But a personal boycott can do more. As more people become conscientious consumers and create personal boycotts, more pressure will be placed on companies to match their conduct and actions to the behavioral norms expected by most consumers. Most people share the same concepts of proper company behavior. Products should be safe, workers should be treated fairly, and all people should have basic rights. Governments may have limited powers to make these things happen, but consumers, conscientious consumers, also have power.
Consumers can create change if they work together in large numbers.
A single person, taking a stand and creating a personal boycott can start the process of change. When numerous like-minded conscientious consumers join a cause, work together and convince others, companies can be forced to change their behavior. When united, thousands of personal boycotts have the power of an organized boycott. And organized boycotts have changed the conduct and actions of companies. When companies are confronted with the negative publicity and loss sales created by large numbers of personal boycotts, they will be highly motivated to change their actions.