The “LOKEL Impact” metrics displayed on item detail pages are not 100% accurate for each item, as there are variables that impact the exact numbers which are not easily quantifiable on a per item basis. The metrics are to be used as an educational guide for the consumer to understand the fiscal and environmental impacts of shopping locally through our sellers as opposed to online marketplaces or big box retailers. The assumptions used to create the “LOKEL Impact” metrics are an adaptation of publicly available information by Dimitri Weideli’s Carbon Benefit thesis and the Local Recirculation of Revenue study by Civic Economics.
The “LOKEL Impact” calculations are as follows:
Benefit
.3 kgCO2e/lb
Calculation
Weight of item in pounds multiplied by .3 will return the kgCO2e metric
National Chain vs Independents
Independents
47.7%
Chains
13.6%
Difference
34.1%
Calculation
Total amount paid for an item multiplied by .341 will return the additional recirculating revenue in the community vs national chain purchases.