I think it depends on how you define consumption and consider what does “doing good” really mean. In a society where we are defined by what and how we consume, I think the whole marketing wave of organic, Fair trade, and eco-friendly items can distract us from the true point.
Citizens from every social and economic class can participate in these areas and “do good” for their environment and others. Often times, you will find those with less economic means to consume in these ‘ethical’ markets to actually be more conscious about using resources and extending the lives of products than their elite counterparts. If the water, gas, or electricity bill is high, then that would encourage less consumption. Old tshirts can become rags, empty mason jars become drinking glasses, plastic bags from grocery stores reused as garbage bags for the waste basket or bags to carry other items in for future use; all these practices are ‘up-cycling’ efforts or simply put, ways to get the most bang for your buck.
In the aspect of Fair Trade, you are buying a high quality product and you are paying about the same as any other similar high quality product. Ie. Hershey chocolate bar ($1) to Godiva ($3.30) to Fair Trade Divine Chocolate ($2.14) (prices of same basic chocolate bar derived from company’s online store/distributor website, respectively, as of July 7, 2011). Also, not all items will be expensive, some products are made from recycled items or made of natural resources abundantly available in the area where the producer lives, hence driving down the costs.
All too often it is assumed that the only way to participate in these movements is through economic means, and therefore dishing out lots of cash. As an advocate for proper Fair Trade awareness and education, it is always a goal to reach other populations than the traditional liberal or upper middle class focus. What’s more important about these movements is to understand why addressing these issues have become the movements that they are today.
Fair Trade is a responsible and conscious consumption act, of acknowledging and learning about other cultures. Eco-friendly products could be green washing crap marketing products for all we know, unless the individual understands of ethical consumption of our natural resources and wants to limit. What’s the point of purchasing notebook made from 80% post-consumer paper if it gets thrown away at the end? This is the same mindset for organic products, knowledge is power that could aid our choices and daily activities that surpass our short, economic consumption life.
Last time I check, you do not need much cash to participate in awareness efforts to educate and fight for social justices. Understanding why producers should get paid a livable wage in a safe and just working environment is half the battle. Whether you have the economic means to participate in ethical market trends, you are still an individual. A powerful individual with a voice, passion, and a signature, all viable methods to pursue other avenues “to do good” and frankly, a higher quality of “good.”
I was talking to a girl that is in the process of getting her PhD in Ontario (she is in her final year). Her husband is really informed when it comes to social justice, and she is therefore very informed. As I was talking to you, she made a really, really good point. We were talking about fair…
