Alternative Consumerism

How Do I Spend My Money?

Fair trade, alternative consumerism, eco-friendly shopping, green buying…these are just some of the practices that encompass the world of socially responsible consumerism. The challenge for all of us is that our world is becoming smaller. With the advances in technology and the rise of multi-national companies that merge to such a degree that they control multiple industries simultaneously, it is hard to buy anything that you can be sure comes from a company that does not engage in discrimination, support environmental degradation, or violate human rights. In addition, environmentally preferable products are not always easy to find. The simple fact that consumers have many choices makes it more difficult to figure out where to put our hard earned dollars.

Practicing alternative consumerism requires a complex understanding of race, gender, class and global issues. For example, sweatshops operate all over the world and their workers tend to be mostly young women, migrants or immigrants from other countries. The workers are poor and they work long hours for wages that do not cover the most basic necessities for their families. The U.S. General Accounting Office says that a sweatshop is an employer that violates more than one federal or state labor law in the areas of minimum wage and overtime, child labor, occupational safety and health, workers' compensation and industry regulation. The challenge to U.S. consumers is to push our government and U.S. owned international corporations to ensure that we are not supporting sweatshops – that all workers have jobs with living wages, benefits, safe working conditions and the right to organize on their own behalf.

Nothing about being a responsible consumer is simple. Although because buying green and shopping responsibly can help preserve the environment and/or stop some human rights abuses, it can also be an act of privilege at the same time. Not everyone has access to the kinds of resources, technology, information, and transportation sometimes required to buy these products and to be informed about the practices of corporations all over the word. Taking the time to have discussions with your family, neighbors, and other activists may help to raise awareness of alternative consumerism.

Shopping Guide

Information about environmentally-preferable shopping

• Co-Op America: Co-op America’s Green business web site is a practical and powerful tool to help create a more just and environmentally sustainable economy. NOW activists can change their spending to support green businesses and help build a green economy. Visit the site to find green business profiles.
• Eco-Mall: This site provides an extensive listing of companies and products that are considered to be environmentally-preferable. Visitors can look for products by category on this site.
• Green People: Green People is a directory of eco-friendly and holistic businesses and products. Listings are presented by category and by state on this useful site.
• Fairtrade Federation: Find fair trade retail stores listed on this site by state. Fair trade stores carry primarily fairly traded items, either bought directly from producer groups or from fair trade wholesalers.
• The Green Guide: The Green Guide magazine and accompanying website are consumers' go-to sources for green homes tips, product reviews, environmental health and wellness products information, and green living advice. Some of the information on this site requires a purchase.

Information about Global Fair Trade Issues

• Make Trade Fair: Make Trade Fair is a project of Oxfam International and provides information and opportunities for taking action on fair trade issues around the world.
• Global Exchange: Global Exchange is a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. Their website has articles on many global issues as well as an online fair trade store.
• Fair Trade Resource: The Fair Trade Resource Network focuses on consumer education and their website provides a list of fair trade resources as well as a student action campaign.
• United Students for Fair Trade: USFT is a national network of student organizations advocating around Fair Trade products, policies, and principles. Visit their website for resources and suggested actions.