Ethical Consumerism: Your Dollars at Work
The theory of dollar voting, or attributing every dollar spent as a vote for a set of values, is linked with ethical consumerism (purchasing goods produced ethically). As an individual spends money, dollars show support of the products they are purchasing. In a commercial industry based on supply and demand, there is an imaginable way one’s purchase choices can have an impact on consumer good options.
Based on the theory of dollar voting, ethical consumerism has an impact on ethically produced products in our market. If more people purchase “ethical products,” companies will see a demand for these products, and in turn incorporate ethical methods and standards for product production. With this in mind, would you rather spend money on “ethical products”—from products produced sustainably to fair trade certified—or just the opposite?
How much do you know about the products you buy?
Think about your weekly purchases. What do you buy? Where do you buy products? Do you know how the products you purchase are produced? Asking questions about the products you buy can provide information about how your dollars impact market options and how they’re produced.
According to Ethical Consumer, the five lowest ranking companies for ethics guidelines (human rights, animal rights, environmental concerns) in 2018 were:
Amazon
ASDA Walmart
Nestle
Tesco
Coca Cola
Companies such as the above may practice workers’ rights abuse, discrimination, unsustainable food sourcing or supply management, and even falsifying environmental data reports. When purchasing products from companies like this, the concept of dollar voting describes one’s investment in these practices. In sum, purchasing products from companies prescribed to unethical practices shows support in their methods. Though, for instance, it may be cheaper to buy products from companies with unethical practices, spending dollars have potential to make an impact on the practices of these businesses. Simply put, if one doesn’t purchase products produced unethically, the market may be moved to change its methods for the betterment of workers and our planet.
How can you become an “ethical” consumer?
To consume consciously is to be an ethical consumer. Purchasing less (or no) products from companies with unethical practices, and more from companies with ethical practices makes a statement about one’s values; ethical purchases count as a dollar vote for ethical practices.
To find out more about your products origins and business practices, look for labels like:
Fair Trade Certified—ensuring fair prices, living wages, and benefits for producers (workers).
Animal Welfare Approved—determining welfare standards for animals raised outdoors, on pasture or range.
Marine Stewardship Council—providing standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability.
Rainforest Alliance Certified—awarding farms, forests, and tourism businesses that generate ecological, social, and economic improvements.
Salmon-Safe—certifying business practices that keep urban and agricultural watersheds clean for native salmon in the Pacific Northwest (North America).
Keeping an eye out for labels such as these will give you a glimpse into a product’s ethical traits. Of course, there is always more in-depth research that can be done to learn about a product. Purchasing products from small businesses, farmer’s markets, divesting in unethical businesses (allocating funds to ethical businesses), and holding companies accountable for their practices are all counterparts of ethical consumerism. Your dollars can work in favor of sustainability, the environment, and overall ethical practices.
So, what are you voting for?

















