is rigged, there's no opportunity, there's no jobs, there's no money. But everyone is so busy blaming everyone - rich people, poor people, politicians, corporations, lobbyists - no one is willing to look in the mirror.

WE the consumers, WE the Americans have the power to bring opportunity back to America. But we have to create our own prosperity. And that means helping each other to prosper.

Step one - SHOP DOWNTOWN. Downtowns all over America are disappearing in favor of giant box stores (full of stuff that violates Step two). Local businesses, small businesses, used to be the backbone of America. They create jobs, they pay taxes, they contribute to the communities. How many downtown events are sponsored by WalMart? Are the prices higher? Yes. Small businesses can't compete with box stores because they don't have the buying power. But consider your dollars to be your VOTES, and vote local.

Step two - STOP MAKING BUYING CHOICES ON PRICE ALONE. The market is stacked against American products in the price war, because we allow inequity in our trade agreements with other countries, especially China. Spend a few extra dollars on an AMERICAN product, and help keep AMERICANS employed.

Step three - DITCH YOUR BIG BANK AND FIND A LOCAL ONE. Yes, it's difficult, yes, it's a pain but it shows support, trust, and that you care what you do with your money. Small banks sponsor local events and have a vested interest in improving the local community. Small banks have management that you can actually have a conversation with (relative to big banks at least). Are there fewer ATMs? Probably. A little planning and you're all set. Totally worth it to not be associated with the large banks that have been bailed out and are treating people like dirt.

Step four - STOP WHINING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Occupying Wall Street is interesting as an idea, but so far all it's doing is creating "awareness," primarily that people are pissed off, and about a lot of things. More productive would be to put your MONEY where your MOUTH is, and VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLAR.

Make this Christmas an American Christmas. Make the Christmas colors Red, White and Blue.