Buying British isn’t just about patriotism. Many people invest in British goods as a way of supporting the national economy – and here are the 10 main reasons why you should consider buying British.
Farming trends are changing
There is a move in agriculture away from the super farm factories of previous decades. The rural economy needs support from the public. The UK population is growing and people need feeding, but it’s imperative that our farmers are able to produce more food as that, as a country, we’re not relying on imported goods.
It’s a two-way deal. Specialist agricultural insurance providers – like this one, offering a free farmers weekly subscription with every farm policy – and other bodies look after the UK farmers but consumers must play their part by ‘buying British.’
Unethical vegetable production
A recent report produced by Channel 4 News and featured in an article in The Daily Mail highlighted some of the dangers inherent when buying a bag of out of season produce from overseas. Workers were poorly paid, and live in ‘filthy shacks.’ At least if you buy British produce, you know that the fruit and vegetable pickers are treated in accordance with current UK and EU legislation.
It’s easier to get redress if your British goods don’t work
If you’ve ever bought goods online from an overseas company and it’s broken, you may have had problems getting your expenditure refunded. The website Buy British.com has a whole host of UK based alternatives, which may provide a more satisfying customer experience.
It’s not the shape that’s important, it’s the taste
Despite strange legislation about the shape of a banana or cucumber, perfection is most important when it comes to the taste of a fruit or vegetable. There is a world of difference in the taste of an English June strawberry compared with its US counterpart that’s often seen in supermarkets around Christmas.
Supporting your local economy
Some parts of the UK suffered worse than others during the recent recession. If you buy British, you’ll support your local economy. Look out for your local Farmer’s Market for the very best in locally produced food.
Save the planet
Transporting goods across hundreds of miles increases the globe’s carbon footprint. If you buy British you’ll ensure that goods only travel a short distance from supplier to customer and this will cut down on CO2 emissions.
Value for money
From food, to clothes to electrical goods, if you buy British, you’re investing in good value for money. Compare a tacky plastic toy from overseas with a local well-produced wooden equivalent – well actually, there is no comparison. One is far superior to the other.
Ingredients have to be safe
Thanks to current health and safety laws, all good produced in the UK have to submit to stringent safety tests. This isn’t always the case for goods produced overseas.
Boost the economy
In a recent interview on the BBC, the government MP, Owen Patterson, urged the public sector as well as individual consumers to buy British.
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