How to Make Real Economic Change

With constant talk about the Trump tax plan and benefits going almost exclusively to the top of the top, one may wonder how it is that we are stranded in the wilderness of economic inequality without a map? Here are just a few basic starter suggestions and ideas for a sound financial path.

1. Support "Democracy at Work". This phrase, commonly used by economist Richard Wolff, refers to enterprises where the employees have a say in how their companies are run and may even own part or all of the company themselves. Also known as, worker cooperatives, these businesses are often highly-efficient and far more sustainable than mass-produced mega-chains. More info @ www.democracyatwork.info.

Some employee-owned co-ops I know:

*New Belgium Brewery: http://www.newbelgium.com/brewery/

*King Arthur Flour https://www.kingarthurflour.com/

*Bob's Red Mill (Grain Products): https://www.bobsredmill.com/

*Clif Bar Company

*Florida's Natural Orange Juice

*REI (Outdoor gear): https://www.rei.com/

*Namaste Solar: http://www.namastesolar.com/about-us/why-namaste-solar/employee-ownership/

*More at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_employee-owned_companies


2. Keep Your Money Local, Credit Unions > Big Banks: Besides more local rather than international investments, credit unions offer competitive interest rates and many have less fees than big banks. *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_credit_unions_in_the_United_States
Do your own research for more in your area.

3. Buy "Made in USA": It CAN be done. Many companies based right here at home make everyday essentials and other cool items. Here are some I like.

*www.madeinusaforever.com (Online Warehouse of USA Clothing, Food, Gear, etc...)

*www.allusaclothing.com (Online USA Clothing Warehouse)

*https://www.allamericanclothing.com/ (Online USA Clothing Warehouse)

*https://www.ninelineapparel.com/ (Veteran-Owned Clothing/Gear Company)

*https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/ (Veteran-Owned Coffee/Gear Company)

20% OFF YOUR 1st ORDER

*https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/ (Firefighter/Veteran Owned Coffee/Clothing Company)

*https://www.gruntstyle.com/ (Veteran-Owned Clothing/Gear Company)

*https://libertybottles.com/ (Drink bottles made from recycled materials, promotes hiring of Veterans)

To sum up, don't get discouraged when there are many options that help create real economic growth at the grassroots level. Look into some companies that are based on this philosophy and maybe you can create one of your own someday. Bruce, "The Boss" said it best with "You can't start a fire without a spark." Be the light that leads the way out of the economic dark ages.