I’m tired of hearing people say, “I care, but how can I make a real difference?”

If we all stop saying these words, and instead start taking some action, we can indeed make a difference. Here’s why.

Money talks. Plain and simple. It’s baseline economics. It is as simple as this:

If you are tired of the corporate greed, gluttony, oligarchy, and lack of concern for our planet, then stop buying their products. 

If we stop giving the corporate giants our money they will be forced to listen to our demands. As long as we continue to lazily buy their chemical-laden products, which come packaged in plastic containers that continue to harm the Earth long after their contents are finished, they are never going to change. Why should they?

We fork over our hard-earned dollars and their shoddy business and environmental practices make them billions. We do it because we don’t think about it. It’s programmed into us and it’s convenient. The majority of products thrown in our face at the stores and supermarkets are their products. We buy what’s cheap and easy. So why would they change? They have no conscience. It’s business.

As consumers, we have the power to stop and say, “No, we will not support your toxic ways any longer.” We have a responsibility to do so.

The bottom line is, if we want them to change their ways, we have to stop giving them our money.

I often hear people say, “But buying eco and organic is so expensive.” Wrong. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. There are options out there for every budget and need. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of giving money to companies whose business practices I loathe. It makes me feel like a hypocrite, and it makes me feel like a prisoner to say, “Well, what choice do I have?”

Because this statement is a cop-out. We do have choices, and I suggest it’s time we start making them wisely.

I have compiled a list of brands we can all support who offer quite affordable product lines—everything from soaps and skincare, to household cleaners and laundry detergents. These companies are homegrown, organic, eco-friendly, and practice transparent corporate policies. Personally, it speaks volumes to me when a company is wide open about what they do and what goes in their stuff. I’m tired of secret, shady deals hidden behind tricky wording.

Method: This company is pioneering in green office space, transparent business practices, and moral corporate practices. Located in San Francisco, they offer a variety of home cleaners, laundry soaps, body washes and hand soaps at very affordable prices. Their products are loved by their consumers and their employees alike, and so affordable.

Their mission states, “We believe that authenticity requires transparency. So we are transparent about what we’re doing and thinking—from the ingredients in our products to the processes used to make them.”

Seventh Generation: Their products are available all over, locally and online. They offer a variety of household items including eco-friendly trash bags and paper products. (They are carried at Target as well, so if you’re supporting Target in the wake of the transgender-discrimination epidemic, you can double dose on your consciousness in one shot!) Many of their cleaners are found cheaper than the mainstream toxic stuff you’ve been buying.

Their mission states, “You have a right to know that the products you buy are safe for you, your family, and our environment. That a company’s values are as important as the products it makes. That plant-based products can provide exceptional efficacy.” They use plant based ingredients and essential oils to maximize potency, and they smell great too.

Dr. Bronner’s All-One: I think I’m in love with this company, and all they stand for. Family owned for five generations, they are deeply rooted in activism and supporting a better world. They do right by their employees, their customers, suppliers, and distributors. They make a variety of self-care, baby, and cleaning products that are organic, fair-trade, and sustainable. And most of their line is no more expensive than the toxic stuff we often buy.

“Today, Dr. Bronner’s continues its mission and commitment to building an engine for promoting and advancing positive social change. From pioneering USDA certified organic personal care products, to creating Fair Trade projects across the world that ensure fair and just treatment of farmers and workers, to creating a socially responsible workplace here in the U.S., we strive to honor our heritage with progressive business practices, while devoting profits to worthwhile causes and charities worldwide.”

Shaklee: They are one of the first American companies to become certified carbon neutral. They operate and leave no carbon footprint. They offer a wide variety of beauty, cleaning, and health products, all which are safe, powerful, and green. They are a little pricier than some of the other brands but the products are fantastic.

As their mission states, “At Shaklee, we believe that nature holds the answers to a healthy and productive life. By using pure and potent ingredients and the foremost scientific research, we formulate nutrition products that are truly life enhancing.” 

PureGreen24: If you need the strong stuff, this is your cleaner. It’s a bit pricier but hey, I’m willing to forgo a few cups of coffee or some other luxury in the name of not poisoning my household! I haven’t tested it myself yet, but their statement is,

“PureGreen24 has an EPA IV toxicity rating; the lowest rating assigned by the Federal EPA. PureGreen24 is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and odorless without the fumes or skin irritation associated with traditional disinfectants. PureGreen24 is strong enough to kill the most dangerous viruses (Norovirus) and bacteria (MRSA) in a hospital environment, yet EPA registered for use on children’s toys at home.”

I used to be of the mindset that I had to clean with bleach and chemicals for something to be clean. It’s simply not true.

The powers of nature are just as effective, and chemicals mimic the natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties in nature. According to a government study, the plant based cleaners tested were just as effective as bleach against a wide spectrum of bacteria, including H1N1 and MRSA. They were also listed as non-toxic to health and the environment, while bleach was not.

I’m just a messenger providing you with information. In this age of information, there is no excuse for remaining ignorant to the effect our choices have on our planet.

So, I offer you alternatives to the mainstream norm of products we are programmed to think we must buy. You have choices.

What’s your excuse?

Author: Lindsay Carricarte

Image: Dan Brady/Flickr

Editor: Emily Bartran