Best Friends by szlea
What are you doing to go local? What does going local mean to you? Outdoor kids, and adults, know their neighborhoods. There are many aspects to going local. Overall though it involves relying on businesses and services which are as close to home as possible. Why not get on your walking shoes and get out to explore? What can you discover as you play and walk the paths? What did you miss seeing when you drove past? Take your kids along, let them be in charge, make it a game, give them a dollar to spend at the gas station or neighborhood store.
It’s all too easy to hop in a car and drive to the businesses we’re already aware of. But what if our cars disappeared tomorrow? Do I really know which businesses and services are within easy reach of my suburban home – could I survive going local? What about you? It’s all too easy to put my foot on the gas pedal and drive for 10 or 15 minutes when maybe there is an alternative close enough for me to walk to.
So, be determined to find out just what is within walking distance. How many things could I do if I was only prepared to walk for 10 minutes to get there? What about you? What if you walked for 20 minutes? Driving is such a way of life in suburban America and there are no end of excuses – little kids in tow and 90F plus heat on a regular basis spring to immediate mind. Is there a better time though to walk – don’t let it pass you by.
I’d have been ashamed not to know what was within walking distance of my home where I lived in Scotland. It’s time I found out here. What about you, do you already know the businesses, services, natural features, and plants and animals close to your home? Will you join me in finding out? Grab a map and let’s get walking!
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I used to walk quite a bit, but 3 years ago I was in a car accident in which I broke my neck. I’m unable to do much walking and I really miss it. I can get the dogs around a block or two, but there are no shops there. There are several gardens on the way which I really enjoy watching change through the seasons.
I have tried to take as many steps as I can in my house to attempt to offset for my need to drive, such as joining a CSA for our produce, and using energy saving appliances and trying to be very frugal with the energy we do use.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to think about the impacts our actions have.
I’m fortunate that I live in a small town but we still have enough local business that if I had no car, I’d be able to get most of the things I need.
I’m also fortunate that I live right next to the town I grew up in so I know my area very well.
You’re much more likely to find me getting coffee at the local coffee house than at the chain coffee house; pizza from the independent pizza parlor than from national chains; and of course shopping at the local farmers from the first week it opens to the closing day.
Howdy, I’ve just started up a blog and in the middle of creating somewhat varied articles for it. Would you object if I blog about this? Obviously I’ll provide you and this post full credit.