The "In-Between" Times

Do you know that Coca-Cola is actually good for you? So is Burger King! As is movie theater popcorn butter that drips out of the dispenser in all of its oily goodness.
According to the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH), an independent, non-profit “consumer education consortium” that is “concerned with issues related to food, nutrition, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, lifestyle, the environment and health,” these products are not nearly as bad as we once thought.
According to Howard Krutz, a writer from the Washington Post and author of “Toxic Sludge is Good for You,” ACSH is the company that big corporations turn to when they need “expert advice.” ACSH is funded by Burger King, Coca-Cola and the companies that produce tropical oils, which are found in movie theater butter, and in return provides third party “experts” to advocate on their behalf. In other words, they are paid to persuade us.
Under what circumstances are we persuaded by “expert advice”? How many of our “beliefs” are shaped by people or companies, like ACSH, who have ulterior motives? How can we possibly avoid falling prey to corporate persuasion? Do your homework. Here’s how to be a more conscious consumer:
1. Investigate. Be knowledgeable about what you buy, and from where you buy it. Don’t just look at both sides, look from the bottom to the top. Do these companies operate with you, the consumer, in mind or with only the dollar in mind?
2. Buy little, or buy local. Make an effort to shop at smaller local businesses and to avoid bigger corporate chains. Large for-profit mega stores tend to be solely economically driven with little concern for their employees’ well-being, the world as a whole, or you, the consumer.
3. Go to farmers’ markets, such as the ones held in Hillcrest each Sunday or at USD every Wednesday, or visit a local co-op, like People’s in Ocean Beach. Not only are you helping local farmers and your community, but by avoiding chlorine-rinsed lettuce and 30-day-old apples, you are helping yourself.
4. Look for organizations like Trade As One (Tradeasone.com), which offer a socially conscious and creative alternative to our normal corporate driven consumerism.
The best part about being a consumer is that you are in control. Ironically, big company slogans often insist that you can “Have it Your Way.” These corporations would be nothing without your money. Because you have the power, you have the responsibility to become a more conscientious consumer.