Patt Morrison for September 17, 2009

Local Washing - When "Buying Local" Isn't Really Local

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What appears to be a local coffee shop is actually a Starbucks by a different name.

Communities around the country are signing on for the ‘Buy Local’ movement. Encouraging consumers to shop within their zip code creates local jobs, conserves energy and – most importantly – returns dollars to the local economy. But what does the “local” label really mean? Is it strictly for the mom-and-pops, or does it include your neighborhood Starbucks or Target store? Some big corporations have even been accused of “local washing” – disguising their big-box roots with indy-flavored marketing campaigns. What does local flavor taste like to you?

Guests:
Stacy Mitchell, Senior Researcher with The Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Tamara Johnston-McMahon – one of the founders of Buy Local Pasadena, and owner of Anti-Body, skin care company distributed in 10,000 Villages, Whole Foods, etc.

Malachy Kavanagh, vice president of communications for the International Council of Shopping Centers


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