It’s hard for small businesses to compete with big box stores—especially on Black Friday. Yet many Michiganders want to support their local shops, while keeping their dollars in their communities. The solution? Small Business Saturday.

That’s why this week, we’re bringing you tips on some of the best places to shop on Small Business Saturday across the Mitten. And to keep you in the shopping mood, we’ve also got a list of local businesses where your purchases help preserve our state’s parks, trails, and waterways.

P.S. Did you miss Lansing’s 
Silver Bells in the City last week? The ‘Gander’s Lucas Henkel stopped by and documented his night. You can watch it here.

MICHIGANDERS HAVE NEW REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS (link): Earlier this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of laws called the “Reproductive Health Act.” Among the most significant things it’ll do is finally allow reproductive health clinics that offer abortion to open in underserved parts of Michigan. That makes some anti-abortion groups mad—but don’t listen to any nonsense they put out on social media. Here’s a breakdown of the RHA, so you always have access to correct information.

Also see: Op-ed: Why your grandma protests

NEW LAW PROTECTS DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORS (link): In another major win for Michiganders this week, Whitmer also signed a law to protect domestic abuse survivors by keeping guns out of the hands of violent abusers. Research has shown that access to a gun makes it five times more likely that an abusive person will kill their partner.

NO LINE 5? NO PROBLEM (link): Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 oil pipeline—the 70-year-old pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac that carries oil and natural gas across the Midwest—has long been the subject of intense debate. It’s rare when activists and lawmakers want the same thing, but here in Michigan, both groups want it shut down due to the danger it poses to the Great Lakes. Enbridge, however, argues that shutting it down would lead to higher gas prices—so the risk is worth it. (😳) But a recent analysis from a Chicago-based consulting firm found that if Line 5 closed, there would be no supply shortages or price spikes. The report is a big win for Attorney General Dana Nessel, who’s representing Michigan in several legal efforts against the pipeline.

Get up to speed: What’s the deal with Line 5?

WANNA CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE? IT’S $5 AT THESE MI FORESTS (link): For those of us looking for a more hands-on experience when getting this year’s Christmas tree, The US Forest Service has announced several woods across Michigan where you can cut your own for $5. The $5 U-cut Christmas tree permit allows you to chop down your own tree from designated areas within Ottawa, Hiawatha, and the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Permits are available at Recreation.gov.

Photo via Canva

The antidote to the capitalist chaos of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday originates from a 2010 American Express campaign. Since then, AmEx has gone on to help small business owners promote their businesses, and the Small Business Association has become a co-sponsor of the holiday. It even became an official holiday when President Barack Obama recognized it in 2011.

Over the past decade, consumers have pumped around $120 billion back into their communities by shopping locally on the day after Black Friday. If you love being part of this community-strengthening movement, writer Claire Mainprize has your back. She rounded up local businesses across the Mitten worth checking out this weekend. As an added bonus, many of these shops ship orders across the state. Highlights include:

Lakes and Grapes, Traverse City: This local brand sells lifestyle apparel that’s “rooted in the adventures of a water, woods, and wine country way of life.” We recommend checking out the brand’s best-selling Superior Fraser Fir Candle—the perfect way to gift someone a slice of the Great Lakes. 

October Moon, Lansing: This gift shop in the Mitten’s capital features hilariously witty gift collections, including “I’m a Dude and I Messed Up. What Should I Send?” and “Middle Aged Woman Weekend Joy.” The store carries tons of lip balms, which make for excellent stocking stuffers (and you might as well add this staff-recommended bubble bath, too).

Woosah Outfitters, Grand Rapids: Find great outdoor gear (in addition to original artwork and designs) at this earth-friendly local business. We love their woodblock prints—a beautiful addiction to anyone’s home decor.

To see our full list, click here.

Also check out: This online tool helps shoppers find small businesses

Photo via shop.michiganology.org

What does this cool painting of a grayling have to do with shopping? It’s part of an effort between local businesses in the Mitten and the state’s Department of Natural Resources to help keep Michigan beautiful.

It’s called “These Goods are Good for Michigan,” and the businesses that have joined this program have agreed to donate a portion of all proceeds to help preserve our state’s parks, trails, and waterways. Here are some of our favorites:

Limited edition “The Grayling” print: Do your part in helping bring the grayling back to Michigan while also snagging some fine art for your home. Michiganology is offering a number of limited-edition reproduction prints of “The Grayling” by Samuel A. Kilbourne. All profits will benefit the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative.

M-36 Coffee: Rise and grind with a cup of coffee from M-36 Roasters! The Whitmore Lake-based company offers a line of six coffee blends that are inspired by Michigan’s state parks. The company donates 50 cents for every bag sold in their Michigan Parks line to the DNR.

Great Lakes Proud: This outfitter has been producing iconic designs to celebrate Michigan’s outdoor landscape for over a decade. A portion of all proceeds from their Great Lakes Proud x Michigan State Parks Collection go towards helping preserve Michigan’s parks, trails, and waterways.

To see the full story, click here.

Photo via www.frankenmuthfarmersmarket.org

Where: Frankenmuth

When: Nov. 24-26, Dec.1-3, and Dec. 8-10

Price: FREE

For many Michiganders, the start of the holiday season requires at least one trip to “Christmas Town, USA”—better known as Frankenmuth. The Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt is modeled after outdoor holiday bazaars held in Germany and features countless gifts for you to peruse. Best of all, admission is free and you have three weekends to attend—the first of which takes place this weekend.

This email is written by Karel Vega, community editor at The ‘Gander. Have a question or comment? Reply back to this email!