Making Thoughtful Choices
With impending U.S. tariffs and a growing focus on sustainability, I’ve been making more intentional choices about where I shop and what I bring into my home. Supporting local and Canadian businesses while minimizing my environmental footprint has become a priority. But I’ll be the first to admit—I’m not perfect at this.
I don’t always make the most sustainable choice. Sometimes as a working mom convenience wins, and sometimes I forget to check where something comes from. But what I have noticed is that I’m becoming more aware. I’m more intentional about supporting local, Atlantic Canadian, and Canadian businesses, and that awareness alone has helped me shift my habits. It’s a learning process, and I think that’s what really matters—progress, not perfection.
Here’s how I try to approach my buying decisions:
Do I Already Have It or Can I Make It?
Before buying something new, I ask myself: Do I already have this? or Can I make it myself? This is something my husband and I both do, though for different reasons. He’s practical—he likes to save money (which is a great thing!). I, on the other hand, love the creative challenge and the ability to control what goes into the products we use.
I’ve made skincare creams, lotions, and even laundry detergent—partly for sustainability, but mostly because I want to avoid the harsh chemicals found in everyday products. If I can make something healthier and better for my family while reducing waste, why wouldn’t I?
That’s the heart of sustainability—using what’s naturally available, minimizing waste, and reducing our impact on the earth. But it also raises a bigger question: What do we actually need? If an ingredient or product has to travel a long distance to reach me (think about the carbon emissions involved), or if it requires an energy-intensive extraction process, I have to ask myself: Is this really necessary?
Can I Buy It Secondhand or Borrow It?
If I don’t have it and can’t make it, my next step is to look for secondhand options. Can I find it at a thrift store, a local restore, or even from a friend who no longer needs it?
Buying used keeps items out of landfills and reduces demand for new production. A great example is cars. While new cars come with that unmistakable “new car smell,” they also come with off-gassing chemicals and a hefty price tag. By purchasing used, we avoided car payments and made a more sustainable choice.
This mindset applies to clothing as well. The fashion industry has become increasingly disposable, but fast fashion isn’t just bad for the environment—it’s harmful to our health. Instead of buying cheaply made, short-lived pieces, I try to invest in quality, sustainable materials that will last and eventually decompose naturally.
The same goes for children’s toys. I’ve always been a strong supporter of buying secondhand toys. The reality is, kids don’t care whether a toy is brand new or not. They play, explore, and develop key skills regardless. So why not save money, reduce waste, and give a perfectly good toy a second life and a little more love.
Can I Buy It Locally?
If I do need to buy something new, I prioritize local sources.
Luckily, we have a farm within walking distance, yet for a long time, I would drive past it in favour of the convenience of big-box stores. Now, I make it a point to stop by every week. They offer a variety of fresh, local produce, and they even have a play area with colouring sheets for my five-year-old. He loves it—especially the veggie bucks program, where he gets a $3 discount on veggies for his next visit. It’s become a fun way for him to learn about food while enjoying the experience.
After the farm, my next stop is the farmers market. It’s not right in my neighbourhood, but it’s still close, and the variety of fresh, locally sourced goods makes it worth the trip. Plus there are so many other wonderful things there. Every visit is a new experience.
From there, if I need anything else, I go to a family-owned grocery store. Only as a last resort do I turn to Canadian chain grocery stores.
Why Supporting Local Matters—A Simple Math Example
I'm no mathematician but I worked out some numbers. Here's how I broke it down. If just 10% of Canadians made a conscious effort to spend $50 a month on local or Canadian-made products, that would inject an estimated $190 million per month into local economies across the country. Over a year, that’s $2.28 billion directly supporting small businesses, farms, and Canadian-made goods.
Imagine the impact if even more people did this! Choosing to support local isn’t just about personal shopping habits—it’s about strengthening our communities, creating jobs, and keeping money circulating where we live.
Final Thoughts
Being intentional about where we shop and what we buy isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about supporting our communities, reducing waste, and making thoughtful choices for our families. By asking ourselves these simple questions—Do I already have it? Can I make it? Can I buy it secondhand? Can I find it locally?—we can make a big impact on both our wallets and the planet.
I’m not perfect at this, but I’m learning, and making changes. And every small change makes a difference.
What small steps are you taking to support local and live more sustainably? Let’s share ideas!
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