It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood...

Gone are the days where everyone knew all of their neighbors, cycled or walked to every location, and sat down every evening to family dinners. There are many that are striving to get back to these wonderful life values, and a great way to bring things back home is to begin purchasing locally-grown or made items.

Farmers Markets are on the rise in popularity, and they are a great way to get to know your community and all that it has to offer. By purchasing from local farmers and merchants, you are single-handedly supporting your own local economy, and you know exactly how your food and products are produced and grown. This adds a healthy element to your lifestyle, and decreases worry regarding what you are feeding your family, as the local farmer selling you those tastey cucumbers may also be the neighbor down the street.

Though you may not be a fan of bedazzled clothing and lots of jewelery, there are many more items that are being locally made. Coffee sleeves are a fast-growing, much needed item as of late, and by having one or two of them with you for your daily latte fix, you prevent more waste from ending up in a landfill. Not only are you making wise environmental choices, but these fun accessories are hip and stylish! Check out DotandLineShop.com to order a few for yourself today! They are very reasonable for your pocketbook, and locally made. Way to go! 

Something that I have done recently is to take a look at the products that I use every day, and take inventory on what I can make in my own home to prevent accessive waste. I have an adorable five-month-old son, and something that created a bit of savings for us was for me to begin using cloth wipes. We no longer have to worry about purchasing the kind in a grocery store, I don't ever have to worry about running out (as long as I remember to keep up on the laundry!), and my son's little bottom is happier for them. Plus, it is a lot of fun to have lots of different choices in patterns, fabrics, ect. Bring a little hip to your diaper moments and try making one today!

All in all, it is important that we first look to support those around us in our own communities before following the masses into coorporate-owned madness. Create a little bit of community in your area, and look for ways to support your neighbors and to encourage that they do the same!