Stay, shop, play, eat and drink local
When asked about the one thing that has the biggest positive impact while traveling, experts agree that it's localizing your experiences. “That might mean traveling closer to home, but it might also mean more intentional and active participation in the local supply chain,” Collins says.
Supporting local businesses spurs economic growth wherever you land, ultimately leading to financial independence and better living conditions for its residents. This ranges from the top, like choosing an independent hotel instead of an international chain, to shopping at an artisan market or, perhaps most importantly, choosing where to dine.
When visiting a dining destination, it might look like doing your research and making a reservation at a local place that is actively invested in giving back to the community. A good example ? La Grutalocated in an atmospheric and naturally cooled cave approximately 25 miles outside of Mexico near the famous Teotihuacan Archaeological Site. Earlier this year, the restaurant's sustainability program was recognized and awarded twice by Mexico Gastronomic Guide, an organization that distinguishes the 250 best restaurants in the Mexican Republic.
At La Gruta, third-generation chef-owner Carlos Cedillo not only oversees the lush organic gardens that provide the bulk of the cuisine's ingredients, but has also implemented various social, economic and ecological sustainability measures. There is a composting system that turns scraps and unused produce into nutrient-rich soil and they work with area farms to establish fair business practices for anything they need to outsource, like heirloom corn, some cactus fruits, beans and livestock. They also reuse as much as possible, even requiring their ice cream vendor to wash, sanitize and refill the same pots for each delivery. All that, plus community outreach programs and a focus on gender equity and fair compensation within the company, and you have what Cedillo calls “sustainability” at the table. Oh, and did we mention that the inventive, pre-Hispanic-inspired food is also incredible?
That's all to say, do your Google research at the planning stage to ensure all your hard-earned vacation money stays in the community. If you're not sure where a souvenir came from or if your driver was hired by a foreign company, the best you can do is ask and hope for an honest answer. You'll find that most people are quite proud to tell you when something is produced at home.
