Choose Compassionate Consumption

The goods we buy, the clothes we wear, the food we eat — where does it all come from? Today's global supply chain of goods and services is complex and far from transparent. Understanding the origin of a product you purchase — including the labor conditions under which it was produced — can be difficult. Striving to feel connected to all the hands that have touched that item on its journey of production can be even more daunting.

Yet as consumers, we each have the power to educate ourselves and decide which businesses to support, which goods to buy. We can choose compassionate consumption.

Each time you purchase a good or patronize a service, you have a choice — and that choice makes a statement. Together with UUSC, you can act on a deep commitment to workers' rights, ethical eating, and building a just economy by choosing to spend wisely, in alignment with your values.

Before buying a product or service, ask yourself the following questions:

• Will my purchase support a just economy?
• Was this produced with respect for workers' rights and the environment?
• Are the workers paid a living wage?
• Who is profiting from my purchase?
• Are workers depending on my tip to enable them and their families to live with dignity?
• Was this produced in a place with safe and healthy working conditions?
  • Was it made with forced or child labor?
  • Are the workers unionized?
  • Are the workers depending on tips to make a living?
• Does this purchase reflect a respect for the interdependent web of all existence?

There are no easy answers to these questions. No matter how diligent we are, there are bound to be tensions between our values and our actions as consumers. While we cannot expect perfection, together we can channel our money into goods and services that reflect our values, act to address human-rights violations, and promote justice through consumer advocacy.

Shop with your values in mind! And join with other UUSC members who are choosing compassionate consumption. Make a pledge to choose compassionate consumption!