I first learned about the 3/50 project back in April on one of my daily blog reads, morewaystowastetime. As an owner of a brick and morter business for 10 years, I know first hand what one is obligated for each month before the first dollar is brought in ~ rent/mortgage, utilities, payroll, taxes ~ the list goes on & on. So months ago, as I planned this blog, I knew I wanted my first post to be about the 3/50 project.
The 3/50 project is a simple concept ~ pick 3 independently owned brick & morter businesses you would really miss if they were forced to close & spend a total of $50- a month in them. What exactly is an independent? I love this answer right off the 3/50 project website as it says it so well:
“Someone who sleeps little, eats on the run, balances their checkbook over the breakfast table, combs through order forms in bed at night, and is capable of sorting invoices, signing paychecks, fielding questions, responding to emails, and faxing confirmations while simultaneously explaining to a new employee how to check in UPS.”
So how have I as implemented the 3/50 project into my life? In addition to food shopping at Harris Teeter & The Fresh Market, I stop by Ferrucci’s Old Tyme Italian Market for their yummy meatballs & other Italian delectables, I shop for birthday presents at Maddi’s Gallery & frequent the Corkscrew for a glass of wine & some live music with my friends. You can make it 4 ~ there is nothing like Sunday Brunch on the waterside outdoor patio at the North Harbor Club!
The 3/50 project is not about eschewing the convenience & offerings of chain stores or restaurants, but rather, that buying locally is critical to a robust local economy. Again, it said best in the website:
“Just as there are things in a locally owned store that you can’t find in a big box, there are also things in a big box you can’t find in a locally owned store.”
Head over to the 3/50 project here.
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