25 January 2013 - Democracy

I found a book at the Salvation Army store the other day which has been challenging me immensely as I read. It's called "Take it Personally" and discusses 'how Globalization affects you and powerful ways to change it.' The Author/Collaborator is Anita Roddick who is the founder of the Body Shop, a brand famous for it's focus on fair trade when creating their products.

Alongside the information the book contains which details some of the unethical and heartbreaking business practices that take place under our system of 'globalization' it gives the reader encouragement to take action - to 'take it personally.'

One powerful way we can do so? To vote with our dollar.

I've never voted. In an election that is. There were two years in New Zealand when I could have but I worked hospitality and never felt passionate enough about the vote to use my treasured 30minute break to head to a polling booth. In Australia New Zealanders are denied the right to. And I'm more than okay with that.

But the power to vote with my dollar is one I am starting to take very seriously. Supermarket shopping is no longer something I do in a hurry; haphazardly grabbing the best 'bargains' or most familiar products from the shelves. I want to know the products story...

“Every product has a story. And I know that I am not the only person who does not want to wear people’s tragedy. I do not want to consume their suffering with my morning cup of coffee.” - Dave Batstone, founder & president of Not For Sale

I want to know what the company cares about and values; and that their business practices are ethical. I want to know that they treat their workers fairly, are kind to the environment, and are transparently honest with their customers. Because where we spend our dollars shows the type of world that we want to live in.

Do I want to vote for Nike, who has been known to pay poverty wages to it's sweatshop workers while it's CEO and management team bask in their soaring profits? NO

Do I want to vote for certified fairtrade coffee where I am assured that the farmers are given a fair and stable price for their produce in addition to investment in the development of their community? YES

If every consumer decided to vote as carefully with each dollar they spend as they would for a general election then perhaps companies will be forced to address the issues that their consumers care about. And we do all care about these things right?

Knowing which products are ethical is the challenging part, and which is why my supermarket trips have become longer and longer as I read the labelling, hoping for clear cut information or at least clues as to the products 'story.' Recently though, my friend Sarah told me about an "Ethical Consumer Guide"and I've just visited their website and downloaded a copy. If you would like the power of information to vote with your dollar then get your copy too by clicking here. They have a free downloadable version, can post out hard copy's or you can even get a handy app for you iphone.

Let's become informed consumers, ethical buyers and consistent voters supporting fair trade, local, organic, free range, sustainable products and brighter future for our world. This is what true democracy looks like.