Consumerism Commentary - Latest Comments in Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Lise — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:21:44 -0000

I started boycotting a few companies years ago, but I was always a bit embarrassed about it, so I rarely mention it. I feel I'm annoying enough with my constant reducing, reusing and recycling practices (yes, I go through other people's garbage at work.... haven't they heard about recycling????)

Ethical consumerism sounds so much better. Maybe now I can come out and talk about it....

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Ethel — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:17:49 -0000

This is very interesting. I only sorta consider myself an ethical consumer - I try to buy local, I try for organic, and my interest is peaked by the words "fair trade" on a label.

But I also don't have the time or energy to research most of my purchases for their ethical production. I just really don't. However, I'm seeing more and more focus on sustainable buying, and I'm slowly accumulating ways to spend a little more justly without trying too hard.

I'm one of the many who don't do much, but whose efforts will add up. You are one of the few who enable us to do those small efforts. Thank you for this article.

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Edwin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:41:02 -0000

I've read this post and the other post you mentioned about buying alternative energy. I checked for alternative energy where I live in NC. I found I too can spend more on my electricity in order to support the use of renewable generation of elecitricity. I went ahead and signed up for this because I believe it is the right thing to do.

I also looked for green mutual funds to invest in. I'm now using my Roth IRA to invest in green mutual funds.

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Luke F — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:05:11 -0000

Interesting post and definitely something to think about. I will say that while I still shop at Wal-Mart, I should look at it more in terms of helping out the local economy rather than a giant.

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Miranda — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:35:05 -0000

We've noticed a difference in the way we feel when we eat mostly local, mostly organic foods. We feel healthier, eat better and actually save money in the long run. No tempting impulse buys at big chain "super centers"

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

UH2L — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:17:27 -0000

I try to avoid products made in China, but that's nearly impossible most of the time. I also consider what corporations have done that's evil. But the problem with "buying ethically" is that all corporations do some bad things. Just because you hear about it with one company doesn't mean that other companies aren't doing socially irresponsible things. It's just that they escaped the media scrutiny somehow. So boycotting certain corporations may not be fair. In other cases though companies are called out for lots of irresponsible actions. Maybe then, it makes sense to not buy their products or services.(?)

UH2L

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Casey W — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:39:47 -0000

I seem to be on the "moral boycott" bandwagon. I was a vegetarian for years because of the terrible way slaughterhouses treat their workers and their livestock. I don't want a diamond - ever. And I just joined a CSA.

I think it's home training. My mother refused to buy Shell gas in the 1980s because of their labor practices in Africa and their glass ceiling for women executives. Being young and impressionable, my three siblings and I took this to heart... and still don't buy gas at Shell.

Social media should help make consumer boycotts more organized - and thus more effective. Companies only really respond to calls for them to be "more ethical" when it's impacting their bottom line. One person has a small impact, together we have a large one.

Re: Ethical Consumerism, An Introduction

Heidi — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:45:03 -0000

Excellent post!

Thanks for posting this – sometimes people don’t think enough about where there dollars ultimately end up. I love my CSA (started getting eggs and asparagus this week) and I have participated in several moral boycotts in the past (and I still won't shop at Wal-Mart). I hadn't heard of the Adidas thing...

Money really does talk.