At this point, the internet has given us global access to the products we need and want. No matter what comes to mind, you’ll find an array of suppliers for it. That gives us endless variety and freedom of choice. Despite this vast and continually growing selection, people are increasingly turning to local businesses to get the items they’re looking for. Shopping locally helps to strengthen our communities in many ways, and it helps to improve local economies.
In some cases, the benefits of shopping locally run even deeper than that. That’s especially true when you shop at local thrift stores. If you choose a thrift store supporting community programs, you can make a significant positive differences in the lives of your neighbors and the community as a whole. Consider some of the ways shopping at a thrift store that contributes to local causes and outreach programs helps to support your community’s needs.
Keeping Money in Your Community
One of the simplest reasons to shop at local thrift stores is to keep your money in your community. Spending locally increases state and local tax revenue rather than contributing to the economy nationally or abroad. When you support local businesses, those tax dollars go further. They help fund local schools, medical systems, roads, and other infrastructure. At the same time, much of the money you spend will likely be reinvested in not only the stores you do business with but also other local businesses to keep the positive cycle going.
Contributing to Important Causes
Additionally, when you shop at thrift stores that work with local nonprofits and outreach programs, you’ll be contributing to important causes. Those vary from one community to the next based on the needs at hand. Your money might go toward supporting local food banks, homelessness prevention programs, providing free or low-cost medical care to those in need, or creating addiction recovery programs to list a few possibilities. All of these causes can improve people’s lives and your entire community.
Creating Local Jobs
When people shop at local thrift stores, they’re also helping to create jobs for those who need them. These stores employ members of the community, often focusing on people in dire need and those who may not be able to find jobs elsewhere. That includes people who’ve been incarcerated, those with disabilities, people who are recovering from substance abuse, and community members who are trying to overcome homelessness. These thrift stores may offer job training programs as well to help people learn skills they need to succeed in other lines of work.
Reducing Your Community’s Footprint
Finally, shopping at thrift stores can reduce your community’s environmental footprint. As the demand for goods skyrockets, the environmental impact of manufacturing them follows suit. It’s contributing to pollution and consuming massive volumes of natural resources. Thrift stores sell used items, so they can help reduce the demand for new ones. They also minimize the environmental effects of transporting goods across the country or the globe because the items they sell are donated locally. Furthermore, buying used items keeps them out of your local landfills.
Strengthening Your Community on Multiple Levels
Thrift stores offer interesting and eclectic collections of items that are typically much more affordable than they’d be elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for designer brands, vintage home decor, or gently used toys, you’re likely to find them when you shop local thrift stores. Chances are you’ll find a range of items you didn’t even realize you were looking for too. All the while, you’ll be contributing to worthy local causes and strengthening your community on multiple levels.