Since Advent coincides with the peak shopping season, perhaps we could attempt to transform it into a more positive time for at least some people by promoting socially responsible purchasing? Many of the ordinary things that Americans routinely buy have been made with slave or child labor somewhere in the supply chain. An even greater number of workers toil for less than a living wage and in conditions that are dangerous or unhealthy. Advent would be a good time to promote the purchase of products that have been Fair Trade Certified or have other assurances of ethical sourcing.
In addition, there are a number of organizations (social entrepreneurs / social enterprises) who have established businesses in developing countries that employ the poorest of the poor, including the handicapped, victims of land mines, or survivors human trafficking. If a consumer buys the right product, they do good on the other side of the world.
Since Advent coincides with the peak shopping season, perhaps we could attempt to transform it into a more positive time for at least some people by promoting socially responsible purchasing? Many of the ordinary things that Americans routinely buy have been made with slave or child labor somewhere in the supply chain. An even greater number of workers toil for less than a living wage and in conditions that are dangerous or unhealthy. Advent would be a good time to promote the purchase of products that have been Fair Trade Certified or have other assurances of ethical sourcing.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, there are a number of organizations (social entrepreneurs / social enterprises) who have established businesses in developing countries that employ the poorest of the poor, including the handicapped, victims of land mines, or survivors human trafficking. If a consumer buys the right product, they do good on the other side of the world.
Stephen M. Bauer
www.buyherbagnotherbody.com