Exercise your consumer power and make shopping a revolutionary act.
Its easy sometimes to feel overwhelmed in the face of the myriad or environmental and social problems our world faces. But as consumers we wield the ultimate power to effect change, our spending habits can make or break corporations. So we need to think before we hand over our hard earned money.
Are you concerned with human rights? Then don't purchase from companies that make use of child labour. The environment worrying you? Then only buy from companies you know have a spotless environmental record. Angry about jobs going overseas as companies try to make bigger profits by using cheap labour? Then use your money to support local businesses and buy local goods.
Don't forget to let the corporations on your personal boycott list know why you won't be spending your money with them - and encourage the good guys by letting them know why they can count on your custom. And spread the word to family, friends, neighbours. The more consumers making thoughtful and mindful purchasing decisions the bigger the changes we can make!
Here's a list of five questions to ask before you purchase anything (yep, even those little purchases count.)
Do I need to buy it?
Definitely the first question you should ask. Is this some thing you need? Or are you buying it because you are bored, following a trend, wanting to keep up with the Joneses? Can you borrow it instead of buying it? Or make it yourself? Or maybe buy secondhand instead of new? Can I afford it?
In this day and age of instant gratification and out of control consumer debt, saving up to buy things with your own money is a revolutionary act. Banks, Finance companies and Credit Card companies have been irresponsible and reckless with offering credit and the current economic climate is showing that it is us, the consumers, that are paying for their greed. What environmental impact does it have?
What will happen to it once it is no longer useful? Will it take up space in the landfill or can it be recycled? Has it been built to last or has obsolescence been built in so in a years time you will need to replace it? What is it made of? What was the environmental cost to make it in the first place? Where was it made?
It might seem cheaper to buy goods made in third world countries but if you think about the real costs of these products, it doesn't add up so well. Global corporations have no interest in your community, and send their profits off to head office to be invested elsewhere. Buying locally made goods means your community is better off. There is more employment at home, profits made will benefit your neighbourhood, and less resources were wasted in transporting the goods long distances. Who made it?
Is it made by a company that shows responsibility and leadership in regard to environmental and social issues? Is it made by child labour or in sweatshops by underpaid workers?
If you answer these questions to your satisfaction before you buy, you will probably find you have a lot less stuff, a lot more money and the world will be a much better place.
