Our path to local craftsmanship & enterprise: A lesson from Scandinavia, a solution for today
At Lima Eco, our commitment to creating quality products in Montreal has always been strong, but last summer a trip to Sweden, Norway and Denmark profoundly changed our perspective on the importance of buying local. In a world full of uncertainties, both political and environmental, the trip made us realize how essential it is to turn to what's made close to home. The Scandinavians have mastered this approach, and it's something we can all learn from in these difficult times.
An overview of Scandinavian localism
Visiting these countries, I was struck by the way in which local products are favored. In Swedish, Norwegian and Danish stores, I rarely saw items imported from the USA or Asia. Instead, the shelves were filled with products made locally, by local artisans & businesses, using local resources. It wasn't just a trend; it was a way of life.
This strong support for local production contributes directly to the well-being of the local population. Scandinavians are consistently ranked among the happiest people in the world, and their crime rates are low. The close relationship between consumers and producers generates a deep sense of pride and satisfaction, which in turn strengthens their societies.
The importance of local presence in uncertain times
Today, the political situation in North America, particularly in the United States with its growing uncertainty, is affecting many aspects of our economy. Trade relationships are changing, and global supply chains are becoming increasingly unpredictable. As a result, relying on imports, especially from distant countries, can leave businesses and consumers vulnerable.
In this context, buying local isn't just an option, it's a way of protecting ourselves and strengthening our community. By choosing Canadian-made products, we reduce our dependence on unpredictable external factors and keep our economy stable and resilient. Supporting local producers keeps jobs here, encourages innovation and ensures that we're not at the mercy of international politics.
Global warming and environmental change: Another reason to buy local
Political uncertainty aside, climate change is an urgent reason to rethink the way we consume. The impact of global warming is felt more and more each year, and one of the most effective ways to combat it is to buy local.
When we buy products manufactured far away, particularly in Asia, the environmental cost is significant. Long-distance transport burns fossil fuels, increasing carbon emissions and worsening the climate crisis. What's more, many of these products are manufactured under dubious conditions, sometimes unethically, with materials or ingredients of unknown origin. These items may have hidden environmental and health impacts that are not in line with our values.
By going local, we reduce the carbon footprint of our purchases. Local products travel shorter distances, which means less pollution and reduced environmental impact. What's more, we can trust that local producers, like us at Lima Eco, favor ethical practices, high-quality ingredients and sustainable production methods. Our candles, essential oils, soaps and hygge-inspired products are carefully designed and made in Montreal, with respect for the environment and our community.
The local success model in Scandinavia
In Scandinavia, the emphasis on local production isn't just about economics: it's also about sustainability and ethical responsibility. Here are a few figures that show the power of local:
- Denmark Denmark: Around 70% of goods in stores are produced locally, reducing their dependence on imports and lowering their environmental footprint.
- Norway Norway: Around 86% of food consumed is produced locally, underlining the importance of self-sufficiency and local resources.
- Sweden Sweden: Around 67% of products are made in Sweden, creating strong links between consumers and local producers.
These countries, which give priority to their local economies, also rank among the best in global sustainability rankings. Their ability to promote a thriving local economy while reducing their environmental impact offers a model for us all to follow.
Why buy local?
Supporting local production isn't just good for our communities - it's essential for the planet. Here's why:
- Reduce your carbon footprint Local products travel fewer kilometers, which means less pollution and lower emissions.
- Ethical and transparent production You can trust that local products are made with care, using safe, high-quality ingredients from responsible sources.
- Strengthen the local economy Every dollar spent on local products circulates in the community, creating jobs, innovation and resilience in uncertain times.
- Support sustainability Local businesses often favor environmentally-friendly practices, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
A call to action: Building a stronger future together
At Lima Eco, our commitment to making quality products in Montreal has always been central to what we do, but this trip to Scandinavia, combined with today's political and environmental challenges, inspired us to go even further. More than ever, we believe that supporting local businesses is essential to creating a sustainable and resilient future.
As we move forward, we're pleased to announce that we're developing new products to launch this year, all made from natural ingredients and produced locally. These products are designed to fit seamlessly into your everyday life, giving you more opportunities to support local and make thoughtful choices for your health and the environment.
It's the perfect time to re-evaluate the way we consume and opt for local options that match our values. When you buy our candles, essential oils, soaps, diffusers and new products to come, you're investing in your community, contributing to sustainability and supporting ethical craftsmanship.
In a world marked by political uncertainty and climate crisis, the power to make a difference is in our hands. Together, we can build a better future, buying local and buying smart.