I know I can’t just leave a post like that hangin’…with all your wonderful comments and responses. I would have replied sooner, but have been very busy with work (and we’ve had internet issues the past few days) – plus we were out of town all weekend.
Anyway -Why are we doing this? Why are we going a year without Wal-Mart? I almost thought about copying my brother’s response, because it says it perfectly. First of all, I am glad that it generated some debate – and I’d love to get other’s opinions – just because we might disagree, it’s good to get us “talking” about this issue (or others).
It’s not really for “environmental” reasons that we’ve chosen to not shop at Wal-Mart. It’s a social justice/fair trade issue. We already don’t buy new unless absolutely necessary, and that is more for ‘environmental’ reasons. And Wal-Mart is doing some great things to “go green” (I think the motion lights in the frozen food section are a great idea), but this isn’t about the environment.
Over the next few days I’ll be posting about why we are choosing to do this, so feel free to ask questions, or shout out your opinions. Why are we doing without Wal-Mart? To get you thinking/discussing some more, consider this:
- What if the convenience that we are used to causes inconvenience for others?
- What is the real cost of “low prices”? Who is ultimately paying for it?
- What if “the American Way” isn’t the best way?
- Who is making these items: the clothes, the shoes, the paper plates? Are they being treated the way you would expect to be treated at a job?
- If I wouldn’t want to work under these conditions, why would I ask others to? By spending my money there, am I supporting a system I wouldn’t want to be apart of?
- If a blessing comes at the expense of others, is it really a blessing?
Katy Pullen said,
September 4, 2007 @ 11:07 am
My hubby would prob say I like to argue,
but I see it as playing the devil’s advocate (oooh, then again, which is worse?) Anyway, 1-where are you gonna get locally made toilet paper? KC, I guess. BTW, I just looked at my tp and it was bought at WM and mfg in US (whew!). It just seems to me that a boycott of WM would naturally be followed by also boycotting Target, Shopko, Big Lots, etc. My point, I think it is gonna be hard to find a retail place that doesn’t sell stuff made in China. 2-If the American way (though NOT perfect) isn’t the best way, then where is better? IF somewhere else is better, then we should import it from there? 3-So how do people living on a limited income reconcile buying cheaply with buying a more expensive local brand just to say I didn’t get it at WM? The tp example is a great one, b/c it was the best deal at the time and happened to be USA. So you have inspired me to notice more what I choose from WM and where it is being made. But why just WM?
lovesleftovers said,
September 4, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
WalMart has become a symbol for all that is wrong with the U.S. economy. But that still doesn’t change the fact that 100 million Americans shop at WalMart every week. You can just about never find anything made in America anymore. What about major manufacturers like Nike,whose factories are based mostly in underpriveledged and underpaid countries in Asia? You mention that you just about never buy anything new (mostly for environmental reasons), but even so, whatever you do buy used was more than likely made outside the U.S. The truth of the matter is companies like WalMart will continue to grow and thrive as long as low prices continue to be what’s most important to its customer base. WalMart is no different than any other major retailer. The name of the game is profits and that’s the beauty of free enterprise folks.
kauanoe said,
September 4, 2007 @ 8:30 pm
I say kudos for you! My husband and I haven’t shopped at Wal-Mart (or the beast as it is affectionately referred to in our household) in over a year plus. We have friends and family mem’s who also have done the same. Don’t let anyone discourage you from your goal. Remember most places will do requests and get the product in that you are looking for if it means keeping your business.
dancingdragon said,
September 10, 2007 @ 2:58 am
I always wondered about the cheap labor conditions argument. Don’t people in general choose the best option they have in their environment? Meaning, it might be bad, but if they chose to take that job, does that mean the alternatives that exist are worse? If the Wal-Mart type cheap labor employment is removed, what does that leave them?
I’m not saying we should ignore cheap labor conditions, but if the concern is for their sake and not just for ours, then alongside boycotts we also have to help provide a better alternative, because it sounds like getting rid of a bad thing doesn’t always mean what’s left is better.
I guess we really just don’t know unless perhaps we talk to a variety of those workers themselves, ask them why they work there, what it’s like, what they were doing before, and what they think of a boycott.
The Writing On The Wal » Blog Archive » A YEAR OF LIVING WAL-MART FREE… said,
September 11, 2007 @ 5:03 am
[...] Why did David and Megan decide to make this journey? [...]
lovesleftovers said,
September 11, 2007 @ 9:00 am
I worked at WalMart for over a year and had no issues. The working conditions are excellent and I’ve never once worked uncompensated overtime. I also agree with dancingdragon. There are many of us without college educations (although having one doesn’t always guarantee you a good job) and have limited employment choices. WalMart pays higher than minimum wage salary which is more than many other “entry level” positions. I would much prefer working at WalMart than at a fast food place. I would hope that the majority of people would rather Walmart associates remain employed there, than join the welfare line. With regards to a boycott, honestly, WalMart is such a retail giant it won’t make a bit of difference. But I certainly respect to make your own choices and value your opinion.
John Palm said,
September 18, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
It’s not about Walmart. Am I wrong here. It’s about a type of “fasting” from American Consumerism. I think this is wonderful. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post and your site. My sister’s family is considering a month “Unplugged From All Media”. TV, movies, iPod, video games, everything.
Bless you.