In our family, we do our best to spend our consumer dollars with establishments that match our value system. I believe it’s important to live our truths and values with our words, deeds and wallets. When we learn about a business that is not in line with our beliefs, we immediately cease spending (or even entering) those businesses.
I practice mindful spending
In the mid ’80’s when mama was just beginning her career, she was very keen towards learning everything possible about business practices and company policies. It was during that time when she first started reading about Walmart and the manner in which they value (or not) their employees. Based on what she learned 25 years ago and keeping up on corporate issues ever since, mama decided as a young woman that she would not shop at Walmart unless they changed their practices.
I’m proud to say that neither mama, nor I, have ever in our lives stepped foot in a Walmart. We can purchase cheap disposable items made in third-world countries (most likely with child labor) many other places than Walmart. Until two years ago our go-to for these cheaply made goods was Target. Well, after Target’s CEO gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to candidates who support an anti-gay agenda, we were forced by conscience to stop shopping at Target.
Starbuck’s is another company we boycott. Mama doesn’t drink caffeine, but she enjoys a decaf coffee or hot chocolate every once in a while. She prefers other coffee houses over Starbuck’s, but since this iconic store is on every other corner, it was really a matter of convenience when we purchased there.
Last year, open-carry advocates began using Starbuck’s shops as test locations for their need to display their pieces in public. Mama and I are members of James Brady’s organization to prevent gun violence and we immediately joined a letter writing campaign to Howard Shultz, CEO of Starbuck’s. My letter was titled “I like milk, not guns, with my coffee”.
I mentioned Shultz last week in my column “Deja-Vu (or Peja-Vu?) and I don’t mean to pick on him, but he happens to do a lot un-doglike things which come to my attention. Mr. Shultz was bombarded with letters from both sides of this debate and he ultimately decided to side with the gun-lovers. The CEO of Peet’s coffee, on the other paw, made a statement that regardless of local ordinance, he will not allow openly carried guns into his stores. We have not, and will not, spend another penny in a Starbuck’s and will actively seek out Peet’s for our hot-drink needs (their coffee is superior anyhow).
Matching our wallets with our values can be easy or excruciating, depending upon the circumstance and vendor. Walmart was an especially easy boycott because we have never been in one, so what’s to miss? Starbuck’s, not too difficult either… we only patronized them because of convenience.
We do miss Target a little, I must admit. There aren’t many stores where you can purchase ink for your printer, flip-flops, dish soap and the latest book release under one roof. But really it’s about convenience and we are willing to endure a little inconvenience rather than spend our money with a company that supports ideals we fight against.
Wilbur & Bella have x-ray eyes --- they know where those consumer dollars go
These past weeks have caused us some internal dread as we have learned disturbing news about a business we previously loved and praised. This revelation is much more personal to us than a mega-corporation and it took a bit of heavy soul-searching before we acknowledged that, regardless of personal pain, we must live our beliefs with our spending power. Who are we boycotting now? What organization is so un-doglike that we must abstain? You’ll have to come back tomorrow for the answer to that pressing question…
Atticus, Were you shadowing me at the grocery store this morning? I was pondering this dilemma with regard to a food choice. It had to do with chicken–and I realize if I were able to live by the best of my convictions, I wouldn’t eat chicken at all, but that is a question that has been asked and answered for me. Since I am, in fact, going to be eating animal food, I look for choices that are humanely grown and cared for. I buy free range chicken and looked for the “human care certification” (which we get on eggs but not chicken). But today I also saw a conventional product that was in better packaging–no styrofoam…So what’s the greater good? I don’t even know if what is called “free range” really does mean better living conditions for the animals. Where should choices for the environment win out, and where is it better to at least show that I care about “free range” (even if it does not yet mean what I’d like it to mean).
As for stores–I’ve never been in a Walmart and wouldn’t care to shop there on many levels. But I haven’t given up Starbucks, not because of the product but because of the availability of space to sit and write. I hadn’t heard of the gun issue…Sigh…
OK, Atticus, I will channel you the next time I’m in the mood for a sit-down at Starbucks, and I’ll look around to see where else I might park myself! You are a dog of high values!
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/
Balance, Boundaries, and New Life Directions Through Writing
Judy Stone-Goldman recently posted..My Roses-Myself- The Annual Spring Pruning
Yes, that was me stealthily shadowing you in the grocery — not!!
Wilbur and I are carnivores, but mama is careful when choosing our meat products. For herself, mama gave up eating any land based animals years ago, although she still consumes fish. She says that will probably go away some day soon too. That decision was made after 15 years of struggling with her knowledge of the ranching industry, plus the “all beings are sentient beings” thing really gets to her.
As always, I appreciate your thoughtful comment, Judy! I hope you find another wi-fi friendly coffee place besides Starbucks. We simply cannot support Howard Shultz and his undoglike decisions with even a penny.
What a wonderful post Atticus…I love that you vote with your dollars. While I believe in big business and small business I tend to spend most of my dollars with small businesses.
If we want a better world we have to stop complaining and get into action. Thanks for reminding me that I can always vote with my dollars.
Darcie Newton
Discipline for profit, none for jammy zins and memorable necklaces
http://www.mywealthspa.com
Darcie Newton recently posted..Simple Key to Building Wealth
Thanks Darcie (ms. financial guru!). You know better than anyone the power of our spending cash and I do my best to spend in line with my core values. It isn’t always easy, but like you said, we can vote with our money!
Very cool Atticus! I too avoid Walmart and you are the only other being I know who boycotts Starbucks! I have my own very good reasons stemming from the mid-80s when my ex-husband had a coffee roastery business in Berkeley. One day I will go into more detail Did you know Starbucks is planning to purchase Peets? I didn’t know about Target, so I will also avoid it.
Thank you for your very cool column.
Chico
I heard that news too, Chico and it distresses me!! I certainly hope Peet’s holds out and doesn’t sell to Starbucks!