Comments on: What is Local? Expanding the Definition

By: Green Bean

Green Bean — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:03:00 +0000

I am with you, here, Beth. In general, I opt for local but if I have a personal connection with someone, then community comes in. Not only is it about building community but encouraging people who are willing to do the right thing, who are taking a risk. It’s a tough choice, sometimes.

By: lauren

lauren — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0000

I dropped off 3 filters to The Green Bean, and Dan was really helpful. I felt kind of weird bringing in a bag of filters to a coffee shop, but he led me right to the bucket.

I had to remind myself that he was not simply an employee, but in fact, had knowledge of the campaign, and probably owned the place.

By: kale for sale

kale for sale — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:13:00 +0000

Thank you for pointing out the grey areas of local. My friends look at me crooked sometimes when I explain that I’m buying from a certain further away grower because he has dimples or that I claim the independent book store in the next town as my favorite instead of the one down the street. But I’m with you, personality is a big factor. Not that it always wins for me, but I consider it.

By: Susy

Susy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:05:00 +0000

I’m a huge fan of Dr Bronner’s. We’ve been using it for years! Usually we try to buy locally, but we do buy Dr Bronner’s poducts.

By: badhuman

badhuman — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:03:00 +0000

I think similiar to this is the idea that there are many things like soap that we could all make ourselves but it’s not always feasible for us to make them in the most green and sustainable way and if we can support someone that does so then it’s money well spent. Instead of not making say soap out of convience we are making a conscious effort to support individuals and companies that are doing things the right way.

By: The Green Cat

The Green Cat — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:42:00 +0000

Beth, Thanks for the shout out. I love the photo with poor Soots peeking in (What? No mousies for me??)

Sure enough, here’s the FPF Reader discount: Simply place an order before 12/31/08 and put “plastic15″ in the “notes to seller” section. I’ll send you an updated invoice with 15% off your purchase (excluding shipping).

By: Robj98168

Robj98168 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:26:00 +0000

I am a big believer in buying locally- but like you I find sometimes it is not a great option. I too use Dr. Bonners soaps both bar and in the bottle. The bottle is recyclable here and I use such a small amount of the soap when I shower. Much less than any other soap or shampoo. I agree with Tracey, that “The important thing is that we are thinking it through, not just consuming.” I recently have been in my own dilema about produce- I discovered my neighbor hood green grocer buys local whenever possible, and he can always tell where his produce comes from. The down side is he cannot always tell you if it is organic or not. But I feel better buying from him rather than the Safeway,where they don’t know where anything comes from. And Dr Bonner’s is made in Escondido so not that far away from you

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:21:00 +0000

Your posts always make me think! BTW, you probably already know this, but Life Without Plastic has some pretty good stainless steel lunch containers you might try for takeout. I wish they made them a bit bigger…

By: ruchi aka arduous

ruchi aka arduous — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:30:00 +0000

Hey Beth,

What a fantastic post. I think you are absolutely on the money that sometimes geographically local isn't the most important consideration. It's a complicated thing, but it sounds like you're making the choices that are right for you which is what really matters!

By: Anarres Natural Health

Anarres Natural Health — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:44:00 +0000

Dear Beth,

I share your thoughts and processes. It's a complex calculation: I opt for my neighbourhood print shop with the friendly helpful immigrant family business thing versus the social justice print shop father afield.

I always urge my local options to get greener so I can buy their stuff. But I have it pretty good at my coop with bulk local organic tofu and other easy options.

Dr Bronner's is an amazing company - the only ones who use recycled plastic bottles. They are suing a bunch of body products manufacturers for using the term "organic" when they use petroleum ingredients. Watch out for that!

The important thing is that we are thinking it through, not just consuming.

Love & RRRevolution, Tracey