Shop Local First, say Friends of the Earth (and we agree!)
26 November 2007
21 Nov. Friends of the Earth have hit back at the recent Competition Commission report on supermarkets saying it failed to grasp the value of local shops.
On Wednesday the campaign group held an event to promote local shopping and local products. The London meeting looked at ways to support independent shops and included representatives from retailers and wholesalers.
While the big supermarket chains compete against each other in the green PR stakes, many shoppers are already taking advantage of the benefits of shopping locally, including more choice, more local produce and better value fresh fruit and vegetables, a more personal service, and not needing to use the car.
Gordon Brown has warned that developed countries including the UK may have to reduce their carbon emissions by up to 80%. Research shows that local shops have a much smaller carbon footprint than superstores, and yet the Competition Commission’s recommendations will in effect favour the opening of even more large supermarkets across the UK. Local shops need “more support from the Competition Commission, and from local and national government,” said a Friends of the Earth spokesperson.
Support your local shops with Friends of the Earth and Bags of Change.
Amanda Vlahakis · Dec 17, 11:24 pm · #
I was lamenting this issue with someone the other day – the complete and utter lack of independant shops in my local town.
Not only would it be environmentally friendly to encourage local business, I would personally welcome a bit of variety as a shopper that likes to shop locally (I don’t drive) and in addition it would of course be a wonderful opportunity for small business owners.
Most sme retailers nowadays barely stand a chance on the high street due to the monopoly of the big chains.