Hip Slope Mama, a Brooklyn-based blogazine led by a friend of ours, turned me on to the 3/50 project with this recent post from contributor Mark Caserta.

Since last September, business along Park Slope’s commercial streets has fallen off significantly and my store, 3r Living, has struggled to stay afloat in these difficult, uncertain times.
Of course, many of our customers are feeling the same pain, which is why business is down in the first place and why empty storefronts are starting to litter 5th and 7th Avenues. The economy, of course, will one day make a comeback. In the meantime, though, I want to make a pitch to our Park Slope neighbors to try to support their local stores and restaurants, more than ever.

Caserta asks readers to check out the 3/50 Project, which formalizes the idea I blogged about a few months back — think about the local businesses you value the most and make a commitment to supporting them.

It’s all about being mindful. If you’re going to spend a certain amount of cash each month, direct it toward the places you feel do the most to contribute to the fabric of your community, not just the one you happen to be in front of when you decide you need something.
What three businesses would do you commit to supporting this month?