The mission of Coastal NJ Small Business is to bring attention to the sustainable small businesses in NJ, especially to college students who may not be as familiar with the rich history and importance of main streets and their importance to the community and the environment. ‘Shopping small’ is a great way that we can take part in being environmentally friendly and community-minded.

The Main Idea

We focus on bringing attention to shopping at small businesses, as it is good for the environment and supportive of the community at large. Shopping small creates a sense of community and is what helps a local area, like the Urban Coast, to thrive.

The Science Behind It

The positive changes that occur as a result of people ‘shopping small’ have been scientifically proven. When an individual supports a small business, they help the environment. They travel less, thus emitting less pollution in addition to less congestion. This has even been shown in scientific studies, including “Neighborhood Stores: An overlooked strategy for fighting global warming” by Stacy Mitchell, who states, “Independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They typically consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.” Another example is even the ‘shop small’ tote bag initiative, where many small businesses give customers free fabric tote bags instead of plastic bags to thwart the effects of plastic waste on the environment. Locally owned shops tend to be more

The science does not lie: small businesses help to build communities, while keeping the environment green. The SBA even has a webpage devoted to this idea. Additionally, Census.gov released information stating that small businesses have generated over 65% of the net new jobs since 1995. This is another reason why supporting these businesses is important: they give back to us all in many ways.

Another example is even the ‘shop small’ tote bag initiative, where many small businesses give customers free fabric tote bags instead of plastic bags to thwart the effects of plastic waste on the environment. Locally owned shops tend to be more ecofriendly, from locally grown produce to candles cultivated from beeswax.  They often have locally grown or manufactured products, which save the environment while also making their prices more affordable for university students.  Small businesses are very conscious of being environmentally green and encourage their customers to follow suit. The urban coast needs and deserves attention to its environment and the future of its ecosystem.