Buy Local

Our efforts to cut down on our energy usage and carbon emissions in our personal transportation habits are important. But if we are walking to the store just to buy something that has been shipped in from Illinois, Hawaii, or China, we are still paying others to use resources and pollute our world, many times unnecessarily. We must be conscious of where the products we buy are coming from.
It may not be possible to buy only local products. There is a wide variety of what products are available in our local communities. But even buying the ones you know to be local will make a difference.
Many of the benefits are ones already stated. But here's a few things to consider:

1) Buying local cuts down on demand for products that are shipped long distances in trucks. This reduces energy usage and pollution. It also cuts down on traffic, saving wear and tear on our highway systems and causing fewer accidents. Who doesn't want to live in a world where there are fewer semis on the roads?
2) It promotes community. When you buy local, many times you are interacting with the people who produce the items rather than a faceless corporation. Also, you are helping use your money to create jobs in your area.
3) It encourages bio-diversity. If everyone in North America is buying only foods that are shipped in from 3 or 4 regions, we quickly become more susceptible to crop and herd diseases.
4) It supports the entrepreneurship and artistic expression of the average person. One of the great losses of our developed nation is the loss of our creativity and willingness to nonconform or try new things. When you buy local, it is a great way to encourage those who chose to utilize their talents the way they wish to rather than trying to fit their gifts into a position with a corporation. It might even inspire you to create your own small business selling something you enjoy creating or growing.

Networking is the best way to connect with those who produce items locally. Check out local farmer's markets and talk to people about what they produce and where they get certain products. Also, talk to friends, coworkers, family. Often people who've lived in the area longer than you have are great resources.
I know in my area there are local farm 'shares' available, where you pay to receive a portion of whatever produce is in season at the time. Sometimes they even deliver! Craigslist might be another way to connect with local producers.
This requires a little leg-work and creativity, but I think you'll find it well worth the effort.