Recently the Retail Merchants Association in Richmond launched a new advertising campaign, "Think. Shop. Buy. Local," [1] to encourage people to buy local and also to provide local businesses with advertising resources.

While the campaign may have its flaws, it brings a lot of attention and resources to local businesses who may be struggling in this down economy. On the Retail Merchant Association website, one statistic stands out.

"There is power in your decision. On average 45¢ of every $1 you spend locally, STAYS LOCAL. That’s 3 times more than when you buy non-locally."

This is additional money that stays within our local community and benefits its residents such as helping fund local parks and improving school systems and roadways.

Sustainable Connections [2] , a non-profit organization comprised of business and community leaders in Northwest Washington state with a goal of encouraging sustainable practices, has a list of Ten Reasons to Buy Local [3] :

1. Support Yourself and Encourage Increased Economic Growth Locally
2. Support Community Groups
3. Keep the Community Unique
4. Reduce Your Environmental Impact
5. Create More Jobs
6. Get Better Service
7. Invest in Community
8. Put Your Taxes to Good Use
9. Buy What You Want, Not What Someone Wants You to Buy
10. Encourage Local Prosperity

So the next time you go shopping, check out local boutiques, farmers markets, and restaurants and support your local entrepreneurs and businesses.