It was just about one year ago that BuyBlue launched on December 1, 2004 with our Blue Christmas list of products and services AND the campaign contributions of the companies that make them. Thanks to the activism of the blogosphere – we showed that you can make a difference with your wallet – every day and especially at Christmas!
Thanks to the amazing work of volunteers – mostly from DailyKos in the beginning…we are now coming up on our first anniversary!
So thanks to the marvellous writing of our President, Raven Brooks (aka terminal3), I am excerpting part of our Blue Christmas blog – and teasing you with links to `blue shopping’! If you want to read the whole thing…click on Blue Christmas 2005 above!
Retailers make a significant portion of their yearly sales during the Christmas season. At the holidays we have the greatest opportunity to vote for our values with our wallets and have retailers take notice. Last year media and retailers definitely took notice.
This year we have put together a list of the companies most deserving of our patronage, based on all the factors we track on our site. The result is the Blue Christmas 2005 list, a sort of “Editor’s List” of products and services we recommend.
We’ve put together several print-friendly items to take along when you’re shopping this holiday season. You’ll find a one-page flyer in both color and black and white versions that you can take with you or share with friends and family. You’ll also find a wallet-sized list that you can print from home.
Here’s what you can do to participate:
- Vote with your wallets: If you plan to buy gifts for your friends and family this year then consider using Our Blue Christmas 2005 list to do your shopping.
- Spread the word: Help get the message out by spreading the word about BuyBlue and the campaign itself. You can find several printable flyers that talk about BuyBlue in general and printable versions of the list below. If you are involved in a local progressive or democratic organization or union, or you just have a blog or post in forums, you can spread the word there.
- Contact retailers: As you make your purchases this holiday season let retailers know why you have chosen to patronize them. For many of the retailers on our list we have contact information on file so you can send them an email from our “Take Action” page in each company profile.
With this list, we hope that you’ll be able to put your money where your values are, and vote with your wallets. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or none of the above we hope you have a safe and enjoyable time with your friends and family this holiday season.
So – as you head out for this busiest of shopping weekends…take your blue list with you and “Vote with your Wallet”
Blue Christmas – Wallet Size (pdf)
SallyCat
Aka Sally Westgate
Treasurer / Board Member
BuyBlue.org
