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As a consumer, you have the power to direct your money towards companies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Doing so helps create a more inclusive world and supports businesses owned by women, people of colour, and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some tips on how to use your purchasing power for good.

Research Companies That Promote DEI

The first step is to research companies that promote DEI initiatives. Look for companies that are actively working towards creating an equitable workplace and marketplace. Seek out information about their policies, practices, and commitment to DEI from their websites or social media accounts.

 

Look for Companies Owned by Women, People of Colour, and/or Members of the LGBTQ+ Community

When shopping or researching products online or in stores, look for companies owned by women, people of colour, and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Buying from these businesses is a great way to show your support for the DEI movement. You can also look for products made by artisans and craftspeople who come from diverse backgrounds or cultures.

 

Seek Out Retailers Whose Product Catalogues Show Representation Across All Genders, Ethnicities, Religions, and Identities

Choose retailers whose product catalogues show representation across all genders, ethnicities, religions, and identities when shopping online or in stores. This can be done simply by looking at the images used in marketing materials or product descriptions on websites or in stores. If there is not enough representation being shown, then it’s time to look elsewhere.

 

Refuse to Buy From Companies That Don’t Support DEI Initiatives

By taking the polite stance of “refusing to buy” from companies that do not support DEI initiatives, we are advocating for a more equitable future. This shift in attitude toward fair practices is absolutely necessary to create an inclusive environment. Your individual actions can be a powerful tool to influence companies to improve their DEI focus while holding them responsible when they neglect their responsibility. When it comes to spending our hard-earned money, let’s make sure we are putting them toward businesses that understand the importance of representation and inclusion in the workplace.

 

Prioritise Companies With Robust Accountability

Make sure the companies you choose prioritise accountability when it comes to their DEI initiatives. This means they should have clear policies outlining how they will hold themselves accountable if any issues arise regarding diversity within their organisation or marketplace. Additionally, they should have clear channels through which employees can report any grievances related to discrimination or harassment in the workplace as well as outline what actions they plan on taking if such issues occur.

 

Choosing Companies That Hire With Diversity in Mind

Finally, make sure you choose companies that hire with diversity in mind when recruiting new employees. Look for companies that have an active recruitment process that seeks out job applicants from diverse backgrounds, including based on gender identity and expression, as well as ethnicity, race and religion. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity when it comes to applying for jobs regardless of background, which helps create a more equitable work environment overall.

 

By directing your attention and money towards companies that promote DEI, you can help create a more inclusive world while also supporting businesses owned by women, people of colour, and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Researching different companies before making purchases, looking for retailers that value representation, refusing to buy from any company that doesn’t support DEI initiatives, and choosing those who hire with diversity in mind, will ensure you are using your purchasing power responsibly while helping promote change within our society.

 

This article was written by Jennifer Scott from Spiritfinder.org.

 

Please note: The Diversity Trust is providing these useful websites as a service for our visitors. We are not related to or working in partnership with these organisations, nor can we endorse their services.