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Continue ShoppingThe Benefits of Buying Local and Other Tips to Reduce Your Consumption of Foreign Products
While the rise of globalization has enabled us to get to know our vast world and introduced us to many different cultures, it has also changed the way we consume, significantly increasing our consumption of foreign goods. Let’s take a closer look at the environmental and economic impacts of this practice and the benefits of switching to local buying.
By Stéphanie Houle
Why Does the Consumption of Foreign Products have Harmful Effects on the Environment and the Economy?
Purchasing international goods might seem tempting. The product offering is so broad – almost endless – and prices are often lower, even with customs costs taken into account.
However, the impacts of foreign consumption on the environment and the economy are much less attractive, calling into question our buying habits as consumers. It has been shown that some 66% of consumers seeking lower prices and buying products from abroad [1] would be willing to reconsider their purchases if retailers shared more details about the environmental impact of overseas shipping.
Regarding environmental impact, the numbers speak for themselves, particularly when we learn that the food we eat travels an average of 2,600 km in North America before making it to our plate[2].
The transport of food and goods over long distances produces pollution and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. It also generates other collateral damage and irritants, such as noise, traffic and smog formation, which can cause breathing difficulties, among other things.
Plus, to reach us, a product has travelled across other countries or oceans and required additional packaging to protect it throughout its journey.
And even worse, if we are not satisfied with the product, additional transport and packaging are required to return it.
From an economic standpoint, buying products from abroad promotes employment overseas and does not contribute to the local population's employment. It also encourages the flow of money out of our country, which means that profits are not necessarily reinvested in our country if the company is based elsewhere in the world.
What then is the best way to mitigate these impacts?
Making the Switch to Local Buying
In Canada, buying local is facilitated by "Product of Canada" or "Made in Canada" labels, which mean that products must respectively contain 98% Canadian ingredients or materials, or a minimum threshold of 51%, in addition to specifying that the product includes imported materials. Quebec does not have precise definitions in this regard.
One thing is certain – most Quebec consumers agree that businesses and brands must lead changes in consumption behaviour.[1] And that applies to eco-friendly, socially responsible or ethical consumption.
However, buying local also depends on the willingness of the population. It has been argued that this goodwill brings concrete benefits.
Participating in the Local Economy
A study by LOCO in British Columbia revealed that for every $100 spent locally, $63 is recirculated in the community, generating 4.6 times more positive economic impact than money spent at non-local businesses. Furthermore, local retailers make a smaller margin on the products they sell. A large part of their profits is used to pay salaries, rent, electricity and other related costs that contribute to the local economy.
Reducing Pollution
Fortunately, the growing desire to consume more mindfully – such as opting for "locavorism" or eco-friendly fashion – ccombined with rising transportation costs is causing a decrease in products purchased abroad and shorter distribution channels. The outcome? Less greenhouse gas will be released through transportation, and related expenses will also be reduced if travel distances are shortened.
Getting Closer to Producers and Products
Buying local allows us to understand better how products are made (ingredients, components, origin, manufacturing processes, etc.) and what’s behind our purchases. This is especially true when visiting public markets, nearby stores and local farms, where we can have direct contact with the producer, manufacturer or artisan and ask questions.
Getting Started with Local Buying
While we’re making progress – 60% of people today frequently buy local versus 55% in 2009 [1] – there’s still room for improvement.
Here are some tips on buying local and reducing your purchases of foreign products:
- Do your research and find Canadian brands. Before making a purchase, it's essential to investigate the company's values and origins, verify the provenance of the materials that make up the product, and check if it's made in Canada or simply designed here.
- Take the time to shop around and keep an eye out for discounts. Local products can be pricier because they’re generally more durable and of better quality. Instead of buying impulsively, you may find it more beneficial to plan your purchases and wait for sales, particularly for products that aren’t needed now or can be planned for ahead of time, such as winter boots for a child.
- Run errands using green transportation instead of a car. Whenever possible, opt for biking, walking, running or public transit. You’ll be travelling shorter distances and also helping reduce gas pollution. Quebecers are on the right path – as of 2019, 33% aged 18+ were limiting the use of their vehicle to run errands versus 18% in 2009.[2] Let’s keep it up!
- Follow the 5 Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle) and compost the rest. Instead of buying new products or goods from overseas, why not rummage through your neighbourhood, local antique shops, classified ads or your garage for items you need but can have repaired, or can recycle, repurpose, give away, etc. Better yet, why not simply reduce your consumption?
- Opt for local brands, such as Quebec-based Deux par Deux, which has been designing children's clothing since 1986. In addition to its store on Chabanel Street, the main fashion artery, Deux par Deux ships across Quebec and Canada. An excellent incentive to dress kids in clothes made here! Moreover, everything is created and designed in the neighbourhood where the company operates, in the heart of Montreal’s “Cité de la Mode” (Garment District). Plus, you’ll love the fun names they give to their collections.
Then there's Eluo, a skincare brand based in Calgary, Alberta. Its mission is to modernize our daily face care ritual by focusing on the benefits of clay and botanicals: the multi-tasking powder blends hydrate, exfoliate and soothe our precious skin, leaving it refreshed and naturally beautiful.
