

521: Buycotting for Change
Aug 7, 2025
Diane Osgood, an environmental economist and author of 'Your Shopping Superpower,' discusses how consumer choices can drive sustainable change. She introduces the concept of buycotting, which contrasts with traditional boycotting, emphasizing values-based shopping. Listeners learn about shopping decisions based on people, planet, community, and health. Diane illustrates how small shifts in behavior can significantly impact industries and highlights the importance of brand transparency. She advocates for aligning personal values with purchasing decisions for a more sustainable future.
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Tuna Boycott Changed Industry
- Less than 2% of consumers boycotted tuna from nets that harmed dolphins, forcing industry-wide change.
- Small consumer actions can revolutionize entire industries and prove individual power.
One Change a Week Rule
- Make just one ethical change per week to avoid overwhelm and build sustainable habits.
- Focus on progress over perfection since there's no perfectly ethical product.
Shop By Your Core Values
- Identify which value category (people, planet, community, health) tugs your heart most.
- Start improving your purchases in that area for meaningful and personal impact.