The impact of your dollar beyond checkout

In the last five years, I've become more aware of where I spend my money and what impact it has in the big picture. I've consciously slowed down and even completely stopped shopping places I used to. It started with Amazon. I realized how I was contributing to the pollution of our home by purchasing from a retailer like Amazon. I stopped orders in an effort to curb the amount of boxes and bags showing up to my doorstep. The second reason deals with how Amazon has become saturated with cheap and poorly made products. There were a few instances where I bought the seemingly genuine product from a reputable seller only to have the item be a frustrating knock off. Now, I use Amazon only as a marketplace to search for items. Whenever I find an item I want, I type the name into a web search and purchase off the manufacturer or original seller's website if possible. The final straw is knowing the money I spend on Amazon is lining the pockets of the already ultra rich. I can be spending that same amount of money at another (smaller) establishment that will really feel the impact of my support.

Before, I used to shop wherever was convenient, wherever was familiar. But now, more than ever, I realize the power I have with my money. Who owns the store I'm shopping in? Is it a corporation or a mom and pop? Does this business align with me and my values? It's important to know how companies pass our funds into political donations. We don't just vote a few times a year, we vote with our dollars every time we make a purchase. Goods Unite Us has been an excellent resource to discover a company's donation habits. I wanted to share it with you as it's helped inform my decisions. I was surprised by some of the results I saw. I am grateful to shop in peace knowing I'm not contradicting my election vote with my spending vote.