Ellis Jones - The Better World Shopping Guide: Every Dollar Makes a Difference

EVERY DOLLAR HAKES A DIFFERENCE the
better
world SHOPPING
GUIDE Ellis Jones Cataloging in Publication Data:A catalog record for this publication is available from the National Library of Canada.Copyright 2012 by Ellis Jones. All rights reserved.Cover concept by Ellis Jones. Design by Diane McIntosh.
Images: Getty Images/Photodisc Green.Paperback ISBN: 978-0-86571-724-4
eISBN: 978-1-55092-519-7Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of The Better World Shopping Guide should be addressed to New Society Publishers at the address below.To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America) 1-800-567-6772, or order online at
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1-800-567-6772New Society Publishers mission is to publish books that contribute in fundamental ways to building an ecologically sustainable and just society, and to do so with the least possible impact on the environment, in a manner that models this vision. We are committed to doing this not just through education, but through action. Our printed, bound books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified acid-free paper that is 100% post-consumer recycled (100% old growth forest-free), processed chlorine free, and printed with vegetable-based, low-VOC inks, with covers produced using FSC-certified stock.

New Society also works to reduce its carbon footprint, and purchases carbon offsets based on an annual audit to ensure a carbon neutral footprint. For further information, or to browse our full list of books and purchase securely, visit our website at: www.newsociety.comContents

To bring about real change, well need some powerful tools. In this edition youll find:More than 2000 companies evaluatedOver 50 sources of reliable data citedA new product category! (Outdoor Gear)More Top 10 Lists (Successes, Failures)New Green Heroes & Corporate VillainsA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ListAn updated iPhone app! (not included)Lets reclaim our democracy.

Perhaps more than any generation that has come before us, we understand the deeply-rooted reality of this short phrase and its universal meaning for every human being living on this planet.It follows that wherever large amounts of money collect, so also new centers of power form. The latest historical manifestation of this is the modern corporation. As trillions of dollars accumulate in the corporate sphere, we witness the growing power of corporations to shape the world as they see fit.This power is not limited to controlling the face of our own government through consistent, record-breaking, campaign contributions, but also the fate of millions of people and the planet itself through jobs, resource exploitation, pollution, working conditions, energy consumption, forest destruction, and so on.Make no mistake, these new power centers are not democracies. We dont vote for the CEOs or their policies (unless we are rich enough to be significant shareholders, who are informed enough to know whats going on, and compassionate enough to care about more than just personal profit), yet our destinies are increasingly in their hands.

The average American family spends around $22,000 every year on goods and services. Think of it as casting 22,000 votes every year for the kind of world you want to live in.