“You just need to be a flea against injustice.
Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation.” – Marian Wright Edelman
I have a little book I sometimes carry in my handbag called The Better World Shopping Guide. I highly recommend it, and it only costs about $10. It lists the top 10 best and worst corporations when it comes to social and environmental responsibility, grades specific brands by category, etc. The author, Ellis Jones, is a sociology professor at University of California , Davis , and has a Ph.D. in Sociology (my college major), M.A. in International Peace Studies, and B.A. in International Relations. If you don’t want to buy the book, just check out the website: www.betterworldshopper.com.
Dr. Jones’ extensive research focuses on 5 key issues.
1. THE ENVIRONMENT: global warming. rainforest destruction. pollution. recycling. renewable energy. greenwashing. toxic waste. eco-innovations. illegal dumping. sustainable farming.
2. HUMAN RIGHTS: sweatshops. “third world” community exploitation. international health issues. divestment. child labor. code of conduct. [Did you know that there are more slaves today than at any time in history? An estimated 27 million people]
3. ANIMAL PROTECTION: factory farming. animal testing. humane treatment. wild animal habitat.
4. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: family farms. local business support. volunteer efforts. sustainable growth. philanthropic donations. nonprofit alliances. establishing foundations.
5. SOCIAL JUSTICE: health & safety records. fair wages. union busting efforts. fatalities. discrimination based on: race, gender, age, ability, religion, sexuality, ethnicity.
There are lots of ways to promote socially and environmentally responsible companies by purchasing their products and not others... but sometimes you’re just partial to a certain thing (Jell-O! Tampax! Haagen Dazs!), even if you know the company is an alleged corporate villain. I know it’s difficult to consistently try to do good. That being said, if you're staring at 2 or 3 products on a shelf and you end up really thinking about your choice and picking up the one that you know is a little better for the world and its people, that's a good thing. Just making an effort through small, steady changes is a good thing. But I’m not advocating extremism because that will become bigger than you and then you will surely have a miserable life. I'm personally choosing to avoid 2 corporations, Altria (Kraft) & Nestle, as much as I can.
Here's just some of what I learned. (I haven’t double-checked sources.)
What do these well-known brands have in common?
- Balance
- Boca
- Claussen
- Cool Whip
- Jell-O
- Kraft
- Libby’s
- Marlboro
- Miller
- Minute Rice
- Nabisco
- Pam
- Planters
- Post
- Taco Bell
- Tombstone
Ø They are all ALTRIA (PHILIP MORRIS) brands.
Ø Why is Altria (Philip Morris) considered a corporate villain?
o MMs “worst corporation” list for 5 years
o Currently target of 2 major boycotts
o Greenwash Award for public deception
o Named global climate change laggard
o Part of #2 worst company on the earth
o #1 contributor to Washington lobbyists
o Undermines overseas health hazards
o Refuses to disclose data on diversity
o Involved in document deletion cover-up
What do these well-known brands have in common?
- Arrowhead
- Haagen Dazs
- Nescafe
- Nestea
- Nestle
- Purina
- Stouffer’s
Ø They are all NESTLE brands.
Ø Why is Nestle considered a corporate villain?
o “Most irresponsible” corporation award
o Involved in child slavery lawsuit
o Baby formula human rights boycott
o Aggressive takeovers of family farms
o Involved in union busting outside US
o “Bottom Rung,” Ladder of Responsibility
Which popular companies/brands continue unnecessary animal testing?
- Clorox
- Dial
- L’Oreal (products include Biolage, Maybelline, etc.)
- Mead-Westvaco
- Pfizer (products include Listerine, Lubriderm, etc.)
- Proctor & Gamble
- Wyeth (products include Centrum, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
Finally, on a positive note, here are just a few of the socially and environmentally responsible companies/brands that are considered corporate heroes!
- American Apparel
- Amy’s Kitchen
- Annie’s
- Apple
- Aveda
- Ben & Jerry’s
- British Airways
- Clif Bar
- Endangered Species Chocolate
- Ethos
- Hewlett Packard
- Honest Tea
- IKEA
- Johnson & Johnson
- Kettle Foods
- Newleaf
- Newman’s Own
- Organic Valley
- Patagonia
- Seventh Generation
- Silk
- Sony
- Stonyfield Farms
- Ten Thousand Villages
- Tom’s of Maine
- Whole Foods
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free time on the weekend! It's so lovely. Time for a long post :)
