Where you Spend your Money Matters

Quote by Toi Marie emphasizing that no major U.S. corporation pays a living wage to its entire workforce.
Quote by Toi Marie about being cautious in pledging allegiance to major U.S. corporations, emphasizing the importance of choosing companies that do less harm and recognizing that corporations are motivated primarily by profit.
Quote by Toi Marie criticizing capitalism and unethical practices of the market, with bold large font for the main statement and smaller font for the author's name and message.
Quote emphasizing the importance of making thoughtful choices about where we spend money and considering investing in community-based economies, mutual aid, and systems of care.

*Graphics and research are intellectual property of Toi Smith via Instagram.

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The most effective way to initiate systemic change is through economic impact.

How can individuals do that?

  1. Know that your money matters. No matter who you are, how much or little money you make. When we shop places that don’t align with our values the owners use their profits, your money, to support the causes that you denounce.

  2. Realize that you are enough. When your basic needs are met, everything you have is enough. Capitalism thrives on our belief that we need more, more, more. The moment I realized I could stop trying to improve everything in my life, my life changed.

  3. Instead of buying new, borrow, repurpose, buy used, and thrift whatever you can.

  4. Donate to free stores and host clothing swaps in your community.

  5. If you’re able, shop locally—preferably Black owned, LGBTQIA+ owned, or woman owned.

  6. If you must buy new, only shop brands and stores that do not donate to, align with, or adhere to discriminatory practices.

  7. Shop in-store vs. online to have the least environmental impact

If I must shop, what brands are least harmful?

A graphic with a red and black target symbol and text that says, 'I'm not going to target. I'm using the power of my purchase!' The message promotes boycotting Target, with hashtags #BoycottTarget and additional information about the organization WE ARE SOMEBODY.
Collection of various company logos, including e.l.f. beauty, Ulta Beauty, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Costco Wholesale, Old Navy, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Cinnabon, Schlotsky's, and Auntie Anne's.