The benefits of buying local for the planet

Prioritizing eco-responsible consumption starts with small, simple things. There are many ways to act for the environment , and often it's enough to change a few daily habits or adopt a new routine to contribute to preserving our planet .

Anything is possible, even on our own scale. In this article, we'll show you plenty of good reasons to buy local . Feel free to share them with others!

1 – Prioritizing local artisans and producers is essential

By choosing local Swiss (and neighboring) artisans, you encourage imaginative creators to offer you unique and authentic products. Trying to avoid buying from large industrial chains not only promotes genuine, original craftsmanship but also makes a positive contribution to the environment.

The decorations you bought locally, the cakes baked by your favorite baker, or even a garment specially designed by a local designer—all of this has immeasurable value. The artisans work patiently and adapt to all your requests.

Do you want a locally made, completely personalized piece of jewelry? At Wooper, we can offer you all of that! You choose your design, your text, and the shape of your piece. We craft the creations according to your wishes to offer you the 100% locally sourced bracelet of your dreams .

If you look carefully in your region, we are sure that you will find artisans that you will like: cosmetics, decoration, food, clothing… You can (almost) find everything in Switzerland.

2 – Eating seasonal produce is good for your health!

If you decide to buy mostly local food, you'll discover a wealth of seasonal produce. No more food that's traveled miles by plane or truck. You'll quickly realize that Switzerland is teeming with market gardeners and producers of all kinds.

To create beautiful, high-quality meals, it's essential to find good produce. By eating fruits and vegetables picked locally and at their peak ripeness, you ensure they're consumed quickly and retain their nutrients. Healthy, vitamin-rich produce: nothing better for an energetic body and a strong mind!

Eating from local farmers also highlights their work: feeding the world is no easy feat. Furthermore, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint by preventing your food from traveling many miles.

If you're unsure where to find these products, you can contact one of our partners: Convergence Durable . On their website, you'll find many grocery stores that operate sustainably and ethically. Don't hesitate to ask your local council; they'll likely have plenty of helpful tips.

3 – Buying local reduces your carbon footprint. Great, isn't it?

What does buying through short supply chains involve? It simply means buying directly from the producer. It's also possible to do so indirectly, often through a single intermediary. This intermediary will then sell what they've purchased from local producers or artisans at farms or markets.

When you choose to prioritize this type of purchase, you significantly reduce the production of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. You know, those infamous gases produced by humans that cause a massive accumulation of heat. The planet continues to warm at an alarming rate, and changing our purchasing habits will undoubtedly help reduce our carbon footprint.

Therefore, buying local is an excellent alternative. Fewer transport kilometers inevitably lead to less pollution. Clearly, there are many advantages to eco-responsible consumption!

Read: our article on local associations working for the environment

4 – Buying locally helps reduce waste

That's right, no more long-distance transport, so goodbye to cardboard boxes, plastics, and other disposable containers! By choosing to buy local, you can significantly reduce waste, starting with bringing your own bags. Whether you're grocery shopping or buying treats like home decor, cosmetics, or jewelry, all you need is a small wicker basket, a cloth bag, or a paper bag.

Many bulk stores have sprung up, and you can go there with glass jars or even small fabric bags. This way, these containers are infinitely reusable. Plus, these visible actions can certainly reach a lot of people, especially if your basket is cute and your bags are completely personalized (like with a beautiful wooden diffuser hanging from the handle, for example :)). Don't hesitate to write messages full of kindness and love to encourage others to make the switch.

5 – Buy local: it's good for the planet, and for your wallet!

We often tend to think that buying local is more expensive. And yes, quality and craftsmanship come at a price. But the money is a lasting investment, supporting local businesses and resources. In fact, you still come out ahead financially. By choosing local products, you contribute to the local economy, which is essential for creating a win-win situation.

In reality, with lower transport costs and virtually no intermediaries, you can be sure that local products will represent a smaller portion of your budget. Combining saving money, supporting local businesses, and responsible consumption is therefore possible. By sharing our tips, we all stand to gain, that's for sure. To help you find local products, check out the region's website ; it has a wealth of interesting information.

To conclude this article, we will tell you this beautiful Native American legend, the famous fable of the hummingbird:

One day, the legend says, there was a huge forest fire. All the animals, terrified and distraught, watched helplessly as the disaster unfolded before their eyes.

Only the little hummingbird was busy, fetching a few drops of water in its beak to throw on the fire.

After a while, the armadillo, annoyed by this seemingly futile activity, said to it, "Hummingbird! Are you crazy? You're not going to put out the fire with those drops of water!"

And the hummingbird replied, "I know, but I'm doing my part."

The little hummingbird understood perfectly that every little action counts, even in a seemingly endless struggle. If everyone does their part, on their own scale, we can hope to make a lasting difference for the planet. And you, what are your daily habits for consuming differently? Tell us all about it in the comments!