So you want to boycott
So you want to boycott, but it just feels so overwhelming! It feels like there are constantly more and more businesses and stores that you "shouldn't be shopping at." When is it going to end?!
Well, probably never. But the good news is, boycotting is easier than you think, I promise.
Step 1: Choose One Store or Restaurant You Can Stop Going To.
Whether this is Target, Walmart, McDonalds, Starbucks, the list goes on. But make a decision and stick to it. Find what that store/restaurant sells elsewhere (preferably at a local small business if you can, but not mandatory), and stop going there.
Step 2: Choose A Second Store or Restaurant and Repeat.
And continue the process a third, fourth, fifth, etc. time.
Tips:
Support local businesses like cafes and local restaurants instead of big chains
Support your local butcher, farmers market, independent bookstores, hardware store, thrift store, etc!
Buy from your friends, local artists, and see who you can barter with! (My friend and I trade haircuts for sewing services!)
Cancel subscriptions you're not actively using (why do we need 6-8 streaming services?!)
Use the library more! Everyone should have a library card, they are a fabulous resource for everything from printing to books, media, and so much more
Learn how to mend your clothing so that you aren't buying as much, or can focus on buying only things that will last longer/things you truly love
Additionally, I wanted to tell you about this fabulous app I found called No Thanks (not at all a sponsor!!) It is Palestinian made and run, and allows you to scan the barcode on something you want to buy to tell you if it's part of an active boycott. So if that's something important to you, as well, I highly recommend the app!
IMPORTANT:
Start small. If you try to bite off more than you can chew, you will choke. And it's okay if you mess up!! It's okay if you're out one day and the only place you can reasonably stop is the place you're supposed to be boycotting. That is OKAY. Just don't let it be a habit. Don't make excuses for it, or let yourself continue to return. But don't beat yourself up over it, either. But we should always focus on what we CAN do, not on what we CAN'T.
