Frequently Asked Questions
***Disclaimer: No information presented in this FAQ, or anywhere on the website is meant to mislead or misinform the general public in regards to general safety or business operations. All information has been cited directly from credible sources such as the CDC and WHO. Please thoroughly research before spreading unconfirmed information and to ensure your safety.
What does it mean to buy local?
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Buying local is the act of everyday consumers choosing to purchase goods and services from local businesses rather than large retailers. In the midst of this COVID pandemic, it has become more important than ever that consumers in our community make a conscious effort to buy locally in order to sustain the economy of Santa Clara County.
How does buying locally affect the economy? Why is it important to support local businesses?
Buying local keeps money in our community. When you shop local, you do far more than get the items that you want quickly and conveniently. Buying local actually stimulates the economy in our community, helps benefit local schools and charities — and it even helps the environment. It supports local jobs, invests in entrepreneurship, and even helps conserve your dollars! It allows more diversity in our choices, and keeps our community unique.
How has COVID-19 impacted smaller, non-chain businesses?
Though COVID-19 has affected millions of businesses around the world, those that have been hit the hardest are smaller, non-chain businesses. These businesses have to spend a large portion of their budget on sanitation and other health/medical devices in order to comply with public health guidelines and keep business afloat. This means that they are forced to allocate less money to areas such as marketing. Additionally, especially now most people turn to large or big box retailers in order to buy necessary supplies, further decreasing the revenue of small businesses.
What new protocols do businesses have in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers?
Businesses are required to comply with certain measures and protocols of public health departments in order to continue operation. They conduct daily health checks, conduct hazard assessments, require all employees and customers to wear face coverings, and implement policies to ensure social distancing. Additionally, many businesses use contactless pay, and do not allow indoor seating to maximum capacity. For more information on COVID-19 response in the workplace, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html.
As members of the community, how can we do our part to support local businesses?
There are many ways we can help out our local businesses! Order in or take out at restaurants, browse their online stores, purchase gift cards, attend virtual events, and leave positive reviews! Simply even spreading the word about the importance of supporting local businesses or referring them to your family and friends can go a long way.
How can I get involved in this campaign?
There are numerous ways to get involved in the Buy Local Campaign and support the cause! You can follow us on all our social platforms, where we are working to raise awareness and educate the community. We also post fun and interactive challenges. On social media, you can be featured on our platforms by using #buylocalcampaign and tagging our account. During the month of December, we are running a 1 month consumer challenge, where you can complete a series of tasks every week that help our local businesses!
What does it mean to be a responsible consumer?
Now more than ever, it is important that we make a conscious effort to be informed and responsible consumers. This means that we should be able to distinguish our needs and wants. This also means that we should be more mindful about how our consumption practices and choices impact the overall economy of Santa Clara County. A responsible consumer is someone who makes an active effort to educate themselves on safe consumption practices, who is conscious of their consumption habits and who chooses to have, even demands, a more positive impact on society and the environment from the producers of goods and services.
How can I stay safe during this pandemic? What are some safe consumption practices?
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet away from others if you must go out in public. Wear a cloth face covering to cover your mouth and nose when around others and when you must go out in public. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets, faucets and countertops.