Independence Day: Pledge to Buy Local

I am reminded every Fourth of July of my complex relationship with the American flag. In my mind I see the stars replaced with the Adbusters corporate flag hanging from every house and store. And I get discouraged that most people buy flags indiscriminately at their area corporate store made by machines or people far overseas.

But a good friend reminded me today about independence and forced me to think more openly about the flag. So rather than thinking about the meta-narrative of corporate rule and world dominance, I am going to dedicate my flag to my neighbors, my block, my town, my city and everyone who is working hard to make our country a truly better place.

I encourage all to become label checkers and to think about where you are buying your products. Go the extra block to that store that had been in business for years or the new local company that's just starting out whose headquarters are that store. Remember that these small business often reinvest their money into other local business and area employees. That they are struggling to stay in business. If they don' t have what you want they can often order the same product you need in a few days. Even if it is just one product you pledge to buy locally, your efforts will make a difference. For me the celebration of independence starts with cutting the ties of dependency. This Fourth of July- Buy Local!

Sites to check out:
Made in NYC
Business Alliance for Local Living Economies
Foodroutes
Greenmarket
Made in Usa

Your other source for all things made in NYC

If you're not already familiar with one of our favorite non-profits, the New York Industrial Retention Network (NYIRN), then let us introduce you!

NYIRN provides business services for manufacturers, conducts research on the industrial sector, and organizes advocacy for NYC manufacturers.

Like NYIRN, we think manufacturing is important to New York City. Manufacturing plays a critical role for the City's diverse job force. On average, blue collar jobs pay more than a retail or restaurant job and is more likely to be unionized and provide benefits.

One of NYIRN's services is Made in NYC, a free online business-to-business directory of products made in New York. Manufacturers can register their companies and buyers can search for locally-made products, including green products. Made in NYC also provides product sourcing assistance.

Local Labels frequently uses their online service in findingly locally made products to feature on our website and sourcing jobs locally such as printing and packaging services.