The name “Locavore” is a popular name tag of Foodies who support food production as close as possible to thier community. Where you live and what major centres that are near by may influence your decision of how far you are willing to have your home building and decorating products shipped. I live near a city center that has New York, Toronto and Montreal within a 500 kilometers distance. I am fortunate in that way but you may live in a prairie or mountain state or province where city centers, having a greater abundance of design sources, are at a much further distance. We must remember that we are doing the best that we can to achieve our personal standards. There are many products such as textiles, door hardware and plumbing fixtures that are scarcely produced in North America anymore. Unless you have an unlimited budget, you may have to forgive yourself for having to purchase items produced overseas. I’m always on the lookout for artisans to fill the void of locally produced products. How does your local purchasing affect your community? Most importanly, your money stays in your community. As well, you are supporting the development of artisans skills and building a resource for quality of products. Your support of local artisans may possibly increase the notoriety of specialized products in your region… think “Shetland” wool and “Waterford” crystal.
Where do you go to find what you are looking for?
- Search on-line first!! The easiest research and shopping you can do from the comfort of your sofa!!
- Furniture – new, hand-made … the Amish community for example is prized for thier furniture production – includes the ability to custom order to fit your design criteria.
- Thrift shops – especially if you’re handy and ready for a DIY project.
- Up-cyclers – they’ll do the DIY and dumpster-diving for you!!
- Recyclers of building products and architectural elements.
- Crafters – whether on-line or at your local Farmers’ Market – beautiful products such as naturally dyed cotton t-shirts recycled into braided rag rugs, not just for country decor anymore… again, Amish quilts are highly coveted!! Knitted blankets using local wools would be an investiment your grand-children could inherit!!
- Artisans of textiles such as weavers, quilters… wood and glass works for vessels, dishes, pottery, plates and windows… metal works for items made from iron, steel, tin and aluminum especially for hardware and decorative items.
- Antique dealers, estate sales and auctions – Antiques (and thier modern mass-produced look-a-likes) can be edited to fit into desired design styles… paint, change hardware or leave original finishes and hardware to maintain the future historical value.
- Curb-side pick-ups (aka dumpster diving!!) – free treasures to be found, but you should take care thof yourself and be very discriminating about what you touch… avoid upholstered items (bugs, molds, disintegrating toxic materials).
- Local College or Art Schools – up and coming artists, craftsmen and women are always looking for a way to make a living from the craft they studied… furniture, textiles, decorative household items, art… You benefit by obtaining less expensive products, unique ideas and untainted creativity. Schools that specialize in historic artisan crafts such as stonework and millwork (cabinets, trim, etc) for example are a great source for new professionals to add unique details to your home.
What to look for…
- always go for quality … it lasts longer
- recyled … organic …. natural materials
- non-toxic finishing ethical production (no harm to animals or people)
- ask yourself if you really “need” it… and how do I feel about it!!??
Can’t find what you are looking for in your neighbourhood… think about supporting craftsmen and women working with sustainable development projects, home-base businesses, fair trade and community collective businesses… the money from your purchase goes directly into the community where the artisans are located. Not only would you have a well crafted and unique product but you will also have a warm feeling that you are part of building productive and healthy communities world-wide. Look for these traditional types of products (especially locally traditional products) as well as the term “social responsibility”… bonus for organic products too!! Although the product list is endless… third party certification from NGO bodies such as: “Fairtrade” ( http://www.fairtrade.net) … “The Fair World Project” (http://fairworldproject.org/) and “Fair for Life” (http://www.imo.ch ).
- textiles, weaving, knitting, sewing
- pottery & ceramics
- metal work
- woodwork, carving
- glass work
- woven grasses (baskets, rugs, wall coverings)
Your wallet is a powerful tool and “Big Business” is very concerned about how you use it. How we spend our money sends a huge message to the marketplace… one that says “make me happy and I may spend more money with you… and so may my friends!!” That message to industry is strong and can be relentless. The Locavore mentality can help you to: reduce your personal carbon footprint by purchasing less travelled and packaged products; be conscious to avoid so many of the toxic chemicals used in the mass production of furniture and textiles; reduce the amount of plastics and synthetic materials used in household items and thier packaging; when your items have long out-lived their use and can no longer be repaired or renewed, the disposal of your item will return to the earth with less of the usual toxic residue; and benefit personally by obtaining unique and quality products that last longer than the mass-produced and become heirlooms to many generations. make a difference to your or someone’s community by building local economies. Embrace the emerging “Locavore” tradition and feel good about your consumerism… but please be kind to your friends and family if they don’t understand yet… they will someday, just by your example. Happy Locavore Shopping!!