Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Tomorrow, we will shop. In fact, such is the pull of black Friday for Irish consumers that AIB recently suggested that over the next few days, we will shop at the rate of €18,000 per minute. I am planning to speak here for three minutes, and I will let you do the calculations yourselves. What is this draw to shopping? One theory is that our new purchase lifts our mood because it gives us a brief sense of control over our environment. Yet, it is brief, is it not? This is not least because much of the time, many of us are now not only balancing whether we can afford it financially but also are balancing whether we can afford it environmentally. Tomorrow will be the last in my seasonal tour of small business owners across Laois and Offaly and it has been a real pleasure to meet people like Danielle at Naturally at the Wrens Nest, Declan McCraith, woodturner, and all the other makers, bakers, artists and artisans in between. Across the board, they have been champions of local. They have been thankful for their customers and they are passionate about what they do. Every euro that is spent locally can multiply to €2.50 in the local economy, whereas €1 spent online with an overseas retailer has next to no impact on your local economy. Tomorrow, if you do choose to shop, shop locally for Irish-made products and Irish-made food. It is even better if they are made in the locality. Shop for gift vouchers for local venues or workshops. Shop where money brings meaningful employment and pride to a local producer. Shop where you can afford to shop. Shop second hand for products that are pre-loved and are new to you. Items that are kept in use or that are repurposed for new use have a much lower carbon footprint. We are currently transitioning to a circular economy and away from our traditional take, make, use and dispose linear one. We must do so as we come to terms with living on a planet with finite resources. Shop happily and mindfully. Open your hearts to the experience. Chat with the retailers and producers. Hear their stories. Hear what your purchase means from them, because that is where the endorphins will really flow, namely, with that human connection. Shop slowly, feel the fabric and smell the handmade soaps. Use it our lose it is the motto of this year’s green Friday campaign. If we, the consumers, do not play our part, we will lose those local businesses and the employment they sustain.

Check your local chambers of commerce. In Laois and Offaly, they are offering gift cards that can be spent in locally-owned shops. On this black Friday, or cyber Monday, or whatever new buzzword title will be next, think about the power that you have in your wallet. The choice on how you spend your money will make all the difference and this year, be that champion of local.