Shopping for a Better World

Guide Makes it Easy to Find & Support Sustainable Companies

Jul 29, 2009 Lori Nash

The average American family spends around $18,000 every year on goods and services. Think of it as casting 18,000 votes a year for a better world.

A trip to the grocery or discount store isn't seen by most as an opportunity to cast a vote in favor of the environment, social responsibility or human rights. According to Ellis Jones, author of The Better World Shopping Guide, every dollar consumers spend should be seen as a powerful tool to support companies that practice sustainability, environmental protection and the rights of all living creatures, animal and human.

Which Companies are Ethical and Practice Sustainability?

Jones, a self-desribed "scholar of social responsibility, global citizenship and everyday activism," teaches in the Department of Sociology at the University of California in Davis. That's his day job. But during his spare time a few years ago, Jones was focused on learning about the corporations that provide us with everything from toothpaste to tires to tomato sauce. Are they corporate villains, destroying rainforests, exploiting Third-World nations and testing unnecessarily on animals? Or are they corporate heroes, treating animals humanely, paying fair wages and protecting the environment?

He spent five years researching this information, grading the companies based on their business practices, and then compiling the information into a booklet consumers can use to make shopping decisions that support their values and beliefs. The result? "The Better World Shopping Guide" and its sister Web site, Betterworldshopper.org.

The Social and Environmental Issues

Jones evaluated the companies based on the following issues:

• The Environment - rainforest destruction, pollution, recycling, renewable energy, ecological innovation, global warning, toxic waste dumping and sustainable farming practices
• Human Rights - sweatshops, third-world community exploitation, international health issues, divestment, child labor
• Community Involvement - volunteer efforts, local business support, sustainable growth, family farm support
• Animal Protection - humane treatment, factory farming, animal testing, habitat protection
• Corporate Crime - class-action lawsuits, government fines, cover-ups, unethical business practices, illegal activities, political corruption, transparency
• Discrimination - race, gender, age, ability, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, harassment
• Employee Treatment - health & safety records, union-busting, fair wages, work-related fatalities
• Philanthropy - donations, non--profit alliances, establishing charitable foundations

The Ten Best Companies

Jones named the following companies as the ten best, based on their overall records of social and environmental responsibilty:

1. Seventh Generation (paper products, household cleaning products) - empowers consumers; won Socially Responsible Business Award
2. Patagonia (clothing manufacturer and retail store) - uses recycled plastics in clothing
3. American Apparel - creates organic, sweatshop-free clothing; pays fair wages to workers; highest standards in the industry
4. Eden Foods - received the highest score in social responsibility from the Council on Economic Priorities
5. Tom's of Maine (dental products) - powered by 100 percent renewable energy; donates 10 percent of profits to charitable and environmental organizations
6. Ben & Jerry's - business leader in social responsibility and sustainability
7. Working Assets (credit cards) - donates millions to nonprofits dedicated to creating a better world
8. Clif Bar - EPA Green Power Leader award winner
9. Stonyfield Farms - winner of numerous eco-awards; received award in business ethics; contributes 10 percent of profits to environmental groups
10. Aveda (hair care) - products never tested on animals; perfect score for social responsibility; sustainable sourcing of ingredients

The Better World Shopping Guide also lists "The Ten Worst Companies," and urges consumers to consider more sustainable alternatives as they shop. These companies are the worst offenders when it comes to protecting the Earth's environment, citizens and animals, according to Jones' research:

Using the Guide to Shop Responsibly

"The Better World Shopping Guide" gives a thumbnail sketch of companies in 73 alphabetized consumer categories from airlines to wine, and includes banks, office supplies and retail stores. It then rates the top companies in each category, from best to worst, using a report-card format. The book also tells why companies are rated high or low, and provides several ways for consumers to learn more. It's also small in size so consumers can pack in along in a pocket, briefcase or purse and refer to it as they shop.

"Use it to reclaim your true vote," Jones writes. "Use it to build a better world."

Interested in learning more? Visit Better World Shopper online.

The copyright of the article Shopping for a Better World in Green/Simple Living is owned by Lori Nash. Permission to republish Shopping for a Better World in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Shopping Choices Make a Difference

Vote with Dollars for a Better World

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 7+1?