Is buying cheap unethical?

[flash]

Re: Is buying cheap unethical?

Saving money in any form can be a question of ethics. If a store has a super special, limit one, and you and spouse each go through the line, is that ethical? If a store offers a loss leader bargain to get you in the store, and you don't buy anything else, is that ethical? There are gray areas, and everyone should be allowed to evaluate their needs and actions on their own terms.

I do not believe it is okay to use child labor. I also know people who care for people in those countries, and have LIVED the poverty first hand. So here is a question for you:

Is it better to not buy the product, boycott for child labor or whatever cause, and let the people starve; or is it better to purchase the product, feed the people, and by default support child labor?.

I personally believe that one person can make a difference, but they can't take on or be responsible for solving the problem. It is much more complex than that. Purchases are not the underlying source of child labor. Poverty is. There are many different angles from which to tackle this. Everyone has the right to answer the above question for themself, and to help the GLOBAL issue in whatever way makes sense for them.

[flash]

Re: Is buying cheap unethical?

Okay, got your message, but what ARE unfair working conditions or pay for a child?

[sweeps]

Re: Is buying cheap unethical?

flash: Your point is well-taken. I could answer a question and it would result in 5 more unanswered questions.

It's usually a bad idea to speak in generalizations in these ethical debates. I could say it's always unethical to kill someone, but as we all know, sometimes it may not be. That would open up several cans of worms: self-defense (e.g. Is killing an abusive spouse ethical?), abortion (e.g. At what gestational stage, if ever, is abortion ethical? Is birth control ethical?), stem cell research, capital punishment, euthanasia (e.g. Terri Schiavo.).

[flash]

Re: Is buying cheap unethical?

No offense intended. I agree with you.

I've been surprised by the requests for a discussion of ethics of saving and freebies and such after I posted my kudos to Rubbermaid. I have avoided it; it's really a personal issue and everyone has to make their own choices.

If you want to see where MY head is on it, check out my last journal post on free chickens.

[jnsaver]

Re: Is buying cheap unethical?

As flash points out, it is probably not possible to get the best value for your money and do right by your family budget AND violate no ethical values, labor-related, environmental or even those you aren't aware of.

Not quite. You can get some wonderful cheap cheap cheap antiques and other high quality items at thrift stores, garage sales, estate auctions, resale stores, ebay etc. With maybe the exception of food, gas and other consumables as well as undergarmets and things that wear out, there's absolutely no reason to buy retail. You can also make and refurbish things yourself.

[sweeps]

Re: Is buying cheap unethical?

No offense intended. I agree with you.

I know. I enjoy the debate actually. That's the thing about ethics. No right answers.

[cercis]

Re: Is buying cheap unethical?

The main thing we have is we want to buy organic as much as possible. We feel that synthetic fertilizes and pesticides are poisoning our earth and using too much fossil fuels. We also feel that our bodies are healthier if we limit that exposure.

Even when we were living paycheck to paycheck, we did our best to buy organic. Now that money isn't as tight, we buy about 80% organic.