by Susan Singh (Ghana 63-69)

I recently read a book that maintained that Americans have been transformed from citizens into consumers.  If true, maybe that is why the consumer movement has been so successful.  Deprived of political influence, people seek to create the kind of world they want through careful and thoughtful purchasing.  They seek out green products and seek to support businesses that use sustainable methods of production.  They avoid or boycott products produced in sweatshops, by child labor or prison camp labor, and by businesses that devastate the environment.  Businesses like Anita Roddick's The Body Shop, pay fair prices to third world small producers, provide quality child care to employees, and carry on independently verified environmental and social audits of their procedures and manufacturing processes.
So how can you as an individual/family begin to use your money in ways that benefit the earth?  This column will deal with some general strategies, while future columns will tackle some individual areas in depth.
First of all, before making a purchase, decide if it is necessary, or if you might be able to recycle, reuse, barter, or borrow the item.  If you can avoid the purchase, save the money and invest it in some of the many socially responsible investments that are now available.  In any case, use a local bank which invests in your local community, or a credit union.
If you must purchase a new item, try to find a locally owned business that sells green products.  If you cannot, perhaps this is a business opportunity for your favorite locally owned business.  Educate the owner about green products and ask him/her to carry them.
We all buy food, all that we do not grow ourselves.  Each state in the U.S. imports 90% of its produce.  Is there a farmer's market or a CSA (community supported agriculture) in your area?  Patronize them.  Even your locally owned grocer may be able to be persuaded to carry locally grown organic products.  Or join with others to start community gardens or a food-buying cooperative.
We also all eat out from time to time.  Look for a restaurant that uses organic produce, does not use styrofoam products, and recycles.  Maybe your local health food store has a salad bar, juice bar, café, or take out section.  It is easy to put a delicious, healthy meal together quickly from such offerings. 
I know organic ingredients cost more.  They also usually taste better, are better for your health, and support sustainable agriculture and thus are a gift to the future.  Remember Ghandhi's quote "Be the change you want to see in the world."


Resources:

The best all around resource I know for green consumerism is Co-op America.  If you join them, membership starts at $20 annually, you will receive their magazine, the Co-op America Quarterly, The National Green Pages, and a Financial Planning Handbook.  These contain a wealth of information on reducing consumption, finding socially and environmentally responsible businesses and products, and making socially responsible investments.  Their address is 1612 K Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20077.  They have several websites: www.coopamerica.org, www.greenpages.org (10,000 green products and services), www.socialinvest.org, www.woodwise.org (how to conserve, recycle and reuse forest resources), www.sweatshops.org, www.realmoney.org (create financial security and a better world).