Use Your Purchasing Power for Good

• Posted on 19 March 2025
• By LynAnne Wilton
• 0

We live in such a strange world where money speaks louder than a human voice. As much as we wish this would change, it is our reality. The good news is that you can use your monetary power, no matter how large or small, to send a message of hope and compassion.

According to Anna Lappe, “Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” Your vote can be used to create either a more peaceful world or a more toxic one. When purchases are made with most mega-retailers, that money is being invested in companies that are causing harm to people and our planet. When you choose to support small, ethical businesses, your money is being invested in communities, in sustainability, and in the wellbeing of your neighbors. Choosing to shop small creates a ripple effect of hope.

Is this always possible or easy? Truthfully, no, it is not. Just like water running downhill, we humans are wired to go down the path of least resistance and find the simplest, most efficient way to fill our needs and desires. Mega-retailers are experts at making it easy to spend our money with them and they rely on our apathy. But let me tell you, purposefully choosing to shop small is emotionally rewarding, especially in this world where we feel like we have so little control over the big issues that matter to us.

Choosing to spend money with small, ethical, and fair trade companies lets you align your purchasing power with your values. It sends a message that you are willing to sacrifice a fraction of efficiency to invest in the wellbeing of your neighbors. Here at HumanKind, our “neighbors” are a global community of hardworking artisans and farmers. When you invest in us, we invest in them, and they invest in their communities. Join us in sending a message of hope and compassion into the world by putting your money where your values are.

With hope,

LynAnne

Manager at HumanKind Fair Trade