What's Your Favorite Progressive Business?

As advertisers are quick to remind us, we've moved from the Election Season to the Holiday Season, and this Friday marks the kick-off of America's annual shopping spree. For us political junkies, though, there is a way to keep our politics in play as we make our purchases: buying from progressive businesses. We've already pushed our agenda with our vote; now we can do it with our wallet. And in the current economy, with money tight, you want to spend where it counts.

What's your favorite progressive business? Is it a shop like Brooklyn's 3R Living, which sells environmentally-conscious gifts (they sell online as well)? Or an independent publisher like Ig Publishing? Maybe it's the bar that hosts your political events, or your local alternative performance venue, or a fair-trade coffee provider.

In every community, there are these businesses -- and we should support them...but first, we have to learn about them. So, which are your favorites? Let us know in the comments thread.

At Living Liberally, we're working on a project called The Liberal Card that, as among other goals, aims to promote these businesses. We remember what a good resource Buy Blue was after the last election, directing us to businesses that leaned our way and warning us against those that didn't (and are happy that Advomatic will be reviving that program in the future). What was a good idea in '04 is an even better idea now.

Help us make this year a Blue Christmas for all.

Comments

[andyg]

Wal-mart, it all about the cost.

[mel21clc]

Buying indie-local and/or secondhand is going to do a lot more for the environment and the economy than just avoiding your local Wal-Mart. Secondhand stores are affordable, easily accessible, use no new resources, and can have surprisingly nice stock -- sometimes still in their packaging. If you're not inclined to go to Goodwill for Christmas presents, though, check out the local gift shops, boutiques, and craft fairs in your area that are locally-owned; spending there is going to result in more money benefiting the local area than buying plastic crap produced in China at your neighborhood Target. If you don't have much time to shop during normal business hours, check out Etsy.com for one-of-a-kind handmade items made by people, not factories. (Full disclosure: I sell on Etsy at craftgasm.etsy.com, but am buying most of my presents there this year, and it's fabulous!) Lastly, make your own presents! A tin of cookies, fresh-made bread, or handsewn Christmas ornaments will mean more to your recipient than another gift card ever could.