I made a decision a few months ago, to stop shopping at Wal-Mart, because of their terrible attitudes to just about everything (other than profit), but I'm wondering how effective this approach is. It's relatively easy to find other stores to buy what I need (though I've drastically cut down on my consumerism), but how do I know that it's making any difference? I don't buy Nestle or Coke products, but are the manufacturers of the 'no name' brands just as bad, but without the publicity?
With an active toddler and a baby on the way, it's difficult to spend time going to lots of individual downtown stores and farmers' markets, so going to larger stores who have a better responsibility to the environment and humanity would be easier, if I knew which ones they were. Also, depression has turned my once sharp brain into mush, so investigating different stores and companies on the Internet is not so easy, with so much conflicting information out there.
Is boycotting certain brands and stores an effective way of being a more responsible shopper? What else can I do?
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In our society its difficult, even imposible to be completely ethical in your spending. I would say that you are on the right track. Don't stress yourself out. This is what I do:
ReplyDeleteSupport the best (local, organics,sustainable)
Avoid the worst: Walmart, Coke etc...
Consume less: non esentials, energy
Nurture the good things in life:Nature, Yoga etc
Don't worry about the rest.
Here's a response I received through the LAN:
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
I’m so happy to see people making positive changes in their lives.
I think it is important to remember that every important movement in our history has started with one person.
You influence those around you and create a wonderful role model for yourself.
Here are some tips.
No name brand verses Nestle or Coke (both brands horrible as you know). It can be hard to know if Coke doesn’t simply produce a drink for no name. Best idea. Just try to cut pop out of your diet. Make it a rare item. Purchase or make real juices instead. There are better brands that can be found in the natural sections such as Blue Sky, etc.
Remember that multinationals have one priority only – to make money. Your health & our environment is not their concern. They are legally bound to make money for their shareholders.
Unless you buy organic you cannot be guaranteed your food is not made from GMO foods.
If you cannot make it all of the time to the market, etc. – Canadian chains with natural, organic products are better.
I find the easiest thing for me is to think of SOL food philosophy. Sustainable (S)(plant based), Organic (O), Local (L) where possible with an emphasis on fair trade.
Think of money as a voting tool. ‘Vote’ wisely for the companies you believe in.
As a mom – I think we need to see our food as an investment. So don’t see foods that may cost more as expensive – see the additional cost as an investment in your children’s bodies & their future.
Food is the most important thing item you can spend your money on.
If you cut out junk food it allows much more money to spend on the ‘real’ costs of ethically produced food.
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/
This is hopefully a starting point for you.
It is a daunting task to change personal habits from less conscious to more socially and environmentally aware. The transition of your purchasing patterns cannot change over night. To take one step at a time is a more realistic and less frustrating way to change. Address those things that you encounter when you encounter them. If soda is the first issue which you seem to have hit a wall, then start with that. Lastly, we all must understand the context within which we live and interact. To see ourselves in the sea of media and corporate interests is an overwhelming realization but essential to everything into perspective the small dilemmas of pop to the larger conflicts.
ReplyDeletebaby steps and perseverence lead to the changed us....
cs