Local Businesses are like Native Plants

by Nimh Willow

Native plants- those that are indigenous to a place, are the keystones of a vibrant, healthy ecosystem. Important native species in Maine such as Goldenrods, Ash Trees, and Wild Strawberries have numerous roles that they play in their communities, such as providing services to plants, insects, animals, and people alike. Supporting the health of the whole, the functions that each plant provides create a support web for all of the species living there. Reflecting this behavior, local businesses function as a support web in the ecosystem of our neighborhood, town, or state.

One way in which local businesses are like native plants is how each provides an important service to the whole.  The Highbush Blueberry for example is a Maine native which supports over 200 caterpillar species, provides food for humans and animals, and is an excellent bird habitat! Small businesses fulfill the immediate needs of the locals, such as locally produced yarns, the freshest dairy products, space for playing games, or shoe repair! Every business has a special niche in our local ecosystem- providing something needed within the community.

Another similarity between native plants and local businesses is how they cooperate amongst each other. Native plants exchange nutrients with one another through fungal networks, provide components of habitat for their shared pollinators, and offer food in the form of seeds and berries, which grow into new plants. This symbiosis keeps things circulating, trading resources and services amongst one another to strengthen the whole. Likewise, local businesses work to support each other, such as a restaurant that partners with a local farm to serve fresh delicious seasonal produce. Co-ops around the world have a long history of supporting one another- one of the cooperative principles! Our own co-op works closely with others- carrying cooperatively produced products, sharing resources with other local grocery cooperatives, and sharing training and resources that support cooperative models of all kinds. 

Supporting local businesses supports the ecosystem that is OUR community! 

To learn more about local native plants, please visit the Native Plant Finder

Call the Co-op (207-338-2532) with any additional questions.

Thank you for supporting local farms and your community-owned Co-op!

additional questions may be sent to info@belfast.coop