I was flipping through my Gaiam catalog today and noticed an interesting quote:

"When you know the story behind the product--how it was sourced and the people it affects--it feels good to know that you made a difference in someone else's life."

I am assuming this is related to fair trade and organic cotton, but it's so true of all locally-made goods! And even locally-grown, locally-owned too. So, if I haven't said it before for fear it might sound too lofty for shopping, I'm going to echo those words: When you shop locally-made, locally-owned, you get to know who you are supporting with your hard-earned money. It does feel good to know you are supporting that individual or family and their creative efforts.