The national economy is getting lots of attention lately, but we would like to get you thinking about the LOCAL economy and acquaint you with some of Oregon’s companies whose products you can find at Evergreen Nutrition.

Support Local Businesses

Why is it important to support local businesses? Because they create jobs and pay taxes, contributing to the quality of our schools, parks, public safety, and the community in general. A variety of (usually smaller) locally-owned, independent businesses creates diversity and interest which shapes the character of the community. They are more likely to support local charities, reinvest in the community, and purchase local goods and services. Locally produced goods not only stimulate the local economy, but they are better for the environment since less fossil fuels are consumed during transport.

In addition, local business owners have made an investment in the well-being of their employees, their community, and the local environment. When they volunteer on civic committees, for example, they will personally experience the impact of their decisions.

Locally spent dollars circulate longer in the community than dollars spent elsewhere. “From $1,” says Tim Mitchell, “you create $5 to $14 in value within that community. But when that same dollar is spent at a national chain store, 80 cents of it leaves town immediately.” (For more information, including 10 reasons to think local first, please see Buying Local and the Circulating Dollar).

Evergreen’s Oregon Companies

Here is a sample of products with an Oregon connection that we have at Evergreen:

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS: Quantum Health and NuNaturals, from right here in Eugene, offer a wide variety of natural products. Arise & Shine from Medford creates cleanses and other all-natural, vegetarian herbal products. Dr. Tori Hudson’s Vitanica specializes in women’s health from Sherwood. HerbPharm has an 85-acre organic farm (and is the largest employer) in Williams while Oregon’s Wild Harvest and Eclectic Institute have organic farms near Sandy. Although Herbs America/Maca Magic promote biodiversity and sustainable farming in over 30 countries, they are based nearby in Murphy, and Germany’s Bionorica, makers of plant-based pharmaceuticals, has a distribution center in West Eugene.

FOR THE BODY & SPIRIT: Tricia at Cortesia creates flower essences using flowers from her organic garden or wildcrafted from her 22-acre sanctuary near Eugene. Daye Company (vitamin E oils), and women-owned/operated Emerita (personal health and beauty products) all operate out of Portland.

OTHER FUN STUFF: Two sisters in Cheshire create Organic Oregon Cosmetics in small, handmade batches. Good Clean Love whips up “all natural love products made with love” right around the corner in Eugene. Think about that!

From Evergreen’s Archive: February 2008

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