Shopping Responsibly in Dahlonega

Everyone needs to be mindful of the impact of their purchasing patterns and spending. In Dahlonega we have many opportunities to help our local economy and small businesses.

We try to purchase groceries at J and J Foods which has a nice selection of fresh vegetables. They are also owned by a Gainesville based company. Buying produce from a grocer that does not ship from overseas or from California saves fossil fuels and reduces the carbon footprint.

On the other hand Walmart is a large multinational corporation that is known for their unfair labor practices and large percentage of cheap imported goods. Walmart is attempting to change their image but I suspect it is driven by marketing strategies and is not part of their real mission. Recently I read that they were labeling non-organic produce as organic in some stores. They also tend to ship their goods from great distances which is not good for the environment or the local economy.

We also have the ability to purchase fresh organic produce from Revival Gardens which is located in Lumpkin County. They are listed on the www.progressivedahlonega.com web site. By buying locally you are helping the environment and the local economy. Charlie's Grocery also stocks some of their produce.

We have the ability to speak our values through how we purchase goods and services. One great site that lists some of the major companies including WalMart is www.responsibleshopper.org. Check it out for information on labor, environmental and business practices.

Let's shop more responsibly in Dahlonega. We can help the environment and the local economy.