Shopping Small & Local During (and Beyond) the Pandemic

by Christine Terrell March 19, 2020

The world has turned upside down for the moment. I am already heartbroken for the loss of loved ones and hope this epidemic burns itself out faster than the predictions.

At the same time, I believe the coronavirus is exposing the deep fissures in our governance and social structures. I think we'll finally be forced to reckon with all the faults of the 'rugged individualism' myth that has shaped so many wrong-headed decisions over decades. The first one to go, I think, will be this notion that global economies of scale make local economies unnecessary. We've already bumped up hard against that falsehood and we're not even into the thick of the problems in the US.

So, one of the best things you can do to prepare for what comes next is to establish or strengthen ties to the people who produce things on you street, in your neighborhood, your town and region. Those people are our first line of defense when the global markets can't deliver on promises.

To that end, I'm amassing this list of locally owned businesses who, as of this moment, are up and running and ready to get quality, hand-crafted foods and goods to you through the mail or through on-site pick up.

Please buy from them, share this list with your circles and send me any others that need to be added here.

Be well,

Art/Accessories

Anthony Maddaloni Photography

Art by Susan Best

Austin Art Garage

Debbie Carroll Fine Art

Espacio Handmade

Fort Lonesome

Helm

Hempton's Retro Threads

Mockingbird Handprints

RIver City Glassworks

The Wonderful Adventure

XO Stitches

Yarrow & Sage Appothecary & Arts Co-op

Zilker Belts

Entertainment

BookPeople

Join award-winning improv troupe Parallelogramophonograph for a virtual improv show. You stay at home, in your pajamas (maybe?!) and the members of PGraph perform for you live, on video.