One of the biggest issues permeating the zeitgeist at the moment is the environment. No matter how you feel, people are generally more concerned about the impact their actions are having on the environment, keeping a more careful eye on their carbon footprints and energy usage.

But one of the simplest and most effective ways of lowering your carbon footprint and contributing to the environment is to shop locally, using suppliers and services near you rather than outsourcing them to large companies or multi-nationals. Why is that? In this article, we’ll be exploring some key reasons that contributing to the local economy ensures a healthier and more environmentally-friendly society.

Reduce Transport Emissions

One of the biggest causes of environmental damage comes from vehicles burning fuel to deliver products and services across the country, and sometimes the whole continent. Just imagine all the vans on our roads delivering parcels right now! Shopping through a large online retailer might be more convenient in the short term, but in the long-term, using local businesses will reduce fuel waste and time spent in a vehicle.

On top of this, local services are almost always guaranteed to be more helpful and personable than services provided by big companies. These workers are usually running on a tight schedule, and you’ll likely never heard back from them again if you need support with your product. With a company like John Reed & Son, we’re always happy to support and chat with our clients to make sure they receive the best service imaginable.

Encourage Local Produce

Encouraging the local economy is also an extremely effective way of helping out the environment on the whole. When money gets spent locally, it goes back into the pockets of local people – not far-flung shareholders or investors. For some industries, like agriculture, buying locally can also directly help to improve local nature, encouraging a more diverse eco-system and bringing life back to your area.

Know Where Your Money Is Going

If you’re concerned about the environment, one of the most frustrating things about shopping with large companies is the lack of transparency in their energy usage, supply chains and sources. Some of the largest corporations in the world still use supply chains linked to some of the worst cases of exploitation.

Supply chains and production methods in local businesses are much more transparent. It’s easy to visit a local outlet and ask them about how they source their products, and where their profits go afterwards. Local butchers or grocers, for example, might deal with local farms, while here at John Reed & Son, we source materials based on the needs of our clients and our profits go back into the coffers of our family-run business.

John Reed & Son, Local Upholsters

Our family-owned business has over 75 years combined experience working with furniture and upholstery in the Kettering and Northamptonshire region. Working on both commercial and private projects, we can bring you bespoke solutions to help revive your furniture with a friendly and personable service. That’s what makes us better than any large chain or furniture company – we prefer to renew rather than replace, bring intense care and attention to our services, and consistently support our local partners and clients.

To find out more, get in touch with us on 01536 510584 or send an e-mail to enquiries@johnreedandson.com.