Photo: #"Buy local" movements are nothing new. Going back to at least the Middle Ages, economies have pulled back from trade in tough economic times. But economists say that is often counter-productive.
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"Buy local" movements are nothing new. Going back to at least the Middle Ages, economies have pulled back from trade in tough economic times. But economists say that is often counter-productive. (Photo: Rick Scully/Flickr)

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'Buy local' can be bad economics

by Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio
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A new Twin Cities-based Web site encourages people to pick three local businesses and spend $50 at each of them every month. Organizers claim that will help the whole local economy. But economist Louis Johnston says buying local doesn't necessarily make economic sense.

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