Notes from a blackout.

where will you go today?

Hi, pals.

This is a quick and somewhat muddled one. Thanks for bearing with me.

You already know what I think about today’s economic blackout. Part of my problem with this particular boycott/any temporary boycott is the lack of education or training offered to the masses re: where else to get what they need; unsurprisingly, the burden of divesting falls hardest on those already strapped for cash and time—big box stores cater to those of us who need their low prices and all-in-one shopping experiences to scrape by.

A mother in an online parenting group I’m part of today ran out of diapers and was fretting about where she could buy them from a small business, as she wanted to participate in the blackout. A few other moms chimed in with suggestions, but no one was totally sure where they might find them. Eventually, another mother suggested posting on a baby item exchange—this, in its essence is mutual aid, just like a community fridge. But this kind of anti-conglomerate improvisation isn’t as easy as this blackout suggests—many of us don’t actually know what the alternatives are (or where they are, or when they’re open, or what, exactly, they carry).

As a reminder, here are some small businesses who offer daily alternatives to the big box bad guys. Start supporting them today—and don’t stop. Tell your friends about it, too. (You’re also welcome to comment with additional businesses to be added.) We also wouldn’t mind seeing you at the bars or shop this afternoon (in fact, we’d really like to see you).

I also want to tip you off to a truly radical program recently started by our friends at Momma’s in Cambridge:

Momma’s is already on the small business spreadsheet linked above, but they recently started offering locally raised meat at just $2 above wholesale. This is, from a business perspective, pretty reckless (I say this with admiration for the bravery necessary to attempt such a thing). From a community perspective, though? It’s honestly heroic. Sustainably raised local meat is expensive, and should be. Offering a financially legitimate alternative option to purchasing meat at a supermarket is a public service. Go fill your freezer.

In related news, Square has raised its fees once again, and we’re looking at forking over more than $100,000.00 in revenue between credit card fees and transaction fees this year. That’s… so much money. Is it nuts to go cash only? You tell me.

I’ll go back to writing about wine next week, I promise.

In the meantime, you should check out Hannah’s class this Thursday. It’s called "Empty Vessels,” and it’s an exploration of the use of clay amphorae/qvevri/talha etc. throughout the history of winemaking.

That’s all from me. See you out there.

XOXO,

Lauren