How to Keep It In Vermont

Making sure that money you spend stays in Vermont can sometimes be tricky and rarely is black and white.  For example, if you buy a CSA share from a local farm with your rebate money, it is likely that MOST of your rebate will stay in Vermont. 

On the other hand, if you go shopping at a big box store headquartered out in Arkansas or California most of the money that you spend there is going to go to headquarters.  Sure, a small percentage of what you pay for the TV will actually remain in the state.  That small percentage includes the money the big box store pays its employees (who live in Vermont) and what they pay for rent and state and local taxes.  But the rest of the money for your new TV goes to the store's headquarters and gets disbursed around the world to pay for the TV (probably from China), advertising, packaging and shipping, overhead, and corporate profits. 

How to "Keep It in Vermont?"

• Buy directly from producers when possible. 

• Shop at locally owned and operated stores.

• Purchase products made in Vermont using Vermont ingredients and materials.

• Become a more conscious consumer.  Before you buy something, ask yourself where it is from. 

• Don't assume anything.  Many companies that you "think" are in Vermont are not.  McKenzie's Ham (Chelsea, Massachusetts) and Green Mountain Gringo Salsa (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) are just two examples of companies that have roots in Vermont, but today are no longer Vermont companies.

• Join a local organization that does good for the state such as NOFA-Vermont (Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont).  Non-farmers are welcome to join and it is a great way to show your support for the groups mission. 

• Make a donation to a local, not-for-profit organization that is helping Vermont citizens, the environment, or the landscape.