What is a Locallectual?

First, we can break it down into two parts: Local Lectual

local |ˈlōkəl|
adjective
belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood, typically exclusively so
noun
a local person or thing, in particular

lectual, which is borrowed from intellectual

intellectual |ˌintlˈek ch oōəl|
adjective
of or relating to the intellect

Therefore, our own derivative of these two words would be local lectual, or the way we prefer it: Locallectual. We love the phenomena of new word creation. One of our most recent favorites also stems from the word local: locavore. “Locavore” was coined two years ago by a group of four women in San Francisco who proposed that local residents should try to eat only food grown or produced within a 100-mile radius. Other regional movements have emerged since then, though some groups refer to themselves as “localvores” rather than “locavores.” The New Oxford American Dictionary chose "locavore," a person who seeks out locally produced food, as its word of the year 2007.

So, however you spell our new addition to the local movement dialect (locallectual, localectual, or local lectual), in our mind it refers to someone who has the intellect and the drive to shop local, buy local, eat local, and support local businesses and the local economy. Our aim is to make Locallectual.com the ultimate tool for those who are or strive to be Locallectuals.

Who We Are: 

We’re Karen and Jessica, and we’re the first to proudly call ourselves Locallectuals. We’re forward thinking, we’re smart, and we’re tired of being disappointed by country of origin labels. We know that there’s power in what we buy, and we’re looking to harness that influence to benefit local economies—and more importantly, the planet.

We believe it’s important to be knowledgeable about the origin of the products we buy as well as the practices of manufacturers. We believe companies should do their best to forge beneficial relationships with their workers, their communities, and the globe, while producing quality goods.

We’re also busy. We know that seeking out this kind of invaluable knowledge can be time consuming. The less time you spend researching purchases, the more time you have to enjoy them, your family, your community, and your world.

                                                                                                                          Photo by Eric Kelley - www.ekelley.net

Join us and you, too, can proudly wear the title of Locallectual! Create a member profile and check out the site... add a company if you are in the know about one not yet listed, or enter ratings and reviews on companies you are familiar with.  Check out the forums so that you can network with other Locallectuals... there are many ways in which you can contribute to the Locallectual community and increase your "locallect."