When you buy, don’t sell out

The current economic crisis promises to make the already nerve-racking task of holiday shopping even more stressful this season. Shoppers in Morningside Heights will face yet another complication this year: A string of dubious ethical practices at local businesses brings to the fore the issue of responsible consumerism. And while the question of what constitutes morally and socially conscious shopping is particularly pertinent in this down economy, shoppers should always bear in mind the business practices of retailers when deciding what to buy.

2009 saw labor disputes at many Upper West Side eateries. Protesters descended on Broadway and 110th Street at the beginning of the year to decry the inadequate wages and exploitation of workers at Ollie’s and Tomo Sushi and Sake Bar, the latter of which is now closed. The dispute ended in late March with a legal victory for the workers, with the restaurants’ owner paying $2.3 million in compensation. In September, Liberty Thai Corporation, which operates the Upper West Side branch of the Lemongrass Grill restaurant, became embroiled in a similar controversy, with Liberty Thai facing allegations of paying its employees below minimum wage. And in recent weeks, health care benefits and holiday pay at Book Culture, an independent bookstore near Columbia, have fallen under scrutiny.

This series of disputes in the neighborhood reminds shoppers that they must be conscious of where they spend their money. Both Columbia students and faculty have the responsibility to remain as aware as possible of the business practices of the stores at which they shop—a purchase, after all, is like a vote of confidence. Consumers looking to shop ethically can turn to charitable organizations—and even department stores—that sell products whose proceeds benefit worthy causes. Campus activists could also join forces to compile a list of businesses that are committed to fair labor practices or that make charitable contributions. In any case, consumers on the Upper West Side must remember the people who stock store shelves, deliver food to restaurant tables, and work long hours to accommodate holiday shoppers—often without overtime pay. This year, the economy will affect both shoppers and workers, but we should all do our part to treat employees with respect. It’s a gift that costs nothing.

Elizabeth Simins recused herself from the writing of this editorial. Editorial board members recuse themselves when a potential conflict of interest prevents them from being impartial on the subject of an editorial.

Tags: Opinion, Editorial Board