As a socially conscious individual, the majority of shopping choices should be locally produced goods. Shopping locally supports businesses in the community. However, what happens when you live in an area where manufacturing is abundant? What about when you need to purchase something that is not even produced in your country? How do you make sure that your purchases are ones that will make a positive impact on the world?
One of the biggest social justice issues in the world today is that slavery still exists. It may not exactly resemble what you think of as slavery, but it definitely exists and in much greater numbers than you would guess. Women and children, and even men to a lesser extent, are sold into slavery, or abducted and forced into slavery every single day in this country and around the world. In fact, 27 million people worldwide are enslaved.
Socially Conscious Options
A huge percentage of the goods are produced in sweatshops or by slaves. Doesn’t that change your view of the clothes you wear, the balls you give your kids to play with, the chocolate you eat and practically everything in your home? Someone was exploited in order to create many of those things used every day.
If you are already making the effort to shop locally and purchase locally produced items, you should feel proud that what you are doing is having a positive effect on the world. You are reducing your carbon footprint by purchasing things that are not shipped from far off places. The socially conscious shopper gives consideration to where he or she buys from when searching for goods that cannot be purchased locally. It is very useful to know which companies are committed to producing fairly made goods that have been created by employees who receive a living wage and work in humane conditions.
Companies producing fairly made goods make a difference in the lives of employees, their families, and whole communities. They allow people to rise out of poverty, give opportunities for education, and provide benefits to families. Families, who have members working for fair trade companies, are much less likely believe the false promises of a human trafficker who talks of a better life and income in far off places, then enslaves those who follow.
Fair Trade Is Socially Conscious
In practically every industry there are businesses committed to the goal of ending human suffering and therefore creates fair trade goods. By choosing to make your purchases from a fair trade company, you will help end human trafficking. There are lots of websites available to help you make socially conscious decisions. Some rank manufacturers, while others have consumers grade the company. Before you spend another dollar that may go to line the pockets of human traffickers, do the research and make sure that you are shopping with a social conscience.
