I can explain how my purchases show what I care about.
I can give examples of how groups use buying power to support their beliefs.
I can describe how consumer choices can reflect both individual and collective identity.
Going back to the quote we looked at yesterday, "Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want", can you think of a time when you bought something based on what you believe in?
Consumer values influence what we buy: environmental, ethical, religious, cultural, health-related, etc.
Examples of values in spending
Buying fair trade chocolate (ethical labor)
Purchasing from local farms (supporting local economy)
Wearing Indigenous-designed clothing (cultural identity)
Choosing plant-based foods (environmental concerns)
Boycotts: People choose not to buy from companies whose values or actions they disagree with (e.g., environmental pollution, unfair labor).
Branding & Identity: Clothing, music, food, and even apps we use can reflect our interests, beliefs, or communities.
For each of these scenarios, discuss
What value or identity might be influencing the purchase?
Would they make the same choice? Why or why not?
Scenarios
Alex chooses a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones every day.
Priya avoids buying fast fashion and instead shops second-hand.
Liam stops eating at a burger chain after learning about its treatment of workers.
Zoey buys shoes from a company that donates a pair to someone in need.
Mateo buys a hoodie from a local Indigenous artist to support his culture.
Have you ever chosen to buy or not buy something because of what a company stands for?
How does this relate to consumer choices?
After reading this article, complete the following tasks
Independent groceryy stores see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
Respond to these questions on the Pear Deck Slides