One of my favorite orgs, Co-op America, just released a free guide to moving beyond the Wal-Mart economy.

"We look at why Wal-Mart's business model is bad for workers, communities,
and the environment, and what each of us can do - individually and with our
community members - to create a healthier, and more sustainable marketplace.
Our guide includes:

There is no place for a Wal-Mart in a Sustainable Society
A comprehensive look at the main concerns surrounding the sustainability of
Wal-Mart's business model including a discussion of sweatshops, low wages
for US workers, taxpayers footing the bill, local businesses being shut out,
and environmental concerns that Wal-Mart is exporting pollution and
importing sprawl.

Skip Wal-Mart, Save Money
This section of the guide is an examination of the plausibility of saving
money by avoiding Wal-Mart.  It gives alternatives for individuals and
communities proving that Wal-Mart is not the only place to meet your needs
when cash is in short supply.

Take Action: Fighting off the Big Box
The action section offers unique suggestions for fighting Wal-Mart in your
community whether you've had Wal-Mart for years, your town is currently
negotiating with Wal-Mart, or you want to protect your town early before
Wal-Mart tries to force itself into your community.

The guide is complete with a shopping cart comparison between Wal-Mart and
other local or green store prices and a success story of how one woman led
her community to impose their standards on Wal-Mart so that they had a say
in how Wal-Mart came in.  It also lists organizations around the country
working on addressing the problems of Wal-Mart - from labor unions to
anti-sprawl groups to community organizing resources.

Again, it's FREE for advocates that want to use this guide as part of their
local outreach efforts to educate others about the problems with Wal-Mart.
The guide is ready and we are taking orders now.  E-mail Ann Church at
annchurch@coopamerica.org with your name, address, and the quantity you'd like. Free
guides are limited to 3 per person/organization.  For orders larger than 3
we ask that you cover the cost of shipping."

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