Local Consumption

Consuming locally-produced goods is one important part of being a responsible consumer. By supporting local businesses and production, you can directly support your community while also supporting responsible and sustainable practices.

What are the Environmental Benefits of Buying Local Food?

• Proximity reduces carbon footprint and energy that would otherwise be used for transport.
• Protects local land and wildlife.
• Supports fresh food and local sustainable practices.

Why is it Important to Support Local Businesses?

• Supports the arts and other crafts that cannot be mass-produced.
• Supports community members’ financial security.
• Your purchasing power (what you do with your money) can be used to advance social missions and causes.

Additional Resources for Local Consumption

• Sustainability For All
• Carolina Dining Services: Sustainable Practices

Program Ideas

• Organize a workday with at the Carolina Community Garden to learn more about an organic, local approach to growing food for UNC-Chapel Hill’s lowest-income employees.
• Take a trip to the Carrboro Farmers Market, Weaver Street Market, or the Black Farmers Market on Sundays in Durham to explore local vendors and food practices.
• Plan a program or bulletin board surrounding the strong, inexpensive, local infrastructure for recycling in North Carolina and the southeast region to create local products.