As consumers, we need to take responsibility for what we’ve done to the world - Not just to the Gulf of Mexico or Niger Delta, but to our own communities, and to the future generations that have to clean up our mess. We need to work towards giving money only to those who do more good than harm, whenever possible. We need to keep in mind that the cheapest products often have the highest social and environmental costs, and we don’t actually save in the long run - we lose jobs, hurt people and the earth, and lower our health and quality of life (buying the cheapest food then having to spend a fortune on medical treatments down the road is a good example).
It’s easy to blame corporations, but they only exist because of our money. We are the market. We decide which products continue to be produced by buying them.
Ways to spend consciously:
Give your money to businesses that are local, independent, carbon neutral, and that treat their employees well (and try not to drive there). Eat/use products that are local, organic, seasonal, second hand, fair trade, ethical, free range, all natural, sustainably produced, high quality (so you only have to buy them once), minimally packaged, carbon-neutral, cruelty-free, chemical-free, petroleum-free, non-processed, and non-GMO. Avoid meat as much as you can. Have swaps for clothing and household items. Go to farmers markets. Shop at charity thrift stores. Switch your home’s energy plan to a green one, if available.
Create good habits, one at a time. You don’t have do everything. Just do your best.
