Shopping For the Holidays

The holidays are here and shopping seems like an imperative. Getting the right gift for someone special can be difficult as we are presented with a vast array of choices. For many of us living in a highly inter-connected commercialized world, from the moment we step outside our homes the call of department stores beckons us, offering the latest discount or great deal. Stores built like warehouses offer consumers huge quantities for "unbeatable" prices. Commercials advertising the latest shaver, video game or some other "perfect gift" item constantly bombard us. Using savvy advertising and clever images, stores like Target with its trademark red bulls-eye, adorning clothes and even handbags, has become a trademark for good quality at a low cost. But what does it really mean to shop at these stores? Many stores choose to manufacture their goods in developing countries where regulations protecting workers and the environment are weak or in some cases non-existent. By taking advantage of these conditions they are able to substantially increase profits and offer a deeply discounted price at the expense of human rights and the environment.

What To Buy and Where To Buy It?

Given the choice of where to shop for gifts for the holidays, it's important to note where our dollars are being spent. Not just to consider what we are actually buying and how much we pay for it, but also what it means to be making a purchase from a particular store. For example, buying products marked as "Fair Trade", as like any other mark or label (i.e. organic, free-range, 100% pure wool), certifies a product was made under specific conditions. A product with the label "Fair Trade Certified" or the "Fair Trade Federation" logo, guarantees that production of the item has followed international fair trade criteria. This means paying producers a fair wage, ensuring safe working conditions and supporting companies whose business and farming practices are environmentally sustainable.¹

... it's important to note where our dollars are being spent. Not just to consider what we are actually buying and how much we pay for it, but also what it means to be making a purchase from a particular store.

Though becoming a socially conscious shopper can seem like a daunting task because it means taking responsibility for the way our money is used by the stores we buy from, it is empowering to know that our choices can have a significantly positive impact, not just in our own local communities, but also around the world. Consumers don't have to be silent bystanders to conflict, human rights abuse or environmental destruction. Nor do we have to hop on the next plane to attend the next World Social Forum to make a statement that we care about the treatment of workers, the environment, women's rights and other important social issues. All we need to do to make sure our money is used responsibly by the companies we buy from is to become educated about their business practices, treatment of employees and their environmental impact. For example, a company that is consistently cited for polluting the environment may not be one where we want to shop if treatment of the environment is an important social issue to us.

Making A Difference

There are plenty of organizations that are making it easier for shoppers to make these decisions by providing information and offering products from companies with a commitment to social and environmental issues. Knowing that our purchases will not only bring a smile to someone's face, but also have a positive social impact on the world, embraces the true spirit of the holiday season. Some websites that offer information about products from socially conscious and responsible companies include:

• Fair trade federation (FTF) offers products that were bought at "fair" rates with a significant portion of the purchase price going directly to the producer.
  
  
• Global Exchange was founded in 1988 and "is an international human rights organization dedicated to promoting environmental, political and social justice."
  
  To visit their store click here.
  
  
• The Hunger Site uses the Internet to provide information and inspire people to become involved in the fight against hunger.
  
  To visit their store click here.
  
  
• Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian relief organization, offers Mercy Kits, which are donations that support the entire mission of Mercy Corps. Shoppers can choose to designate their donation to a wide range of causes including, HIV/AIDS, Niger's food crisis, post-Tsunami relief aid, post-Katrina rebuilding and many more.
  
  To find more information about Mercy Kits click here.

True Spirit of the Holidays

In a world where we are inundated with choice, it's important to discern the true cost of what we buy. If issues like the environment, human rights and poverty are important to us, then it is necessary and worthwhile to do a bit of research before making a purchase. Websites such as Global Exchange are good starting points to discover which companies are socially responsible. Not only will loved ones appreciate such thoughtfulness, but the communities and employees who helped make the gift possible will as well.

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¹These principles were taken from the following online sources accessed 14 December 2005: The Fair Trade Federation and Global Exchange. See the above web links.




Contributed by Cory McCruden, a freelance writer for GlobalEnvision.org. December 15 2005.

To read another Global Envision article about Responsable Consumerism and Fair Trade, see Wake up, Smell the Coffee.



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