The two aren't mutually exclusive (specialization/trade and buying/investing local). Buying local food from farmers is still specialization and division of labor.
if "Trade is the stuff of civilization" as you say, is it not critical that our trade reflects our personal beliefs?
If you don't like what certain large corporations are doing, don't give them your money. In many cases, as with food, an easy way to do this is to buy from local farmers directly or through local coops.
if "Trade is the stuff of civilization" as you say, is it not critical that our trade reflects our personal beliefs?
If you don't like what certain large corporations are doing, don't give them your money. In many cases, as with food, an easy way to do this is to buy from local farmers directly or through local coops.