HOW DO I CHOOSE WISELY?
Making purchasing choices that align with our values begins with not getting lured into a purchase without asking a few questions first. Before you hit BUY or swipe your card at the checkout stand ask:
CAN I LIVE WITHOUT THIS?
Many purchases are made on an emotional, spur-of-the moment decision and regretted later. Take a moment to pause and ask if this is really a necessary purchase. If not, how could the money possibly be better spent? Some ways might be investing in a local start-up business, donating to a local organization or helping family, friends, or others you know in need. For some, an easier question to start with might be DO I WANT TO GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO HAVE THIS? The key is finding the question that works for you personally to be more mindful of each purchase before pressing BUY or swiping your card at the register.
CAN I REPAIR WHAT I HAVE?
Can you fix what you have or know someone who can help you? Repair cafes are also a great option and we are lucky to have Tucson Repair Cafe here in town. Check out this heartwarming video from the Today show that will surely inspire you to want to participate in a repair cafe.
CAN I FIND IT USED, REFURBISHED OR UPCYCLED?
From finding a bargain at a thrift shop or used book store, to buying refurbished technology from a major retailer like Apple, or the B-Corp BackMarket as examples, buying used or refurbished should always be considered option before buying new.
Making purchasing choices that align with our values begins with not getting lured into a purchase without asking a few questions first. Before you hit BUY or swipe your card at the checkout stand ask:
CAN I LIVE WITHOUT THIS?
Many purchases are made on an emotional, spur-of-the moment decision and regretted later. Take a moment to pause and ask if this is really a necessary purchase. If not, how could the money possibly be better spent? Some ways might be investing in a local start-up business, donating to a local organization or helping family, friends, or others you know in need. For some, an easier question to start with might be DO I WANT TO GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO HAVE THIS? The key is finding the question that works for you personally to be more mindful of each purchase before pressing BUY or swiping your card at the register.
CAN I REPAIR WHAT I HAVE?
Can you fix what you have or know someone who can help you? Repair cafes are also a great option and we are lucky to have Tucson Repair Cafe here in town. Check out this heartwarming video from the Today show that will surely inspire you to want to participate in a repair cafe.
CAN I FIND IT USED, REFURBISHED OR UPCYCLED?
From finding a bargain at a thrift shop or used book store, to buying refurbished technology from a major retailer like Apple, or the B-Corp BackMarket as examples, buying used or refurbished should always be considered option before buying new.
READY TO BUY A PRODUCT
Learn how to shop with businesses that align for your values with these resources to help you become an informed shopper:
Find locally owned AZ businesses - Local First Arizona
localfirstaz.com/directory
Learn about B-Corps - companies that adhere to certain human rights, social justice, and environmental standards:
www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
Though UK based, Ethical Consumer provides in-depth information on the social, ethical and environmental behavior of many companies you may be supporting. Before you hit "buy" check out their website.
https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/
Learn which companies, and company employees donated to Project 2025, to specific candidates and more. A caution though is that many companies donate to both parties to keep favor with both. Some tools show the combined amounts (including all employees of a company) which can make a company look like it aligns with your values more than it does. For example, a company like Amazon may have an owner who uses his immense wealth and power to manipulate government policy, yet have many workers who donate to candidates fighting for democratic principles. This may make the a company look like it supports candidates and agendas you would support, but if you dig deeper you may find the picture is not so clear. Due diligence is needed. Take some time to do your research.
https://progressiveshopper.com/
www.goodsuniteus.com
www.opensecrets.org/donor-lookup
https://shophowyouvote.com/
www.goodsuniteus.com
And there are also companies working to gather together products on their site that make it easy to support businesses that support democratic values, or value the environment, or support veteran or minority businesses. One such site is Little Blue Cart. They state on their About page: "Little Blue Cart began with a single, honest moment. Kate recommended a local photographer, and Erin asked, “But who did she vote for?” That question changed everything. It sparked the realization that our purchases—every single one—carry power. After the 2024 election, we turned that idea turned into action and build Little Blue Cart around a kitchen table. Our goal is simple: make it easy to support businesses that share our values of democracy, equality, and freedom."
https://littlebluecart.com/
Learn how to shop with businesses that align for your values with these resources to help you become an informed shopper:
Find locally owned AZ businesses - Local First Arizona
localfirstaz.com/directory
Learn about B-Corps - companies that adhere to certain human rights, social justice, and environmental standards:
www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
Though UK based, Ethical Consumer provides in-depth information on the social, ethical and environmental behavior of many companies you may be supporting. Before you hit "buy" check out their website.
https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/
Learn which companies, and company employees donated to Project 2025, to specific candidates and more. A caution though is that many companies donate to both parties to keep favor with both. Some tools show the combined amounts (including all employees of a company) which can make a company look like it aligns with your values more than it does. For example, a company like Amazon may have an owner who uses his immense wealth and power to manipulate government policy, yet have many workers who donate to candidates fighting for democratic principles. This may make the a company look like it supports candidates and agendas you would support, but if you dig deeper you may find the picture is not so clear. Due diligence is needed. Take some time to do your research.
https://progressiveshopper.com/
www.goodsuniteus.com
www.opensecrets.org/donor-lookup
https://shophowyouvote.com/
www.goodsuniteus.com
And there are also companies working to gather together products on their site that make it easy to support businesses that support democratic values, or value the environment, or support veteran or minority businesses. One such site is Little Blue Cart. They state on their About page: "Little Blue Cart began with a single, honest moment. Kate recommended a local photographer, and Erin asked, “But who did she vote for?” That question changed everything. It sparked the realization that our purchases—every single one—carry power. After the 2024 election, we turned that idea turned into action and build Little Blue Cart around a kitchen table. Our goal is simple: make it easy to support businesses that share our values of democracy, equality, and freedom."
https://littlebluecart.com/
GREAT ALTERNATIVES (to Amazon, etc.) FOR BOOKS AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT
GET A LIBRARY CARD - YOU WILL BE DOING YOURSELF A HUGE FAVOR!
Check out all the great resources the Pima County Library has to offer.
www.library.pima.gov/
Use the money you can save on purchasing books, streaming services and more to support the library and ensure these vital institutions remain a part of our social fabric.
Did you know you can sign up online to get an e-card and have free access to all of the library's Digital Media and E-Library Online Resources without having to go to the library? Get access to digital and audio books, magazines, comics and more. Your library card will give you access to great resources like the Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy apps and so much more. Learn all you need to know about how to get a digital-only library card or a full-access card here:
www.library.pima.gov/getalibrarycard/
LOCAL BOOKSTORES - YOU CAN BUY ON-LINE OR VISIT THE STORE!
Tucson is fortunate to have an abundance of independent bookstores. A trip to a bricks and mortar store is highly recommended. But if you enjoy clicking a button and having a book arrive at your door, some local bookstores can do that too. Here are just a few of the many independent bookstores you can explore in Tucson:
Antigone Books in the 4th Avenue shopping district offers an excellent book selection for readers of all ages along with a large selection of gifts and greeting cards. And they are 100% solar powered!
Desiertobooks in the Mercado offers new, used, and rare books and a unique focus on the Southwest. They also have a collection of vinyl records.
And if you are in Oro Valley, check out Stacks Book Club (and coffee bar) at Oro Valley Marketplace offering an all genres of books paired with a full service cafe. They partner with locally owned and operated food, beverage and artisan vendors to offer locally made products and gifts too.
OTHER ON-LINE BUYING OPTIONS:
Alternatives for buying print, e-books and audio-books that pay a portion of the sale to the selected local bookstore of your choice can be a great option too. Check out bookshop.org for print and e-books and libro.fm for audio books.
TELEVISION, FILMS AND STREAMING ALTERNATIVES
Sign up for PBS Passport and help ensure they survive Trump's massive cuts
www.pbs.org/passport/learn-more/
Don't forget your library card gives you access to Kanopy which allows you to stream thousands of films for free.
Seek out Independent (Indie) films instead of those produced by Paramount, Amazon, MGM, etc. and support local independent cinemas like The Loft instead.
***IMPORTANT NOTE*** about businesses, organizations, or resources listed on this page. There are many good alternatives and we have no affiliation with any of the businesses listed. Our all volunteer Boycott and Build team simply offers this information to support you in getting started on shifting your dollars. Have fun, explore, get to know our local community and all hat make Tucson such a wonderfully unique place to live.
GET A LIBRARY CARD - YOU WILL BE DOING YOURSELF A HUGE FAVOR!
Check out all the great resources the Pima County Library has to offer.
www.library.pima.gov/
Use the money you can save on purchasing books, streaming services and more to support the library and ensure these vital institutions remain a part of our social fabric.
Did you know you can sign up online to get an e-card and have free access to all of the library's Digital Media and E-Library Online Resources without having to go to the library? Get access to digital and audio books, magazines, comics and more. Your library card will give you access to great resources like the Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy apps and so much more. Learn all you need to know about how to get a digital-only library card or a full-access card here:
www.library.pima.gov/getalibrarycard/
LOCAL BOOKSTORES - YOU CAN BUY ON-LINE OR VISIT THE STORE!
Tucson is fortunate to have an abundance of independent bookstores. A trip to a bricks and mortar store is highly recommended. But if you enjoy clicking a button and having a book arrive at your door, some local bookstores can do that too. Here are just a few of the many independent bookstores you can explore in Tucson:
Antigone Books in the 4th Avenue shopping district offers an excellent book selection for readers of all ages along with a large selection of gifts and greeting cards. And they are 100% solar powered!
Desiertobooks in the Mercado offers new, used, and rare books and a unique focus on the Southwest. They also have a collection of vinyl records.
And if you are in Oro Valley, check out Stacks Book Club (and coffee bar) at Oro Valley Marketplace offering an all genres of books paired with a full service cafe. They partner with locally owned and operated food, beverage and artisan vendors to offer locally made products and gifts too.
OTHER ON-LINE BUYING OPTIONS:
Alternatives for buying print, e-books and audio-books that pay a portion of the sale to the selected local bookstore of your choice can be a great option too. Check out bookshop.org for print and e-books and libro.fm for audio books.
TELEVISION, FILMS AND STREAMING ALTERNATIVES
Sign up for PBS Passport and help ensure they survive Trump's massive cuts
www.pbs.org/passport/learn-more/
Don't forget your library card gives you access to Kanopy which allows you to stream thousands of films for free.
Seek out Independent (Indie) films instead of those produced by Paramount, Amazon, MGM, etc. and support local independent cinemas like The Loft instead.
***IMPORTANT NOTE*** about businesses, organizations, or resources listed on this page. There are many good alternatives and we have no affiliation with any of the businesses listed. Our all volunteer Boycott and Build team simply offers this information to support you in getting started on shifting your dollars. Have fun, explore, get to know our local community and all hat make Tucson such a wonderfully unique place to live.
