When it came time to renew our electricity contract, my wife and I were scratching our collective heads as we sorted through the bewildering array of choices. Our minds swam with prices per kWh, monthly fees, contract lengths, sources of power generation and emissions.
We finally determined the lowest absolute price, after the add-ins, monthly fees and other hidden costs. When we realized that the electricity we would be buying was going to be generated by mostly non-renewable sources such as coal and natural gas, we decided to take a second look. We learned that the emissions for this particular utilities company – the particulates and nitrous oxide – were significantly higher than average.
We decided it was time to vote. We were going to vote with our pocketbook. We chose an electric company rate plan that would be generated by 100% wind power. The plan is going to be more expensive, but not significantly more so, than our other options. We decided it was important to make an investment in the future of the planet, even if it would make only the tiniest of blips upon the energy grid.
I believe that every time I choose a brand of gasoline, shoes, produce, or burger, I vote. I am telling the producers and distributors of these products and services that I not only approve of their offerings but also the policies and procedures used to create and deliver them to the marketplace.
I am not telling you anything you don’t know, of course. Most examples of using this kind of power in the marketplace come from people voting against something like the anti-fur movement, the boycott Procter and Gamble crusade, the dolphin-free tuna operation and the Disney boycott.
My point is this: Instead of voting against – I vote for. I am choosing to vote for what I believe in rather than to protest for something I am against.
It really puts me in a much better frame of mind to deal with all the challenges in my everyday life because I believe I am making a positive difference.
Today’s consumers are much more sophisticated and have so many more choices than in the past. People can buy online from across the nation or around the globe. Corporations need to give people a reason to buy from them, particularly when products are comparable. What sets them apart?
I know it can be overwhelming to try and research the policies, causes, and environmental impact of every company you do business with, so keep it simple. When you are making a large purchase, an extended purchase (like an electricity contract), or a repeat purchase and there is more than one provider, check to see who you want to do business with. Go to their web page and read “About Us.” Or you could check what causes they support or where their products are manufactured. We all believe deeply in different things – green technology, diversity and equality in the workplace, made in the USA, and hundreds of other things. See where the companies you do the most business with stand on these issues. You’ll be surprised how good you feel about your vote. It matters.
Dennis Tardan is a communications consultant and empowerment trainer. His passion is helping people to communicate their core messages with greater clarity, effectiveness and confidence. His company is Tardan Professional Development and he is based in Texas, USA. www.tardanprodev.com |
