How to be an exemplary consumer

All around the globe the fierce cry felt back in 1960's United States is being echoed. A new peak of the Industrial era is sweeping the Earth and along with it are the already seen issues. Issues such as laborer's right, fair working conditions, women's right, child labor, equal opportunity, and many others are now being draw into the conscience of many for further examination. The question remains what to do about these infamous sweatshops. Unfortunately, no one really holds a realistic answer. It seems as though sweatshops being given birth to out of the nature of the economic market, from which we all partake in. Basic economics will tell you that so long as a demand exist someone somewhere will take advantage instinctively to supply said demand. It would be too idealistic and unrealistic to say that all of humanity should grow a higher conscience and not subdue itself to such primitive instincts and instead make the effort to only do what's "right", which the word in itself is relatively debatable. In short we must face reality and realize our intrinsic nature to act out of fear and desire. In doing so we can see that those are really root of the issues at hand.
In an ideal world those few privileged who hold power would seek to change such reactions. However, as all matters involving a further advancement in our morals and ethics, a grassroots support needs to come about. It is here that we, the consumers, need to step up to the plate and attempt to grow personal conscience of when we are driven to consume by either said emotion which can blind our ability to reason. The goal here is to ignite the flames of protest using the least amount of effort, but making the most dramatic of impacts. It's as simple as asking yourself a series of questions to accurately conclude whether or not a purchase needs to be made at any point in time. Of course keeping in mind that more often then not whatever you are debating to buy would have most likely been made in a sweatshop of some sort. Hopefully this will serve as a counterbalance to any decisions that would have otherwise been taken out of sheer instinct, from which we all struggle to detach ourselves from. Questions such as do I need this? or do I need it to compensate from some personal insecurity? What can I realistically afford? Can I pay more? Should I pay less? Do I have more time to look elsewhere? are a few examples of how one can grow to develop new skills shopping. The goal is to reduce your consumerism and in doing so surely a ripple effect will take place summing up to a reduction in demand for overall goods.
Also as consumers and living creatures we must think long term. One may be more incline to purchase the cheaper product from financial insecurity, but long run, if one knows that from replacing the cheaper good the price might actually add of to double that of the more expensive yet durable product, shouldn't we make that reasonable economic decisions? Of course with more information better decisions can be made. As consumers we must also be informed about the products we buy, how they are made, by whom, and their environmental effect. And what better way to learn and remember all that information then by teaching it to those around you. After all it has been said that the best way to learn is to teach.
I believe the combination of these actions will create the foundation for real change in the world. A foundation so dense and well constructed that nothing will be able to break it, but rather build upon it. Of course the reminder that we not just consumers, but citizens with a voice as well can't hurt. Still the first steps towards change always have to begin with a shift within oneself. Our decisions have a huge impact on not just our overall well being, but all those around us. Even the people halfway around the world. So really the power of change is within each one of us, its only a matter of embracing it to motivate the right action.