We love to shop – no economic crisis is going to dampen that urge. Even primitive villagers in the most remote jungles love to “look good” and put plenty of time and energy into gathering the goods to make themselves look and feel pretty, powerful, important. But didn’t the buying frenzy get us into this mess? What to do?
Commerce is really just trade between people, and trade is the force that knits people together, that forms relationships of importance, and creates interdependent communities. Countries that have a healthy trade relationship with others, secure themselves against war with those countries. It is a major strategy in peacework to lift impoverished nations into the trade community so that they are better protected from the crisis of war.
Business – trade – commerce, is also the place that the damages have been done to our planet and our people. In the drive for the most profit, corporations have been willing to exploit, and even destroy communities and ecosystems all over the world. They were only able to go that route because we so vigorously supported them with our buying.
These days, the media has indulged themselves in the image of an economic crisis and lured us to withhold our cash from flowing through the marketplace. When we do spend, following the media’s encouragement, we’re encouraged to put aside ideals, and buy the cheapest we can find to meet our needs.
I’d like to argue that these purchases further support the exploitation and destruction that has gotten us in so much trouble in the first place and that by “voting with our dollar”, we can support and strengthen a new economy to take hold.
The marketplace is incredibly simple. When one group does well, the others follow. When we support those who are developing sustainable business practices, who demonstrate human rights and earth rights as important, we have the opportunity to help them succeed. And you can bet, that when they succeed, others will follow. The chain reaction has already begun, and the more we feed it, the more it will grow.
When sustainable business practices begin to flourish, so will the underdogs, the smaller communities, the poor nations, the farmers, the laborers, the people who are being hurt most in the economic slowdown. We have a big influence, even in our smaller budgets, to impact the flow of capitol and life blood into new pathways for a better future for all of us.
I know that your cash flow is down to a drip these days, mine is too. But I believe that we can reinvigorate the economy, and stimulate a new type of marketplace, if we use what we have to support those who are paving new roads. Getting the cash flowing is like getting the blood flowing when you’ve been sick or out in the cold – it’s the first step to health and vitality. The more we keep it moving, the more we stimulate life and new growth. If we pour it into sustainable practices, we fertilize a chain reaction of alternatives that will develop into trends.
And the rewards are there – the new organic cottons are luscious, bamboo makes amazingly soft sheets, towels and clothing. Organic foods, as well as housewares and clothing are healthier for our bodies, and our families as well as the planet. Buying fair trade supports small family farms all over the world, and often gives you a direct photo, video or story about the people providing your goods. And more often than not, the products are superior, because they were created by people who care, rather than by conglomerate machinery.
Let’s break the myth – withholding your cash flow is not going to make anything better – for you, for the economy, for our future. Now is not the time to deny yourself the joy of shopping. Certainly be responsible to your bills and your family, but it’s an ideal moment to be a revolutionary, and use your tiny cash flow to prime the pump for a future we can be proud of. When you do spend, take action! Enjoy the moment, bring home goodies that are healthy for you and the planet, and help build a better future too!
Saphir Lewis is founding editor of www.GirlPoweredPlanet.com
Buying green forces the global economy toward sustainability and supports those who are creating new roles for business. Get the style you love at Girl Powered Planet and make an impact too!
This year’s UK 
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Eco queen and Nottingham lovely lady 
