8 Reasons to Love Local
Love Local
There is no better time than now to love local. Buy locally made products, support local businesses, and nurture job creation right here in South Africa.
Even better, promote and provide local skills development so that everyone can work, grow and thrive.
The time is now. The constant noise about trade tariffs, unemployment, rising crime, and corruption can feel overwhelming—but we can turn that into something positive.
Turn this into an opportunity. Read more about our Banana Skin Upcycling Venture – a creative way to reduce waste and boost local innovation through Banaskin Innovations.
Every little contribution is valuable. Here are 8 good reasons to go local:
1. Keeps Money in the Local Economy
Let’s build our own resilient economy that’s not dependent on imports. Buying from local entrepreneurs keeps money circulating through local farms, suppliers, and workers. Every R100 spent locally fuels jobs, tax revenue and stronger communities.
2. More Authentic, Healthier Options
Especially in wellness, food, and DIY health, local means fewer preservatives and more real, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Think herbal tinctures, raw honey, home-churned butter and handmade soaps — made with care, not chemicals.
TIP: Did you know? Consuming small amounts of locally harvested honey (not just locally sold) may help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms by gradually desensitizing the body to local pollen.
3. Encourages Innovation and Diversity
Small businesses often offer unique, handmade or culturally rooted products you won’t find in big stores — like plant-based snacks, DIY skincare and natural remedies. Supporting them fuels fresh ideas and a uniquely South African approach to health and self-care.
4. Builds Relationships and Trust
Buying local often means meeting the person who made your soap, your tea, or your face cream. Ask questions, get custom blends and connect personally. Would you rather buy body butter from a multinational brand, or from someone who knows your skin type?
5. Reduces Carbon Footprint
Local goods mean shorter supply chains and less packaging. That’s less fuel, less pollution, and more care for our planet.
Fewer imports = less fuel = less pollution = a healthier home and earth.
6. Supports Job Creation and Skill Development
Every small business is a job creator. Behind every handmade product is someone providing for a family. Empowering local entrepreneurs—especially women and youth—builds up communities from the ground up.
Start small. One handmade soap. One herb plant. One haircut. One candle. With creativity, support and smart planning, anyone can grow something meaningful.
Earth & Thyme can help. Visit your local market, ask for guidance, learn online or pop into a library. Be daring. Start with what you have.
7. Encourages Holistic Living
South Africa has a rich heritage of traditional healing and indigenous plants. Local makers often blend this ancient wisdom with modern knowledge to create truly holistic wellness offerings — from rooibos and spekboom to einkorn flour and herbal salves.
(Let us know if you'd like to link this section to your recipes or product collection.)
8. Your Support = Their Survival
Every small sale matters. Your R50 purchase could be someone’s grocery money. Especially now, many local businesses are relying on community support to keep going.
Somerset West and the surrounding areas are full of incredible makers and service providers — from sourdough bakers and olive growers to craft markets, clothing artisans and plumbers. Take a workshop, try a new local podcast, share a recommendation, or simply leave a positive review.
When you shop locally, you're not just buying a product. You're investing in someone’s dream, enriching your community, and making South Africa a better place to live.
Supporting another person’s success won’t ever dampen yours.
Final Thoughts
Supporting local is more than a feel-good phrase — it’s a movement. It’s a way to build a future where we all rise together. Earth & Thyme is here to uplift, empower and guide new entrepreneurs, especially in the beauty and natural health space.
If you’d like help with a practical business idea, chat to Sue or Alistair on 072 786 0365 or visit us at Shop 10, Chelsea Village, Somerset West.
Another Upcycling Suggestion
Eggshell Upcycling Venture: No need for huge capital. Get creative, reduce waste, and generate income by creating sustainable products with health and agricultural benefits. Be bold. Be resourceful. You’ve got this!
The message: Up cycle. Start small. Everyone can be an entrepreneur. You don’t need millions — just an idea and the will to begin.