Mar 15, 2011

On the Spectrum: Shop Local And Fair Trade Are CompatibleBy Cynthia ParkhillRecord-Bee.com

Some people in my hometown of Calistoga seek to have it officially certified as a “fair trade” town. With so much growing interest in sustainable communities that produce and “shop local” first, I view “fair trade” as a complimentary effort to invest in local communities.

“Shop local” is most strongly empowered in the area of food. Locavores try to eat food that was produced within a certain-mile radius. Thanks to resources like the Lake County Community Co-op’s buyers’ club, www.lakeco-op.org/, and Lake County’s “virtual” farmer’s market at www.lakecountygrown.com, Lake County residents can purchase their food directly from Lake County suppliers.

Locally-produced wines are increasingly on the shelves at area supermarkets. There are also a growing number of suppliers for fresh baked breads and pastries.

Shop, Stay and Play, which is a campaign of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes a commitment to shop first at Lake County businesses. The idea is that money stays in our community when we buy products created locally and sold at a locally-owned business.

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