There
are some companies with progressive social values
 |
| Trader Joe's in Cranston |
By
Mindy Fischer
And so now for some
good news….
Sometimes it seems
that we, as Liberals, are always hearing news about extreme right wing companies where we should not spend our money.
But how about
some alternative suggestions on some great Progressive companies who either
strongly believe in Liberal values or who donate large amounts of money to
Progressive causes and candidates?
The truth is that there are millions of
businesses in this country who are constantly vying for your patronage. And
wouldn’t it be nice to know that you are contributing to those who will use
your hard earned dollars to fight for the left?
1. Levi’s
Levi Strauss & Co.
is actually the original maker of jeans. And they have been a long time supporter of gay rights. In 2010 they were even
awarded a GLAAD award for their positive depiction of the LGBT community in
their advertising. They are also big donors to Liberal causes and candidates
with more than 97% of their donations going directly to Democrats.
And if all of that
isn’t reason enough to shop there, they are also very highly recommended in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) which
is a guide that highlights companies that strongly believe in LGBT rights.
2. Costco
Costco makes the list
for a several reasons. First of all they actually believe in paying their
employees a real living wage with great benefits. They literally pay their
workers nearly 50% more than their rival, Sams Club.
In addition they run this
company based on principles of equal rights. Costco is also a major donor to
the Democratic Party. 99% of their donations go directly to Liberal causes and
candidates. It’s no wonder that people love to refer to Costco as the
“anti-Walmart.”
3. Starbucks
Starbucks is a huge supporter of gay marriage and they have earned the
endorsement of the largest LGBT civil rights organization. This coffee giant is
also well known for supplying both their full-time and their part-time
employees with affordable health care. And the HRC highly recommends them for their policies which prohibit
discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
4. Always
Always feminine
products is a big supporter of equal rights for women and girls. In 2011 they
joined in a partnership with The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which promotes basic human rights and is
dedicated to finding solutions to bring about international peace.
Always is
also believes in the empowerment of girls through literacy. Most recently they
launched their “Like a Girl” campaign which directly challenges the
stereotype that girls are weak.
5. Sonic
By any definition Sonic is a Liberal
company. The fast food restaurant prides itself in its support of
educational opportunities for youth and the arts. They are also big supporters
of teacher’s unions and projects across the country. In addition they are also
very supportive of Liberal causes and candidates. They give 98% to Democrats.
6. Microsoft
Microsoft is another
company who strongly supports Liberal causes. Microsoft has been a huge
supporter of LGBT rights and has even implemented programs and resources to
help their gay employees.
Company founder, Bill Gates, has consistently given
large amounts of money to Liberal causes and candidates and he is a major advocate for same-sex marriage. Microsoft is also one of
the highest ranked companies in the HRC for workplace
equality.
7. Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein is
another company who strongly supports Liberal causes and candidates. 100% of their political
donations go to Democrats.
8. Martha Stewart
Living Omnimedia
Martha Stewart is a lifelong Liberal Democrat.
She is a big supporter of gay marriage and equal rights. Martha Stewart Living
is also a major donor for Liberal causes and candidates. 99% of all of her
political donations have gone to Democrats.
9. Heineken
The Heineken brewery
is a major supporter of climate change. They have won many awards
for their contributions and have a long history of working to cut both direct
and indirect climate emissions. Earlier this year Heineken was recognized as a
world leader for both transparency and corporate actions on climate change.
10. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a
great place for responsible Liberal shoppers. They believe in being
environmentally friendly and they are against animal cruelty. They by far lead
all other grocery store chains in carrying only cage-free hen eggs and are
totally against any kind of testing on animals. In addition they are also major contributors to Liberal causes and candidates.