What can we do to avoid uknowingly supporting companies that treat workers poorly?

Question

What should we, as responsible consumers, know, and do?

Answer 1

--Keep your eyes open...for example, if you read in a newspaper or some such that, oh, a certain Ice Cream Place forces their workers to *sing* when tipped, that might be a good sign to NOT give these people one red cent of your cash, because these workers are human beings, not trained monkeys...

Oh, and I'm not kidding here, that Ice Cream place is Coldstone Creamery.

--Know your enemies and pay some attention to the obvious targets like Wal-Mart, Nike, and so on....

--PICK your fights. This is the single most important thing you can do really, as people like you and I aren't like the *corporate* filthy rich here. We don't *have* unlimited resources at our disposal....we can't possibly boycott everyone without making ourselves miserable (unless we live on a farm or some such and are willing to grow our own food, clothing, and shelter).

So....with the knowledge you have, pick one or two targets and *focus* your intent on them, and on letting people *know* those places are on your personal Black List. My friends, for instance, know that I don't spend *one red cent* at Wal-Mart, ever.

And they pretty much get that I don't like TV and wouldn't get cable--why *pay for* so-called Subscription TV when it still has *commercials* half the stinking time? That's just their *greed* talking...

But yeah, realize that as an ordinary, not-so-rich person, you can only do so much, so focus your efforts and make what you *can* do count.

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

It might be a good idea to avoid products made in eastern Asia. Maybe you can boycott companies such as Walmart and Nike.
Your money speaks.

Answer 3

There are places on the web you can go to find out who these companies are. If they do business in your own state, then you can write to your state's Office of Consumerism or State Attorney General's Office. It's perfectly ok to voice your opinion on these matters.

You can also write letters to the editor in your local newspapers.

Answer 4

don't buy their products.