When it comes to eating, it's natural to seek out foods with the best taste, price, and accessibility. The consumer market may have led you to believe that large supermarkets are the answer to your needs. However, local produce offers far 
more benefits than you might imagine. Local consumption refers to a sustainable system, inherently more responsible towards society and the environment, as it is community-based.
By considering a smaller-scale working scheme than that of transnational corporations, not only can the products be of better quality, but also, without the need for intermediaries, the products are cheaper, and the money goes directly to local producers. This, in turn, stimulates the economy and improves the quality of life for the neighbors in the area, both in general and particularly in the Gold Coast and the surrounding areas of Brisbane.
Benefits of Consuming Locally:
- The environment appreciates it: Local producers use fewer chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making the food more natural. Similarly, land use is more responsible, and factors as simple as transporting food to your plate have a lesser impact. Buying local reduces your carbon footprint, something you can actually calculate through Food Miles to understand the sustainability of the products in your pantry.
- It saves your wallet: By saving on transportation, intermediaries, and chemicals, the price offered at a local market is better than what you can find in a supermarket.
- Supports small entrepreneurs: It's no secret that the economic situation is becoming increasingly fragile. Consider that with your purchase, local producers can develop their businesses and achieve a better quality of life. From food, clothing, beauty products to home items such as wallpapers, murals, wall coverings, these small entrepreneurs are part of the larger sustainable production chain.
- Promotes camaraderie: An indirect benefit of buying from farmers at markets is the potential to develop friendships. In the modern world, social interactions are becoming less frequent, and exposure to others is very healthy.
How to Consume Responsibly?
Ideally, to adopt sustainable consumption, turn to local and regional products 
first, then national ones, and as a last resort, importd ones. Likewise, you can choose to visit markets instead of supermarkets. And in any case, opt for the most eco-friendly options: buy organic food, avoid single-use plastic, reuse cloth bags to store your purchases, etc. Moreover, as a consumer, you have the right to demand to know about the origin of a product, its ingredients, and the working conditions under which it was produced.
Becoming aware of consuming local products contributes to a better-balanced diet and the development of the country's economy. It also helps to take care of the environment and contribute to a myriad of factors that benefit us all. At BeautifulWalls, we are committed to promoting sustainability and supporting local communities in their efforts towards a greener future.
Source: blog.nativu.com, Laura Arce, publication date: 18/1/23