Eat local. Buy local. Shop local.
There’s a localization movement happening. I’m sure you’re already aware. It’s kind of … everywhere these days.
There’s a good reason for it, too. Getting things from your local community has so many benefits. When you shop locally, you’re most likely supporting your neighbors, keeping cash in your own community, and voting for more sustainable business practices.
If you’re in the Triangle area, check out Shop Local Raleigh. There are some awesome North Carolina farmers markets, filled with yummy N.C.-grown produce, beautiful flowers, and plenty of other goodies. Most of them are WAY more affordable than big chain grocery stores, too. And downtown Raleigh, N.C., is now home to a lot of locally-owned businesses that typically support the farm-to-table movement. (All of these things make me ridiculously happy.)
Remember when my husband and I honeymooned in Asheville, N.C.? One of my favorite things about that area is how strong the “buy local” movement is there. I fell in love with the city pretty quickly because of that (and the thriving beer scene!). Check out the Asheville Grown Business Alliance when you get a chance. You’ll see those stickers in almost every store window in Asheville. It’s great.
As a community, we also support local photographers, painters, sculptors, and musicians. There’s a healthy studio scene here with gallery openings and First Friday festivities. I love it so much.
As I strive to support my local community, I can’t help but think about how filmmaking fits in. It seems like filmmakers would be a natural fit in the “buy local” movement, right? This is something that is constantly running through my mind.
I have a vision. But maybe these are just pipe dreams. Or maybe you will invite me to coffee and our ideas will merge into something beautiful. Who knows.
I know this: I can’t stop thinking of the possibilities.