Locallectual

A locallectual is an individual dedicated to the "shop local" movement. As concerns about global warming and economic and environmental sustainability become widespread, eco-conscious consumers have begun advocating the purchase of locally-produced goods to reduce the environmental resources expended between manufacture and market. "Locallectual" also refers to an online community founded in 2008 to bring like-minded conscientious consumers together to network and share information According to the official Locallectual website, a Locallectual is "someone who has the intellect and the drive to shop local, buy local, eat local, and support local businesses and the local economy."

Etymology and History

Locallectual is a portmanteau derived from the word "local" and the word "intellectual." The word is inspired by the success of the term "locavore," named the New Oxford American Dictionary's word of the year in 2007.
The word was brought into public use when Locallectual.com was launched on Earth Day in 2008 by Karen Beauford and Jessica Meehan from Charlottesville, Virginia.

Locallectual Online Community

Locallectual.com features a database of locally produced goods and locally owned retailers and eateries. The database is searchable by product category and browsable by company name, city, state, country, and zip code. Locallectual is a Web 2.0 wiki site, so its database is user-driven. Bloggers have praised the site for its interactivity; users can add companies, rate and review companies, create and join online community groups, and participate in forums on the Locallectual site. The site also features blogs by Locallectual's founders, a glossary of "Locallectual Terminology," and a searchable directory of registered users.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu