Local retailers are struggling to reposition themselves in today’s faster-moving, more global economy. I wonder, though, how much the average consumer knows about how the global market works. Because for me, the thought of being completely dependent on global supply chains - not figuratively, but literally - is not a comfort.
I think about what happens when that supply network of things that come and go from Regional Distribution Hubs (RDHs) is disrupted.
The good news is that everything we need to develop better local supply networks is within fairly easy reach. It is, in fact, contained in answers to questions about what and where to source the things we truly need.
Local or online? Interact with people face-to-face, or as minimally as possible? Buy from flesh-and-blood human beings that will perhaps reciprocate the act, or via machine-through-machine to beings we will not, nor perhaps care not, ever meet? Contribute to the development of resilient, adaptive relationships or do the least required to maintain robotic transactions?
But what do I know? Perhaps it only appears that humanity has about as much chance as a mono-crop in the face of blight when it comes to disastrous fire, flood, and fault when overly dependent on global supply chains. Perhaps it only appears that the strength of local communities is what makes all the difference.
I do know this: first responders are the first to say how the majority of communities are woefully unprepared for what befalls them. These emergency workers also readily acknowledge how much work is taken off their shoulders by the better prepared and more self-sufficient.
More equitable, sustainable exchanges are at the heart of this. That is why you will find some of the building blocks for stronger community exchange at Sustainable Exchange.
Come see what we have in store for you.