NB This is a sponsored post.
One thing we tried to do on our recent travels, was to buy souvenirs and gifts made in the actual country we were visiting.
It’s not as easy as it sounds! But among our purchases we did manage to do our bit to support local economies – bits and pieces for our home by local artists; a cute beach coverup in Italy; and the sweatshirt I bought in Santorini, was indeed made in Greece.
We brought home confectionery gifts, and the hubster made a point of sampling the local beverages LOL …
Perhaps some may wonder why we would even bother to try to “buy local”. Supporting local products helps boost local industry and benefits local workers. When at home in Australia, there are many reasons to choose Aussie products where possible …
1. Shop Local – For Jobs
We all need jobs! As the demand for Australian-made products increases, the number of jobs available to produce or facilitate the production of these products will also increase. You might not think that picking up that Australian-made plate or cup will help much, but if every Australian spends $10 more a week on buying local, this could potentially lead to the creation of thousands of extra jobs throughout the country.
2. Shop Local – and the Profits stay in Australia
A staggering amount of fresh produce, as well as products on supermarket shelves, are imported from other countries – in some cases this number can be as high as 80 to 85%. Compare this to Japan, where about 98% of the supermarkets are filled with Japanese products! Buying Australian-made products means that profits stay in the country, ensuring that these businesses can continue to grow and be a useful part of the Australian economy.
3. Shop Local for Quality
It’s true, Australian products can cost more; however, it is important to note that products from Australia, are known around the world for their quality. The materials used in Australian products are usually of the highest caliber, and undergo a significant amount of quality control. There are also some products that have been an integral part of the national culture for a long time, and so Australians have become quite skilled in these areas. For example, if you are interested in wool quilts, Australian specialists such as those at MiniJumbuk can help you find the best fit and quality for you.
4. Shop Local for Safety
Just as Aussie products have a reputation for quality, they are also rated highly in terms of safety. The safety standards implemented in Australia are among the highest in the world, so you can rest assured knowing that you will be receiving the best product possible.
So, these are some of the main benefits if you shop local and buy our own home-grown Aussie products. Luckily, many Australian products have the green and gold kangaroo sticker on them, which makes it easier to identify them (especially for people like me struggling to see without their reading glasses)!
Do you like to shop local? What was the last Aussie product you bought?!