No doubt you’re thinking what a silly question! I am alive in a location, how can I live otherwise? Au contraire! Living local means you embrace your local community in every way possible. It is a choice.

Of course Shop Local is at the forefront of living local. Choosing locally-owned shops and services enhances the local economic multiplier. Several studies find that roughly 60% of each dollar spent at a local independent business is recirculated within the community, compared with about 25% for large chains, meaning a substantially larger local multiplier from the same purchase. A local business recirculates your money in the community through local spending whereas a big box sends the money to their headquarters and recirculates very little of the money in your community.

But that’s just the start. Extend the Shop Local thinking to banking. Do you bank locally? Local banks also reinvest your money in local small business loans. See how that works? Your money supports your community. Take the next step and invest locally. There are local investing opportunities almost everywhere. By using your money for banks to lend locally and by investing in Main Street instead of Wall Street, you are actively recirculating your money locally.

Charity begins at home too. When you donate or volunteer your time, look to local charities first. They have the greatest impact on your local community.

Get involved in local governance. You don’t have to run for office but give some of your attention to your city council, school board or other governing entity. When you Live Local, you actively participate in your community.

Living Local has a huge impact on your local economy, your shopping choices, your friends and neighbors and you! Beyond the economic impact, it’s neighbors doing business with neighbors. Or H@H as we say…Human to Human…because all small business is one human helping another human.

See how this is working? In this season of giving, give to yourself and your community and fully embrace Living Locally. Now that you understand the possibilities, take our pledge to Live Local.