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As usual, the capitalist view has it in terms of the individual (as opposed to the collectivity or even the whole planet). One can think about the (perceived) b
by cawel 15y ago
As usual, the capitalist view has it in terms of the individual (as opposed to the collectivity or even the whole planet). One can think about the (perceived) benefits of buying (allegedly) cheap products. But like many things, the figure on that price tag is not the real price. It leaves out externalities.
Indeed, there was both a human (e.g. low salary for those workers, incredibly long working days for those Asians manufacturing the cheap product) and an environmental cost (e.g. pollution in countries where the anti-pollution laws are non existent, carbon emitted during transport). Those costs are not factored into the figure one can see on that price tag.
- paulhauggis 15y ago"Indeed, there was both a human (e.g. low salary for those workers, incredibly long working days for those Asians manufacturing the cheap product)" They may work for a low salary, but in those countries, it's low salary or their family starves. "(e.g. pollution in countries where the anti-pollution laws are non existent, carbon emitted during transport)." Blame the government. They are the gatekeepers that choose to allow this type of pollution.
- cawel 15y agoBlame the government. They are the gatekeepers that choose to allow this type of pollution. It is Walmart – not the government – which pollutes in somebody else's garden. And North American consumers are certainly to blame as well for shopping at Walmart and thus contributing to increase its clout. If consumers could see the details of the whole supply chain (from collecting the raw materials all the way to putting the product on the shelf), companies with no concerns other than maximizing profits – like Walmart – would lose their customers in no time.
- paulhauggis 15y agoIf only the illegal drug users in the US saw it the same way, the cartels would be out of business. Maybe a solution to stop the violence?