While everyone appreciates saving money, it’s possible to save and still support the local businessman, while also helping the planet. Shopping locally might seem more costly on the surface, but in many ways shopping locally is the most economically, not to mention environmentally, responsible thing a consumer can do.

• Conserve fuel. Shopping at one of the larger discount chains might produce results at the register, but unless you have such a store right in your hometown, those savings aren’t what they appear. That’s because discount chains might be farther away from home, meaning you’ll be spending considerably more on fuel just to get what likely amounts to a minimal discount. The local businessman might not be able to match the big chain’s price, but he can likely offer the item at a price similar to the big chains, but without the additional cost of fuel.

• Reduce pollution. Local businesses often don’t place the tall orders of their big chain counterparts. While their inventory might be less, that inventory is typically delivered in more environmentally friendly vehicles. Larger chains receive the vast majority of their items via big trucks that guzzle gas and produce pollution.