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Ultimate Comprehensive Boycott Guide


So I have been thinking about boycotts lately. A lot of people tell you they don't work because they're aren't that many viable alternatives out there. And while I don't doubt that there is some truth to that, I think there is more to that. For one, many (if not most) boycotts don't list any viable alternatives, and two, the vast majority of boycotts don't consider the question if you really need such a product or service in the first place. For example, if someone were to launch a boycott on Starbucks, they may tell you to buy coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, a local coffee shop, or any fast-food restraunt that serves breakfast, but they almost never tell you to just make your own coffee ahead of time instead. Sure, it's more work, but you aren't spending however much money on expensive coffee every morning on your way to work/school. It also allows you to be less dependent on a company for coffee (minus buying the beans of course, but you are paying for other stuff like cups when buying from coffee shops).

Things To Keep In Mind


Buy Locally When Possible

Get to know your local businesses and support them. Go to your local farmer's market instead of Wal-Mart. You can also try buying directly from farmers if they sell their products directly. You can try looking for local farmer's markets here and here. Of course, this doesn't just apply to food. Keep a list of all the local businesses in your area and choose them over the big guys. If you can, have the small Mom and Pop repair shop repair your device over the manufacturer. It won't work in every situation, but every little bit counts.

Buy Used When Possible

Buying used is usually cheaper than buying new and money doesn't go to the manufacturer which is good if the manufacturer is a not-so-good company. You can also help you local economy this way if you buy from yard-sales or your local pawnshops. It's a good way to save money, help the local economy, and protect the environment. Remember that you don't always need the latest, shinny, new thing. I've never driven a new car in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Things You Don't Need


Let's be honest here. We buy a lot of crap that we don't actually need, many times without realizing it, but we can easily cut them off from our lives if we are smart enough. Try to ask yourself "is their a much cheaper and/or ethical way of doing this?" You will find yourself better off if you cut out all the unnecessary bloat in your life. This is what the minimalist lifestyle is all about. Here are some examples:

Things That Are So Obviously Not Needed That I Don't Need To Explain

Entertainment

Food and Drinks

Appliances

Technology

Health and Wellness

Money

Misc

Specific Products/Services/Companies/Organizations To Boycott


I might as well list some specific companies not to give your money to and products not to buy while also listing viable alternatives. Though you should obviously do your own research because I could be missing something or be downright wrong. And of course, I'm not saying that it's possible to be a 100% ethical consumer (at least not right now), and many of these smaller guys are dependant on bigger companies. I know that, but we can slowly make better decisions that will cause some change in the world.

Further Reading


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