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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2009-03-25, Page 44 MO ch 25,'2009 • The Huron Expositor - d • s'a r - z1", ,• inion- Proprietor and Publisher, Bowes Publishers Limited, U. Win St., Seaforth, ON, NOK IWO irk local even re important tough times At least a year before the recession hit Ontario's manufacturing sector with such ferocity, bumper stickers could be seen around Huron County fore- casting the difficulties ahead. "Out of a job yet? Keep buying foreign," read the stickers, which can still be seen on an increasing number of vehicles these days. It's a common sense messageof cause and effect but one that - despite massive layoffs and continu- ing threats to Ontario jobs even the provincial government seems to be ignoring. Last week, Premier Dalton McGuinty was taken to task by MPP Peter Kormos when the NDP repre- sentative of a riding in Welland learned the provin- cial government has stopped buying Ontario flags from a 'Toronto company. Instead, the flags are now sporting a Made in China label. As the argument progressed, Kormos revealed other purchases in China - such as shirts for OPP uniforms and Liquor Control Board of Ontario tote bags - as evidence of the government's "cross-border shopping addiction" he said was adding to local job losses. Buying the cheapest products, regardless of where they're made or sold, is an understandable response by anyone trying -to make a dollar stretch further in tough economic times. But, as any small town merchant can attest, tough economic times are pre- cisely the time when it's most important to consider the benefits of local purchases to the community we live in. Two well-established Main Street businesses in: Seaforth recently announced they'll be closing their doors for good in a few months' time and they're blaming decreasing sales, caused in part by the re- cession, for their demise. The "shop at home" message is not a new one as small town businesses continue to struggle against big box pricing. Buying Canadian -made products as not a new message either. But, whether it's buying flags in China or head- ing out of town before checking to see if your needs can be met locally, your purchasing patterns can, now more than ever, affect if your neighbours stay in business or keep their jobs. Susan Eutri+dertmarll: Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 Publisher - Dave Sykes Editorial and Business Offices -11 Main Street., Seaforth Thlephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (619) 527-2858 Mailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, ON, NOK 1WO Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositorcom CSD OUEBECOR MEDIA WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, THROUGH THE PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PAP), TOWARD OUR MAILING COSTS." Canada • Using clear garbage bags doesn't require that much more effort Last week I was griping about the new clear plastic garbage - bag requirements in Central Huron. "So now, instead of tossing my messy garbage into a kitch- en catcher bag like I used to, I have to walk all the way down the stairs to put it directly into the big clear`bag on my porch!" No sooner were the words out of my mouth than I realized how ridiculous they were. I mean, really Sarah? You have to walk all the way down one whole flight of stairs or be prepared to wash out a kitchen garbage bin every so often so that you can put it by the curb once a week where it is whisked away and you never have to think about it again? You should be interviewed by Oprah and have your own personal violin player following you around. How ridiculous that I got so used to stuff- ing garbage filled plastic bags into bigger bags that I couldn't imagine doing things any other way. I'm not even 30, how could it be possible that I'm already so set in my ways? For me, it was a small dose of what a lot of people must be feeling now that green is the new black. Thus far, the most strenuous task I've had to complete to stay on the good side of David Suzuki and company was probably changing a couple of light bulbs. You see, a few years ago, when it was de- cidedly less in vogue to be environmentally Ron& e Heyi Our old regiment is having Q reunion! They sent me an invitation. Yeah, I got one too., Are you i ? Sarah McDonald conscious, I was that weird kid who brought her lunch to elementary school in reusable containers with proper cutlery, a thermos of juice, and a cloth napkin. This was in fact, so unusual that it won me more than one environmental award at school. So, usually, when magazines, newspapers or TV shows offer up tips on going green, I've been able to smugly think, "compost, check? Reusable shopping bags? I carry them proud- ly. Clean with vinegar, salt and baking soda? Well, either that or Miss Vickies has moved its headquarters to my bathroom." Most of these everyday activities have been a habit for so long, I don't even have to think about them. They're like brushing my teeth, or tying my shoes. The clear bag issue, however, gave me a little taste of what it must feel like for a lot of people who didn't learn not to leave lunch containers in their desks at an early. age. I think there's a part in all of us that just digs in our heels at the prospect of a) being told what to do, and b) changing our habits, even if we know it's probably a change for the better. Whether you've distributed copies of An In- convenient Truth to everyone you know and have an `I heart Al Gore' poster above your bed or whether you're just not convinced about the whole global -warming thing, most of us See WE, Page 5 C Why not? It'll be a great chance to see all our old buddies again. Not interested. by David Lacey You stili owe them money don't you? Iwasn'ta - very good poker player., SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 38.05 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. SENIORS: - 36.14 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. Foreign: 38.05 a year in advance, plus $195.00 postage, plus G.S.T. k S.A.s 38.05 a year in advance, plus $99.84 postage, plus G.S.T. Published weekly by Sun Media at 11 Main St., Seaforth. Advertising is accept... • ed on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signa- ture, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT 40064683 PAP REGISTRATION NO. 7605 For any non deliveries or delivery concerns please call 519-527-0240. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Circulation Department, P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, ON., NOK 1 WO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association & the Ontario Community Newspapers Association Susan Hunderhnark Editor seaforthnews@bowesnet.com Dan Schwab Reporter seafortheditorial@bowesnet.com Bernie Pugh Advertisin: / Office seaforth.ofc. T owesnet.com Maxwell Bickford Advertising Rep. seaforthads@bowesnet.com Dianne McGrath Front Office seaforthdassif eds@howesnd.00m