Some companies are socially responsible and recognise the virtues of sustainable development. Unfortunately, many others do not. If enough consumers stop buying, profits decline and the targeted company will clean up its act. The consumer boycott of South African products was a strong factor in ending apartheid. Waste, litter - The biggest single issue raised in Oldhamers comments was about waste and litter.
Most litter is simply carrier bags and wrappers from goods.
Local products, local trade - Regional food is usually fresher and tastier, but it is getting harder to find. Because we do most of our shopping in supermarkets and have a wider choice of goods, we have lowered the demand for regional food and locally grown vegetables. Some people think this wider choice is good but buying local produces and using local shops, helps support local employment and protect local agricultural land. BSE in beef, salmonella in eggs, are examples of this. Using their consumer power shoppers are forcing supermarkets to carry a wide range of organic food, and food free from genetic engineering.