COURTESY/Gary Knight — Flickr
Buy local.
That’s a term we’ve come to get used to, but back in the early 2000s it wasn’t so well-known.
“Back in 2006 there were certainly lots of great local businesses, but conversation around sustainability and the environment in the community really wasn’t where it’s at today,” says Stephanie Jackman.
As the founder and president of REAP (Respect for Earth and All People), a non-profit association, Jackman helps support a network of businesses in the city that has grown over the last two years to 120 members.
Stephanie Jackman, founder and president REAP Calgary
“The businesses themselves are all business that are locally owned, so they keep their money in the local community and they’re all rooted in the local community,” Jackman says. “they’re hiring people locally, they’re supporting other local businesses, they’re donating time and money to local charities and non-profit community groups, and they’re more likely to care about having environmental products and services …”
REAP’s mission is not limited to helping businesses, it’s also in the game of public education and connecting people with the resources they need for living within their local environment — so far the number of REAP citizens is at 10,000, and Jackman says she expects that rate of growth (as well as business membership growth) to continue as Calgarians and Albertans take more interest in the variety of local businesses, products and services in the province.
Events hosted by REAP Calgary allow people to get to know their community in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Whether it be chefs, producers, or other community members, REAP facilitates the opportunity to build relationships between like-minded buy-local people.
And if you ask Jackman, buying local has come a long way.
“(It) is tremendous, because now it really has become a mainstream conversation, and even the biggest businesses are talking about the importance of the environment and the importance of the community,” she says. “I think it’s more anchored in our general culture now.”
Check out two great events for your taste buds, hosted by REAP:
Food For Thought
Sept. 28 • 1 to 4 p.m. • Hotel Arts • Tickets $41 at the door
An event that pairs chefs and producers together to create a sample that showcases their product. There are 19 different stations to nibble at while you enjoy live music by Rick Climans Jazz Group. Afterwards get inspired by Karen Anderson and Judy Wicks, local food and economy experts. A meal will be provided to someone in need through Mealshare for each tickets purchased
Savour Sustainability Dinner Series
Oct. 14 • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. • Yellow Door Bistro• Tickets $69 in advance only
Stuff yourself with four delicious courses of local, sustainable ingredients made right in front of you! Producers will discuss growing practices, and talk to local artisans and other “locavores” in the city.