[shop] Explore Your Consumer Power
There comes a time when every forward-minded consumer must take stock. If you look around your home, you will find a series of purchases that have defined you and your presence in the global marketplace. Are you green? Fashionable? Vegan? Accidentally vanilla-orange scented? Minimalist? Beige? Localist? The things you buy, both with careful consideration and with indiscriminate laxity, are all variables in your developing shopper’s profile. This personal history of fiscal activity speaks volumes about you and your relationship with the world, and it’s about time you gave it a thorough assessment.
Many among my friends and family have begun shopping for organic produce and small food wares, but none of them have considered organic cotton… tampons. Before I continue, let me promise all readers who shy away from the subject of feminine hygiene that the aforementioned word will not be repeated. But they do exist. So now you know.
Similarly, I have many animal-loving friends who cry out in horror at the mention of veal, but have never searched online for household cleaners that weren’t tested on animals. Basically, we tend to forget that whatever we buy, whether conscious of the effects or not, reflect back on us as consumers.
Consider Mr. Joe Business. He’s a likeable guy with three athletic teenage kids and a love of profitable investments. He may own a standard livestock yard with 50,000 head of cattle, an organic farm a mile away with 5 acres of tomatoes, a small specialty shop that repairs antique jewelry, and 8,000 shares of Walmart Inc. How do you suppose he will choose where to invest his time and money? Obviously, by analyzing his sales. As a mindful consumer, you can buy three organic tomatoes when you shop for chicken parmigiana ingredients, but if you’ve bought 10 cheeseburgers this year, spent $75.00 at Walmart, and thrown away your mother’s tarnished and passé earrings, what message are you sending Mr. Business? That’s right. He’s going to mow over that little bird paradise and sell the plot to Walmart, where it will be stocked with hormone-laced ground beef and cheap sterling-silver belly button rings. Can you blame Joe?
If, after inspection, you realize that you have indeed neglected to advocate some of your favorite causes with the unquestionable might of your checkbook, let me give you some inspiration. Below are a few products to consider, each made and sold with admirable principles that are held close to the heart of the company they represent. These aren’t cure-alls to your lackluster spending history, but they should give you an idea of the myriad markets you can sway with your purchasing power. (If you think my theories are flawed, see what happens when 10 million Americans want to buy three organic tomatoes.)
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner: This product has replaced Windex and Clorox in my apartment. It smells great and doesn’t make your eyes burn if you fall victim to bounce-back spray. It’s hypo-allergenic, nontoxic, biodegradable, Kosher certified, and not tested on animals. Seventh Generation also offers products like dish soap (which I use to shampoo my dog, as she prefers mild, lavender-scented soaps), toilet paper, diapers, recycled trash bags, and laundry detergent. You can buy any of these items directly from the company or shop for most of them at Target.
Nvey Eco Makeup: This line of cosmetics hails from Australia, where it has been certified organic (not an easy feat for non-food products). Its concealer was named #1 by Natural Beauty Magazine back in 2008, and its colorful sets of eyeshadows and lipsticks have been rising in popularity ever since. Unfortunately, the closest shop that caries Nvey is in Leawood, KS. So unless you’re heading to Kansas City anytime soon, browse their products online.
Urban Forest Soaps and Shaving Bars: These decadent soaps are never made with endangered ingredients such as sandalwood, and never contain synthetics or preservatives. Urban Forest prides itself in reducing waste, utilizing organic and free trade ingredients, and recycling throughout the manufacturing process. While you will likely only get your fix online, you can revel in the fragrances and specific benefits available to choose from. Sesame seed and ginger for an improved complexion, anybody?
Aveda Hair Care: Professional quality products that are made with sustainability and the global environment in mind. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Ask your stylist. Or your girlfriend.
Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste and Mouthwash: All recyclable packaging, PETA approved, ADA approved, Kosher and Halal. Tom’s also asks their employees to use 5 percent of their paid hours to do volunteer work outside of the company. Additionally, 10 percent of earnings go to nonprofit organizations that enrich the community either socially or environmentally. And here’s the kicker: You can buy Tom’s at Dillons, Target or Walgreens.
MyGreenLipstick.com: A women’s clothing site that houses some truly exceptional designers. Clothing for sale is a combination of organic, free-trade, recycled, vegan, or vintage. The styles range from basic yoga pants to runway-worthy cashmere.
With the next purchase you make, whether it be a watch for your dad’s birthday, coffee beans, a bicycle or cotton balls, take the time to explore your options. You can, and do, make a statement every time that you spend money. These small ripples in the market are being carefully observed, and retailers will react with fervor. Remember; You are constantly telling Mr. Joe Business where to put his dollar. If he’s paying attention, you should be too.
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[...] Link: Explore Your Consumer Power Expressing your beliefs and values by spending is really (almost sadly) the easiest way to be heard. If you want to live organically, eat locally, buy seasonally, or go “green,” the easiest way to let Mr. Big Business know is to let your money speak for you. Read on to find out how your dollar will represent you in the global market. Continue? [...]
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