There's a great column in this month's Sustainable Industries journal that summarizes the current research and information on the economic benefits of buying locally. (Read A Local Economy is a Healthy Economy.)

 Kevin Wilhelm hits the bull's eye when he writes:

Buying locally is a smart business strategy, especially over the long term, for several reasons. For starters, it contributes to a stronger economy in the communities where the business is located. Also, suppliers and consumers are demanding it because local purchasing not only reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reduced shipping and transportation costs, but creates what famed economist John Keynes termed the "Local Multiplier Effect."

The businesses listed on ecobly.com are the best examples of this principle. Not only are they local companies with Made in the USA products, but they also source almost all of their eco-friendly materials from the local supply chain (though some do amazing things with reclaimed materials from across the country.)

Companies that qualify for an ecobly membership hardly use any imported materials - cutting their carbon footprint and stimulating demand for recyclng more of our refuse (though see how that's been taking a hit lately, in this blog entry.)

How can ecobly.com's directory help? 

* B2B: businesses can support each other. For example, businesses in the Northwest could support other NW businesses listed on ecobly.com, such as Watson Furniture Group, Grays Harbor Paper or Resource Revival. This can help reduce their carbon footprint and potentially save money in the long run.

*  Increase demand for local recycling-to-manufacturing: instead of shipping our plastic and paper recycling overseas to be processed, we should develop the manufacturing capacity to take care of our own waste. Read more about "closing the loophole" in another great SI article, "Recyclers Salvage Local Markets.) 

* Easily find the right green stuff. 10 years ago, you had to go to a farmer's market to find local, organic food. Few people had heard of CSA's. But now, it's in most grocery stores. Locally produced goods needs a similar path: ecobly.com makes it easy for everyone to find gifts, decor, greenbuilding, furniture and safe toys that adhere to the Gold Green Standard - local, sustainable products.

Thanks Sustainable Industries Journal for all the great information!

Kathleen

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