What do you believe in?
If you ask most people if they stand up for what they believe in, they would probably say yes. I would probably say the same, but if you think about it, most people probably inadvertently support things they don't believe in, whether it's via the work we do, the food we eat, or the places we shop.
For instance, I work for a large company which provides a service to many businesses in the retail industry. One of them happens to be RJ Reynolds Tobacco. Do I support this. No. Do I quit because of it? No.
Most of us go out to eat fairly often. Many go to fast food restaurants. If most people saw how some of the animals that provide meat for the restaurant are treated, they probably would never eat meat again. If they knew that somewhere down the line the restaurant was engaging in some business practice they didn't agree with, or that they employed illegal immigrants, would it stop them from eating there?
There are a million scenarios. Wearing fur. Eating meat. Using cosmetics tested on animals. Working for a company which directly contradicts personal beliefs. It goes on and on. But is it possible to stick to your guns in every possible situation? Probably not.
One of the things that I am particular about is recycling and reuse. Am I perfect? No. But it is so easy to recycle, and I try to reuse as much as I can. I don't print on paper unless completely necessary. I reuse the same bag every day when I bring lunch, rather than throw it out each day. When I buy groceries I try to bag efficiently, sometimes I even bring my own bags. But most people probably don't. But if they knew that the rain forest was disappearing because of THEM, maybe they would act differently.
It's not easy. I love a good hamburger just as much as anyone. But I try to compromise. When I grocery shop, if I buy meat I try to buy the grass fed natural beef that comes from the ranchers rather than the businessmen. When I go to the store, if I have a choice I support the mom and pop store rather than the sprawl marts.
I am not perfect. I am far from perfect. But I try to act globally and responsibly as much as I can. I try to inform myself about these things and act accordingly.
For instance, I work for a large company which provides a service to many businesses in the retail industry. One of them happens to be RJ Reynolds Tobacco. Do I support this. No. Do I quit because of it? No.
Most of us go out to eat fairly often. Many go to fast food restaurants. If most people saw how some of the animals that provide meat for the restaurant are treated, they probably would never eat meat again. If they knew that somewhere down the line the restaurant was engaging in some business practice they didn't agree with, or that they employed illegal immigrants, would it stop them from eating there?
There are a million scenarios. Wearing fur. Eating meat. Using cosmetics tested on animals. Working for a company which directly contradicts personal beliefs. It goes on and on. But is it possible to stick to your guns in every possible situation? Probably not.
One of the things that I am particular about is recycling and reuse. Am I perfect? No. But it is so easy to recycle, and I try to reuse as much as I can. I don't print on paper unless completely necessary. I reuse the same bag every day when I bring lunch, rather than throw it out each day. When I buy groceries I try to bag efficiently, sometimes I even bring my own bags. But most people probably don't. But if they knew that the rain forest was disappearing because of THEM, maybe they would act differently.
It's not easy. I love a good hamburger just as much as anyone. But I try to compromise. When I grocery shop, if I buy meat I try to buy the grass fed natural beef that comes from the ranchers rather than the businessmen. When I go to the store, if I have a choice I support the mom and pop store rather than the sprawl marts.
I am not perfect. I am far from perfect. But I try to act globally and responsibly as much as I can. I try to inform myself about these things and act accordingly.
1 Comments:
At 11:58 AM, Karen said…
I read your question/comment on Anchored Nomad's paperclip post. I am asking myself the same question. If I come up with any answers, I'll let you know.
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