These days I think about my retirement. If you depend on investments, you know most of us are looking to make money and, because we can shift our money so easily, this encourages the Corporation's focus on short term results... often to the detriment of workers, community and environment. What is one to do?
I know buying organic affects not just my health but that of the workers who are spared having to live with toxic pesticides. But buying local is also important. What if local is not organic? What if buying local puts other farmers out of business and next winter I have to rely on those things you can store in a root cellar, the way my mother did when I was growing up. (The reason salads were scarce and always iceburg lettuce). What is one to do?
I just bought a car battery at WalMart because the battery was highly rated by Consumer Reports and cheaper. I know WalMart is a lightening rod for mixed feelings and reviews because of their size, the way they've treated workers, and their mixed impact on the environment and communities. What do you believe? How much change makes a company ethical or green? What is one to do?
How do we chose?
I have no solutions but I'm interested in hearing what others are saying. There is a series starting that may be of interest in this regard. The Conscious Money Speakers Series has a range of speakers addressing topics such as our personal attitudes toward money, taking back your time, and alternate economies.
The series runs Mondays 8:15-9:30 pm EST through April 5th. Vicki Robin, author of Your Money or Your Life, is doing the free introduction tonight (sorry about the late notice).
