Every purchasing decision we make has an impact on our environment and community.  By adopting a "Think Local First" mentality we can reduce our negative impacts on the environment while building local economy. 

Environmental Impact
Locally produced goods and services almost always come with lowered transportation requirements.  This equates to less burning of fossil fuels thereby creating less emissions to pollute our air.  A double savings!  By reducing the distance a product must travel we conserve our precious resources and create a cleaner community.

Economic Impact
According to recent studies, the average community's locally owned and operated business accounts for over 58% of the economy.  Here in Douglas County that figure is probably much higher.  Generally speaking, supporting local business creates more stable jobs unlike bringing in large employers who tend to take advantage of tax breaks and leave.

Also, the money spent with locally owned businesses is circulated more frequently and we get a boost from those dollars in our community.  This happens because local businesses tend to purchase local services (accounting, advertising, insurance, lawyers, etc...) 

Links and Resources

• www.thinklocalumpqua.com
  
• Tips on how to Think Local First
  
• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market 
  Saturdays, 9:00 - 1:00
  Mid April - October
  2082 Diamond Lake Blvd
  Heather Barklow • (541) 530-6200
  PO Box 224, Roseburg,  Oregon 97470