23 Comments
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Millstone Revolution's avatar

I have a practical plan for part of building a permanent boycott movement that should create a positive economic feedback loop for its participants. See my post. I call it The Millstone Revolution.

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Geri's avatar

We’re always on the fringe.

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Collese's avatar

I appreciate your viewpoint. The one day boycott is actually just the beginning of a calendar of events. Shortly after will be product or business targeted events. Small business are not included in boycotts. As I understood things, it's suggested that we turn out spending towards the small businesses as you are a part of us. This guy appears to be a movement leader. If you aren't already following him, please check him out. Reading your posts and recalling your overall compassion filled content, I think you'll like what he's saying

https://www.instagram.com/theonecalledjai/reel/DGCmKxIt6hr/

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Cynthia Lee's avatar

Couldn’t agree more, Crystal! Thanks for sharing…♥️

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Val Vaganek's avatar

Looking forward to reading your ideas beyond the one day boycott

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Mary Martin's avatar

Thanks for voicing what needs to be said about this. We are spending our grocery dollars at Costco (big business that supports DEI and a living wage for its workers) and locally owned grocery stores here in Wilmington. I'm purchasing art supplies at independently owned online places, and avoiding Amazon for those purchases as much as possible. No more clothing shopping on Amazon.

There is also a weeklong US & World "Oligarch #1 protest: Amazon from March 7-14, and a National Strike on March 14 where workers are encouraged NOT to work.

Here's a hopeful post from Robert Reich. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19znsFg8eo/

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

I've been doing more of my grocery shopping at Costco as well, which I thought wouldn't be possible as a single person, but pleasantly surprised at how much I can purchase there for just me. Plus my out of pocket prescription is literally HALF the cost I was paying at my local pharmacy.

Thanks for the tips on the other boycott dates. And the link to Robert Reichs post -- that is a good one--I posted it to my Facebook yesterday. We need to see that our collective actions are making an impact!

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Barbara's avatar

I have begun to use cash as much and as often as possible and sending checks to pay bills etc.

I've also closed my accounts with any large banks and use only local credit unions for banking.

Shopping on Amazon or using a credit or debit card is now an occasional event and not a regular practice as before. This feels more independent to me and feels better. It also makes me more thoughtful of my spending.

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

Cash is a good idea for local shopping. I know it saves on credit/debit card processing fees for the vendors and shops as well. It really does feel better to know your spending habits are making a difference. Thanks Barbara!

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Suzanne Steed's avatar

BRAVO Crystal Marie for taking time to craft a thoughtful and engaging message. I appreciate it.

I’ve been doing more research into products I use that are easy to make myself using web recipes and tutorials. For example things I use in the laundry or personal items like bath and hair and face oils . Also there is a Refillary store here that stocks excellent products in bulk for all kinds of products.

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

These are really great ideas. I love that there is a store called Refillary. Fantastic options and good for the environment!

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patricia merrill's avatar

I feel the same way my friend. The house is on fire and you come with a carton of milk to put it out.

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

great analogy, thanks!

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Judith Stadler's avatar

The 2/28 boycott is just the beginning. For a full schedule of additional boycotts do to https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DQxWGGZUH/. While your idea for a full divestment is a good one, it probably is not actionable by the numbers needed to make it effective. These corporations are so entrenched in every aspect of our lives that it would be hard to separate from them without cutting ourselves off. Sadly, there are no longer enough "small" companies from which to purchase needed goods and services.

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

It's not an either/or for sure. The ability to completely divest isn't realistic, but we can be more aware of where and how we spend our dollars. Especially on things like clothing, home decor, and entertainment. We start where we are with what we are able to do. To completely rebuild may sound like an impossible goal, but artists are experienced at dreaming and building something from nothing. More than ever, we need to have these seeds of hope or we'll fall into despair.

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Judith Rosenbaum's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful, brave words. Looking forward to Part II for more ways to approach this long-term

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

Thanks so much for taking a moment to read and respond, Judith. I so appreciate your kind words.

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Debi's avatar

Yes we always have the power of choice. When I had more buying power, basic because I had a shop. When I was at the big shows, once I was attracted to a venders merchandise, then I would hang around and watch. If I liked the what was happening I would buy. I felt that was my little way of encouraging good. I put them simply in part of the solution or part of the problem. For me it was exercising the little power I had. Put my money in the hands of people that are part of the solution. Sounds simple, it wasn’t, it was conscious spending. I never really thought to apply it to my everyday day spending. I guess because seems like so little. I think your right ever little counts. The ground swell of buying Canadian is really obvious.

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

I like how you phrased that "conscious spending". Absolutely feels aligned with what I'm envisioning. Thanks, Debi!

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Robin's avatar

I so agree with you! One day is not enough! Will look forward to hearing how you're divesting from some of the big ones...especially Amazon. Over the years I've become so disenchanted with going to stores and not finding what I was looking for. So it took time and gas as well as driving with all the crazies out there...so I have become reliant on Amazon. Then I also think about the employees of Amazon and how many will end up losing their jobs...so it's a big process to think about and go through....Thanks so much for shedding light on it!

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

It is a process. I recently managed to unsubscribe from Amazon Prime after a friend pointed out that we still get free shipping on orders over $25 on many of the products there. I was surprised to find that a lot of my monthly supplements that I buy through Amazon, were actually cheaper when I purchased directly from the manufacturers.

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Carol Ann Webster's avatar

I agree with you.

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Crystal Marie, Artist's avatar

I'm heartened to know there are so many of us that want to see this kind of change. Thanks for taking a moment to comment, Carol!

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