Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Leaving a Greener Legacy

Nicole and I are alike: We both believe in taking baby steps. Of course, being only 1 1/2, Nicole is the pro.

Ellis Jones, author of The Better World Shopping Guide, instructs on how to spend your dollar to make a difference in this world. He lets us know the background of well-known companies by sorting through awards given by Better Business Bureau and Corpwatch. He borrows data from the 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Center for Public Integrity, Co-op America, the rankings and boycotts list of the Ethical Consumer, the 100 Most Sustainable Corporations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other sources (you get the idea). He grades corporations based on their procedures regarding environmental impact, human rights, community involvement, animal protection, crime, discrimination, employee treatment, and philanthropy.

Mr. Jones suggests that his viewers regularly use the guide while shopping in the supermarket, in the mall, or online. He believes (as I do) that each one of us can make a difference when we patronize responsible (and responsive) companies: our dollars combined can force major corporations to rethink their policies, making this world a better place both for ourselves and for our descendants.

By supporting high-ranking companies in our own small way, we bring new meaning to: One small step for man, one giant step for mankind.


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