Better World Shopper

A few weeks ago after our staff meeting at a local coffee shop, Allen, Erica and I went into Longfellow Books in Monument Square. I saw a book in the window that I was looking for in the store. I knew it was a shopping guide for a better world. Eventually I found it in the "Green" Section: The Better World Shopping Guide: Every Dollar makes a difference.

I went back and forth about whether or not to buy it then and there and whether it was a good use of my money even though I knew it would help me to use my money better. It is even printed on 100% recycled paper with soy ink. That was pretty convincing though in the end I decided not to get it...that day.

I came home and looked it up online. I found that you can even download a version to your ipod and avoid the paper all together.

It is increasingly clear to me that where and how I use my money influences the rest of the world, either by supporting good practices or supporting bad practices. Companies are influencing the world, the environment, and all world citizens through their actions. We need to be aware of our complicity in this system. We don't have to support companies and practices that oppress others and destroy our environment.

In the graphic, you can see the different changes you can make in your own habits that can really make a difference. Their website says:
The above list includes the 10 things that you can change in your life which will make the most difference for people and the planet. If you're having trouble knowing where to begin making changes, start here!

Some of them you might think of and some would not be necessarily on the top of my head. I downloaded the free version to check out the ipod compatibility, but I am planning on getting my hands on the whole thing soon. That probably means another trip to Longfellow Books, but I better walk or take the bus as I begin to take more seriously my life on this planet I call home. I believe that's what God wants from me...how about you?