The next time you are thinking about shopping for something— consider for a moment that the automatic inclination to google the options and then order it online for delivery—is not your only option. We’ve all heard the phrases “shop local” and “small business Saturday”, right? Well, you ought to give getting out and doing some good old-fashioned shopping a try. It’s a chance to get out there and see people, get some fresh air and “get some steps in”.

Why bother when it can be so much easier to shop from the couch? Do your research from the couch if you want; that can inform you about prices and styles of items. Then go check out the shops nearby. Try to resist the big box stores and look at the small businesses in your community, the owners and their staff will be extremely grateful. Even better, look at thrift and antique shops—those are where you might find some truly unique items that can be much more satisfying to bring home. Plus, these things were made years ago— the energy and materials used to manufacture (or craft) these items has already been consumed. You might argue that it makes no difference, the mass-produced items made to be shipped out via an internet order have already consumed resources and energy as well. The difference is that today’s order online is often part of a huge system that triggers the manufacture and shipping of another item to replace the once you just ordered, triggering that consumption is exactly what we are trying to reduce.

Consider that often when we see what we’ve ordered, we might not like it when it arrives—it may be too big or too small—or not of the quality we were expecting. Then the fuel used to ship it, and the fuel used to return it, is wasted. Small steps are better than nothing and give us a chance to break in new habits. If you order some things regularly and you know you like them and are simply replenishing your supply—carry on! But, if you do a little self-reflection and see that you stay home far more than you should, that you are curious about seeing what is out there in your community, there is no time like the present to give local shops a little of your business.