Toni Chanakas · Buy Local on October 12 to Help Boost the Cleveland Economy

October 5th, 2009

As I walked along my neighborhood picking up a Wendy’s soft drink container, I thought to myself, I am not a fast food fan whatsoever. Suddenly, someone yelled from their car “Is there a McDonald’s around here?” I was taken aback, nobody has ever asked me a question like that before. Not in my neighborhood, I directed her towards Lakeshore Boulevard, towards East 156th Street at least 5 miles away to get her breakfast, I image. The North Collinwood, East 185th neighborhood really doesn’t have any fast food restaurants. Most of the shops along East 185th are locally owned restaurants and beauty salons to name a few. Thank goodness, quite frankly.

The reason I do not eat or patronize fast food restaurants is two fold. One obvious reason, fast food is unhealthy, not environmentally friendly nor inexpensive. Many of the containers such as styrofoam are horrible for our economy. I limited that as much as possible; and if I see any styrofoam, I recycle it at Heinen’s. Similarly, they are a local family-owned company. Secondly, fast food has an exorbitant amount of trans-fat and sugar, believe it or not. Remember that movie, “Super Size Me.” The director ate nothing but fast food for an entire month and got very ill as a result. Do yourself a favor and say Good morning to your local coffee house such as Gypsy Bean in the new Detroit-Shoreway district or Dewey’s Coffee in Shaker Square. There are many great places in the various Cleveland neighborhoods. When was the last time you walked along East 4th or Tremont area? Furthermore, Tremont has their Farmers Market at Lincoln Park on Tuesday 4:30 until 7PM. That’s what makes Cleveland so special, these uncommon establishments.

Many of my friends do not fully understand why I don’t shop (or limiting my consumption) at the many chain restaurants or stores around town. I prefer to buy local to help my community thrive during this current economy even if it costs me a few extra dollars. Besides, the atmosphere is conducive to Cleveland and it represents our heritage and creativity.

Current research states, “Shopping local can have an enduring economic impact– the American Independent Business Alliance estimates that from each dollar spent at a local independent store, three or more times as much typically goes back into the local economy, compared to a dollar spent at a national chain business.” It’s a win-win situation. Why not help Cleveland compete in this competitive market place?

Please help me spread the word about this “buy local Cleveland” opportunity – and consider taking the pledge yourself. Scentsy, a family owned company, is launching a “buy local” initiative as part of its fifth anniversary. All we ask is spend $50.00 locally to help our farmer’s markets, retail shops, grocery stores, coffee shops, the list goes on. Take this moment to reflect and see what businesses are around your neighborhood that can definitely utilize your patronage. I am sure you have passed several local businesses and thought, maybe I should check it out. Please take this opportunity on October 12, and help Cleveland grow.

Also if you are interested, please visit our Contribute 2009 Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Contribute-2009/148019895933

Go to: www.scentsycontribute.org for your pledge.

Plus, spread the word by posting this event to all your facebook friends and tweet as well.

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4 Responses to “Buy Local on October 12 to Help Boost the Cleveland Economy”

  1. John McGovern Says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    great points all around Toni! And to further y(our) efforts, please visit http://www.iBuyNEO.org

  2. Lou Tisler Says:
    October 9th, 2009 at 2:42 am

    Toni you are so right about fast food and chains, the unfortunate thing is that many of the neighborhoods deemed “economically challenged” have only mulitple fast food options vs. heathy, local options.

  3. Lou Tisler Says:
    October 9th, 2009 at 2:50 am

    John, excellent point on http://www.ibuyneo.org. Not only does the patronage of the participating business help the local economy and save you money on purchases, but also a portion of the membership (which you may designate upon signing up) goes to many worthwhile nonprofit orgs such as Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland (full disclosure, my employer), so there definitey is a triple bottom line win.

  4. Toni Chanakas Says:
    October 9th, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Thanks for all your great comments. You are right Lou, our neighborhoods should do a better job offering “healthy choices.” I think it is coming with all the farmers markets popping up around town.

    I try to do my part and eat healthy. Better for your health along with helping our communities prosper.