...of Good Stewardship

Talk It Out:
Penny-pinching with a Conscience



"I've been on a journey for voluntary simplicity for 1.5 years and have been a subscriber to your e-zine for a good part of that time. It has come to my attention that my frugal ways may implicate others in other parts of our world to be exposed to violence. One clear example of this is supporting businesses that buy products from sweatshops. In finding the cheapest prices, it often comes from the cheapest labor. I've heard of fair trade for coffee and teas but what about clothing, toys, linens, housewares, tools and so on? My question that I'd like to ask your subscribers is, ‘How can we live simply so that others may simply live?’ I look forward to your response!" ~ Christine


Responses:

"While not the most popular thought, it can't be overlooked that these people may not have it as bad as we think. While your idea of what defines a 'sweatshop goes a long way in determining your starting point on this debate. For this argument let's assume that a person working at a sweatshop works the same amount of hours as they would if they were out in the field gathering crops. Chances are, they are going to making a much better wage than they would gathering crops in the field by working in what we define as a sweatshop. So in reality, are they really that bad off? This argument isn't about the morality or patriotism of a company in the USA having a factory in China, but about the standard of life for a family that has someone working in Nike/Polo/etc. 'sweatshop.' Just a thought. Are they increasing the odds that their children will have a better life?" ~ Jason

"I have a particular loathing for sweatshop ethics, but sometimes it’s the only way that those of the lowest socio-economic profile can make any money at all.  This particularly includes those who, by birth, are caste-ridden into the lowest strata of their society, with no earthly hope of raising themselves up. What I do recommend is a three-fold process. First, complain every chance you get. Write a letter or postcard to the companies involved and have others do so as well. Tell them you are happy to tell your friends and neighbors about their nasty practices. There are many websites that let you know who is offending commercially. Next, buy at thrift shops. This supports our local poverty-struck. It’s recycling and it’s frugal. Finally, join an organization that battles such things formally. If you have a particular talent, be it verbal, written, organizational or financial, use it for the greater good.

  And thank you, too, for bringing this to the attention of others. " ~ Leonie

"I just wanted to respond to this question by saying sometimes I voluntarily pay more for items that support causes in which I believe. For example, sometimes I buy locally grown, organic food from our health food co-op knowing that although I am paying more for those items, the money goes into the pockets of local farmers who practice environmentally sound farming. The way I look at it is this: If I would donate money to an environmental charity (and I often do), then the extra money I spend on environmentally friendly items is like a 'donation' in my mind.

Also, I buy almost all my gifts from www.greatergood.com. You can find gifts for anyone, items are regularly on sale or clearance, and a portion of the proceeds fund literacy, free mammograms, saving the rainforest, alleviating world hunger, and supporting animal shelters.  Plus, all the items are guaranteed free trade and environmentally friendly, if applicable.  They regularly have 1 cent shipping sales, too, and notify you of free shipping sales by e-mail." ~ Connie

"It is interesting to think of the people making the product. Yes, they work hard for pennies, but which is worse: no company there and nowhere to make a living, or a profit-hounding company letting them put food on the table? I hate to say it, but most people who pinch pennies do so out of necessity, which in America will get even worse. If things continue here as they have been, we'll be those people working for pennies under harsh labor just to feed our families." ~ Candace

 

Editor's Note: Thanks to these subscribers for taking the time to respond.

Sign up for Counting the Cost, 
a free twice-a-month email newsletter filled with ideas, insights and inspirations for living each day to the fullest. 

Email address:

Subscribe Unsubscribe

Google
 
Web     CountingtheCost.com

Home    Products and Resources     Speaking Engagements    Nancy's Itinerary  
Creative Frugality     Talk It Out     Abundant Living    Readers' Input      Advertising Information      
National Creative Frugality Week    Media Mentions and Publicity     Support This Site