Small things you can do that count..

Next time you’re online shopping on large middleman retailers (i.e. Amazon, eBay, Etsy), check the product labels for the company name/website. Go on their website. Try ordering directly from them.

I emailed a company recently regarding their shipping prices on their website ($15) versus Amazon’s free shipping. They sent back a lengthy explanation regarding the shipping issue, in addition to facts with how they try to compensate (they offer a deal when you purchase two items off their site, etc).

They explained that they’re a small family business and do their best to entice people to buy direct from them… but, hey, they just don’t have Amazon’s governmental contracts (ever wonder HOW amazon even got so big?).

I had another experience through etsy - in which I found the seller’s main website and found all their items significantly discounted there. These major online retailers take a heavy percentage fee from the profits that small company’s make.

Sometimes, it works out. Sometimes, it doesn’t.
But supporting small business is always worth the extra few minutes of trying!

I’ve been studying my own habits - and attempting to significantly diminish my contribution to companies like Amazon. I’m nowhere near perfect… and would LOVE to succeed in a total spending freeze regarding online AND physical big retailer purchases. Baby steps!

It's important to examine how globalism has played its hand into your current world, from simple day-to-day habits to expectations of how fast a product will be delivered to you.

In a world of speed and convenience... let's try slowing down a bit eh? Support small business, local people, connect to land, reuse and repurpose...