June 30 to July 6 is Independents Week, a national celebration of the locally owned businesses that are the backbone of every community. So important are the environmental, economic and cultural contributions of these Arizona-based business owners that Gov. Janet Napolitano has proclaimed this week to be "Independents Week for Arizona."

To celebrate, Local First Arizona, a coalition of more than 1,300 locally owned businesses, is challenging citizens to "Go Local Only" and make 100 percent of their purchases at independent businesses for the next seven days.

Although it's easy to understand the economic impact of shopping locally - three times the revenue remains in your community when you go local instead of going to a chain - many overlook the environmental benefits of doing so: reducing consumption of fossil fuels and creating more sustainable communities.

Read the full article, "Celebrate Independents Week for Arizona!"

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0627greencolumn0627.html

Get your Local First Arizona Golden Ticket at:

http://www.localfirstaz.com/