Sorry my China, we make it here!

Buying local should be on everybody’s mind. Being a South African textile company we are acutely aware of how imports from the East affect our company and locally made products as a whole. However we can all admit to popping into a store and buying something that is attractive and well priced while not even thinking where it came from, who made it or for how much. And also no one wants to feel guilt tripped into not buying local either. However my thought today was to write down a few points that may make one more aware and conscious of our decisions.

‘Someone always pays the price of cheap imports. Support local manufacturing.’

Locally made items may be a little more expensive but most are of a higher quality, which means you will have them to cherish for years to come. If you are trying to save money, a better quality product, even at some extra cost, will eventually save you money in the long haul. As they say, ‘cheap is always expensive!’

When you buy local you support local businesses which hire locally, pay more taxes and spend money at other local businesses. Your money stays in the country, rather than leaving our shores. South African companies are less likely to employ child labor, pay poor salaries and use harmful environmental practices as is common in countries with more permissive labor and environmental laws.

Locally made products are more environmentally friendly. Most local artisans and manufacturers typically use more local based resources. Environmentally, they aren’t relying on much gas fueled shipping and transport as well as foreign harvested raw materials.

‘Sorry my China, we make it here!’

Keeping our community unique. Where we shop, where we eat and have fun, all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of a place. Tourism businesses will also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.”

Invest in community and encourage local prosperity. Local businesses are owned by people who live in their community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community and countries future. Economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

This is not a new issue. Even Thomas Jefferson once said, “I have come to a resolution myself… never again to purchase any article of foreign manufacture which can be had of American make.” His actions were revolutionary back in the day for the US and perhaps it is time to look at what each of us can do for our economy and think local.