When you walk into a store to buy something, you may think little about just how your purchase can impact people both in your community and throughout the world. However, as the global economy continues to expand, your purchasing decisions can impact people and places you never imagined. If you want to learn how to become a Socially Responsible Shopper, here are four important ways to achieve your goal.

Shop Locally

First and foremost, try to do as much shopping as possible at local businesses within your community. Although you may pay a little more for some items that could be purchased in big-box stores, you will be supporting business owners in your town or city, ultimately leading to those dollars going to help improve your local schools, parks, and other areas.

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

When many veterans end their military service, the transition to civilian life can sometimes be difficult, especially financially. To help those who served their country and made many sacrifices along the way, support veteran-owned businesses such as the Go Vets online store or other businesses that are verified to be veteran-owned and operated. Additionally, you can also support businesses that contribute to charitable organizations associated with veterans.

Shop for Made in the USA

While in years past it was never a problem to find almost anything you needed that was made in the USA, times have changed. Instead, many companies ship their manufacturing operations overseas to save money. Thus, finding American-made products has become much more difficult, but not impossible. If you want to be Socially Responsible while shopping, search hard to find furniture, clothing, and other items that have been made in the USA. By doing so, you will help to ensure crucial manufacturing jobs are kept stateside, rather than being shipped off to China or a third-world nation.

Shop Your Conscience

Finally, one way to be a socially responsible shopper is to shop your conscience. This is particularly true if animal cruelty is one of your most important causes. Should you be someone who wants to end animal cruelty, you can do your part by purchasing makeup and other products that are not tested on animals, purchasing meat from local farmers where you know animals are treated with respect, and even choosing to adopt a vegan diet if you so choose.

Whether you follow through with one or all of these tips to become a socially responsible shopper, there’s no doubt you will be doing your part to help people and businesses in your locality and beyond.

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Author: Anica Oaks