Since I received my copy of The Better World Shopping Guide, I’ve been trying to support environmentally and ethically responsible companies with my dollars. While some purchases are a slam dunk, like the giant bottle of Method hand soap, some are murky, to the point that I wonder how feasible it is to regularly practice ethical consumerism.
Take, for instance, my lunch with James at Chipotle the other day. The book warns that “the overall picture of the highly competitive fast food industry is not a pretty one, but if you find yourself in a pinch, there are a handful of companies to choose from that are on the cutting edge of responsibility.” According to the book, Chipotle is one of them because “it actively supports family farms; supports humane treatment of animals; 30% of the beans utilized are organic; and 50% to 100% of the meat utilized is natural based.”
I feel good ordering our meals at Chipotle—veggie burrito for me, quesadilla for James—until I get to the drinks decision. I used to get soft drink for myself without even thinking about it. But thanks to Better World Shopping Guide, I don’t know what to do, because Chipotle offers Coca-Cola products. This company, which makes Diet Coke, my go-to fast-food beverage, also “hinders clean water access abroad and is the target of major human rights boycotts.”
How can something that tastes so good be so bad for the world? The woman behind the cash register patiently waits for my decision. I guiltily order a bottle of Nantucket Nectars apple juice for James and a Diet Coke for myself. I try to placate myself with the decision by not getting a plastic lid or straw for the cup. Maybe I’m supporting a company that, according to the Multinational Monitor, has been on its “worst corporation” list for the past three years, but at least I’m not adding more plastic to landfills.
Next time I’m at Chipotle, I promise myself, I’ll remember to bring my Safety-Kleen water bottle with me so I won’t be tempted by Diet Coke. I just need to wean myself off of caffeine first.
16 hours ago
7 comments:
You can look at drinking water when going out to eat as a way of saving money. Although that only works if they have more than just bottled water. I got tired of paying nearly $2 for a drink when going out to eat, so now I always order water to keep some extra change!
If two people get water, that's almost $5 saved!
I always just get a cup of water, too. If you bring your own bottle then you've really done a good thing by not using a plasic cup.
I just got off caffeine. I'm sure I'll go back.
I keep meaning to get a Brita filter in my house. I am done buying the bottled water and I think it is a great idea to bring your own in a recyclable container.
I had no idea Coca-Cola was such a bad world citizen. That just reinforces my decision to not drink any kind of dark soda any more - it's bad for you and apparently, bad for the world, too.
Thanks for sharing that about Chipotle, I never would have known. And the Coke thing too, which I had a hunch about but wasn't sure of the details.
I too order water, for the same reason as the first commenter. I really need a copy of that book!
We had Chipotle this week. Now I feel good about myself!
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