It has been clear for a while now that we’re going to need to support each other to get through this. And now that literally trillions have been lost from our economy that will take years (if not decades) to repair, it’s clear we’re going to need to do it monetarily, too.
I urge you to modify your purchasing paths and maybe commit to supporting your local businesses, artisans, and local charities whenever you can.
I know it’s not always feasible or realistic to say “Boycott this chain forever!” or “This man is evil, don’t support him!” Sometimes they’re unavoidable.
BUT. You can mitigate their impact. It is with in your power to make small shifts. To develop new habits. To try new things. To choose not to use Amazon or big-chain stores once in a while. To choose to go out of your way every now and then to pay a little more in order to support your neighbor’s business. To donate your coffee creamer money to charity one week and use milk and sugar instead.
I’m not saying shift your life to make completely new purchasing choices. I am asking you to try opening yourself up to your community and valuing things in a different way more often than you may be doing.
There are many more broke folks out there than not. Many more small businesses than not. And those local connections appreciate your business more than those other folks will ever do.