Going Local, ‘Rootedness’, and the 100-Mile Radius…

Why is ‘going local’ so important and what exactly does it look like? The internet is often a cheap and easy option, so why try to keep our consumption within a 100-mile radius? And does rootedness really matter?

200 years ago, people used to live more locally, but since globalisation really hit off, we’ve changed how we do things. Global connection isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but is it the best thing for us as human beings? Are there substantial benefits to being rooted and present in our local communities? It’s not normal to be so disconnected from the world around us, while so ‘connected’ to immaterial spaces on social media and the internet.         

There’s something to be said for getting involved in the communities physically close to us. It reinforces our humanity by confirming that we are not indispensable, that we can’t be anywhere we want, anytime. But the very nature of social media refutes this fact. The 100-mile radius concept encourages us to source most of what we need to live on (such as food) within a 100 mile radius of our homes. That’s about 160 kilometres. This might mean buying our veggies from a local farmers market, sourcing our entertainment more locally (instead of online) and purchasing clothes from op shops or independent businesses. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be inconvenient. 

It can be pretty overwhelming to suddenly reduce every part of your lifestyle down to a 100 mile radius. So start small. Make it fun. Research where your closest farmers markets. Think about how to incorporate local events like park runs, local shows, or neighbourhood get-togethers into your routine. And remember to give yourself grace.         

Some tips for going local:

• Slow down! Often, a quick trip to Woolies or Coles is all we can manage when we’re running low on food. Make time to visit local growers or decide to shop at locally-owned grocers instead. Adelaide’s got some great options when it comes to markets and local growers: Adelaide Central Market have some great local produce available, while the north-east is well-known for its multigenerational veggie growers! The SA Farmer’s Market at Pooraka is also a great option, with other markets close by too.
• Rather than spending spare time online, do something in the physical world around you. Things like reading, inviting someone over, pottering in the garden, or going for a walk around the neighbourhood.      
• As much as you can, try to make or grow what you consume: start a veggie garden or learn to sew, knit, or crochet.

It’s actually quite a liberating thing to leave your phone at home, pay with cash at the shops, and talk to the person behind the counter rather than using a robot!