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Buy the Change You Want to See: Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place
Eager to change the world? Learn how you can have a greater social impact through your everyday purchases.
The money we routinely spend on food, clothes, gifts, and even indulgences is an untapped superpower. What would happen if we slowed down to make more thoughtful decisions about what we buy? For "mom and pop" stores across the country, and artisan and agricultural communities around the world, every purchase matters.
Consumers--whether individuals, small businesses, or corporations--are paying more attention than ever to how their goods are made; and retailers--large and small--are responding by investing in ethical and eco-friendly production. Yet figuring out which brands to support can feel overwhelming. Jane Mosbacher Morris has devoted her career to creating economic opportunities for vulnerable communities around the world, and in this valuable book, she shares her passion and insights on how we, as consumers, can create positive change too.
Covering topics that range from why not all factories are evil, to how our morning coffee can be the easiest way for us to use our purchasing power for good, Buy the Change You Want to See makes us better informed consumers. Morris tells inspiring stories about how victims of human trafficking and natural disasters have been empowered by economic opportunity, and she offers practical ideas about how we can support these communities through our purchases--whether it comes to jewelry made from recycled materials in Haiti, sustainably grown and ethically sourced coffee and chocolate from farmers in some of the poorest regions of the world, or mass-produced jeans and shoes made in factories where workers are guaranteed decent working conditions and a fair wage.
The money we routinely spend on food, clothes, gifts, and even indulgences is an untapped superpower. What would happen if we slowed down to make more thoughtful decisions about what we buy? For "mom and pop" stores across the country, and artisan and agricultural communities around the world, every purchase matters.
Consumers--whether individuals, small businesses, or corporations--are paying more attention than ever to how their goods are made; and retailers--large and small--are responding by investing in ethical and eco-friendly production. Yet figuring out which brands to support can feel overwhelming. Jane Mosbacher Morris has devoted her career to creating economic opportunities for vulnerable communities around the world, and in this valuable book, she shares her passion and insights on how we, as consumers, can create positive change too.
Covering topics that range from why not all factories are evil, to how our morning coffee can be the easiest way for us to use our purchasing power for good, Buy the Change You Want to See makes us better informed consumers. Morris tells inspiring stories about how victims of human trafficking and natural disasters have been empowered by economic opportunity, and she offers practical ideas about how we can support these communities through our purchases--whether it comes to jewelry made from recycled materials in Haiti, sustainably grown and ethically sourced coffee and chocolate from farmers in some of the poorest regions of the world, or mass-produced jeans and shoes made in factories where workers are guaranteed decent working conditions and a fair wage.
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2019
22 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Jane Mosbacher Morris
1 book8 followersJane Mosbacher Morris is Founder and CEO of TO THE MARKET, a supply chain software company powering the ethical supply chain. Under her leadership, the company has been named an Inc. Best in Business, an Inc. 5000 company, a Fast Company Innovation by Design honoree, and a Fast Company Next Big Thing in Tech winner.
Morris previously worked in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism. She has also previously served as a member of VF Corporation's Advisory Council on Responsible Sourcing (NYSE:VFC) and is a current board member of CARE.
She has written for publications ranging from Newsweek to Entrepreneur and is the author of Penguin Random House book, Buy the Change You Want to See (2019).
In 2020, Fortune Magazine named Jane one of the 25 World’s Greatest Leaders because of her response to COVID-19. In 2023, Women’s Wear Daily named Jane one of the Most Influential Leaders in Retail.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She is married to fellow entrepreneur Nate Morris of Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 20, 2019
I loved this book! It is so easy to change the world by doing what you do every day and this book helps tell you how to do that. From coffee to gift-giving to updating your wardrobe you can help change lives and do a little bit of world-saving. Jane Mosbacher Morris has done all of the research and leg work so this is a great resource if you are looking at ways to shop and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
February 13, 2019
Loved reading this and learning how I can help bring change just by being more conscious of the way I am spending my dollars. Very inspiring!
December 3, 2020
I was pretty disappointed with this book. Her topics skipped all over the place, some things were repetitive, and very shallow depth/surface level understanding of the topic. Her fondness for Disney is quite ironic given their sweatshop history. Her lack of knowledge of America Samoa sweatshops using the Made in America label and other slave labor in the U.S., while touting American work standards was surprising. There did not seem to be any kind of focus on what a "good" brand was - it started out with businesses that helped survivors of human trafficking and then later talked about sustainable businesses, but that could mean not buying products from overseas. There were random excerpts of things she seemed to have found interesting. She kept mentioning her business over and over and her friends' businesses, like we get it. This book is a lot of random information thrown together, but with no clear voice of the author with what should be done. It was really all over the place. She touted corporate sustainability and good will, which seemed to uphold green washing to some degree. Sanitized view of how business and corporate good, labor changes, etc. work. Eh, I would not recommend.
April 29, 2019
I read this in book club and learned SO much. It resonated with me as someone trying to become a better buyer. It was accessible and did not make me feel guilty. Instead I learned a LOT and felt like I could make baby steps to being a conscious consumer.
August 15, 2020
I recommend this book if you’re looking for an introduction into ethical production and consumption. I learned some more things I love about fair trade, and for the first time, some things I dislike about fair trade.
As the title suggests, the focus of this book is on market-driven solutions and individual purchasing power, with little emphasis on organized action that I’ve come to associate with the movement. I think it’s fine and very educational on that front; I learned about many individual producers and companies that have visible impact in their communities with the money you give them which is awesome. That’s also a good angle to take for readers who are getting into these subjects for the first time and looking to participate.
I think my main problem with this book is the praise bestowed upon major corporations who have made some commitments to sustainability in whatever capacity, while still screwing over the environment, American workers, and/or the workers in countries they invest in in a million other ways. There were specific companies mentioned for their efforts in whichever sustainability endeavor that I vividly remember learning about as some of the worst offenders in other corporate crimes. It’s a very feel-good book that displays the most benevolent parts of American companies and in my opinion pointedly ignores the crimes against humanity they continue to perpetrate.
I figure it was difficult to navigate and include both angles, but I think the corporate initiatives this book talks about should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s a very informative book, the frequent info boxes were very cute and gave good ideas for making an individual impact (cool, but keep in mind companies support + encourage us to take on initiatives to avoid being held accountable by consumers for the global havoc they wreak), and it goes into fascinating depth about a range of topics. Never knew so much about craft chocolate.
I recommend Bernie Sander’s Our Revolution in conjunction with this book for another side of American companies, as well as diving into how American workers are affected by corporate greed and the free trade agreements + outsourcing that this book talks about. Sorry to bring up another book in a review- I think taken together paints a more holistic picture.
I also really appreciate the amount of research and on-the-ground work she includes, as well as her amazing descriptive powers. It adds a lot to the uplifting vibe of the book, and it’s a compelling, enjoyable read over all.
As the title suggests, the focus of this book is on market-driven solutions and individual purchasing power, with little emphasis on organized action that I’ve come to associate with the movement. I think it’s fine and very educational on that front; I learned about many individual producers and companies that have visible impact in their communities with the money you give them which is awesome. That’s also a good angle to take for readers who are getting into these subjects for the first time and looking to participate.
I think my main problem with this book is the praise bestowed upon major corporations who have made some commitments to sustainability in whatever capacity, while still screwing over the environment, American workers, and/or the workers in countries they invest in in a million other ways. There were specific companies mentioned for their efforts in whichever sustainability endeavor that I vividly remember learning about as some of the worst offenders in other corporate crimes. It’s a very feel-good book that displays the most benevolent parts of American companies and in my opinion pointedly ignores the crimes against humanity they continue to perpetrate.
I figure it was difficult to navigate and include both angles, but I think the corporate initiatives this book talks about should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s a very informative book, the frequent info boxes were very cute and gave good ideas for making an individual impact (cool, but keep in mind companies support + encourage us to take on initiatives to avoid being held accountable by consumers for the global havoc they wreak), and it goes into fascinating depth about a range of topics. Never knew so much about craft chocolate.
I recommend Bernie Sander’s Our Revolution in conjunction with this book for another side of American companies, as well as diving into how American workers are affected by corporate greed and the free trade agreements + outsourcing that this book talks about. Sorry to bring up another book in a review- I think taken together paints a more holistic picture.
I also really appreciate the amount of research and on-the-ground work she includes, as well as her amazing descriptive powers. It adds a lot to the uplifting vibe of the book, and it’s a compelling, enjoyable read over all.
April 6, 2022
I was really excited to read an informed book about ethical sourcing/responsible business practice, conscious consumerism, etc. This seemed more like a love letter to her own business and their specific imports (which is, albeit, an impactful company which support artisans whose business provides them financial freedoms to break the cycle of poverty) and weakly structured, scattered arguments.
The first 2 chapters of this book describes conscious consumerism in narrow context, which I would like to see better and immediately represented by equitable trade relationships, fair wages and safe/supportive working conditions, green materials innovation, companies committed to reducing carbon emissions, transparency, etc. Nearly gave up after almost an entire (and worse yet, leading argument) chapter about the wonders of customization (ie tacky monogrammed towels and recycled Christmas ornaments) complete with bulleted list of definitions of customization techniques !!! I’d like to instead read more about recognizing brands with good/bad practices and encouraging a more conscious market. With that being said, the latter 2/3 of the book is so much better. But man… having a hard time getting over the intro and customization chapter.
There is also something ephemeral and narrow to me about the push to improve economies in impoverished countries by encouraging them to make Christmas ornaments and tote bags out of literal trash. Supporting these imports immediately and directly finances individuals who need it and, on a grassroots level, puts more money into small economies, yet shouldn’t we be thinking bigger? Establishing REAL import production that can appeal to global markets, single companies that bring hundreds of jobs and money to local economies, or local branches supplying or manufacture for larger companies that hire and are managed by locals, encouraging literacy and professional development in these communities?
I really respect her business and hope more sustainable for-profit philanthropy projects continue to flourish!
Happy to have learned about her wonderful company but not what I was hoping for in writing or content.
The first 2 chapters of this book describes conscious consumerism in narrow context, which I would like to see better and immediately represented by equitable trade relationships, fair wages and safe/supportive working conditions, green materials innovation, companies committed to reducing carbon emissions, transparency, etc. Nearly gave up after almost an entire (and worse yet, leading argument) chapter about the wonders of customization (ie tacky monogrammed towels and recycled Christmas ornaments) complete with bulleted list of definitions of customization techniques !!! I’d like to instead read more about recognizing brands with good/bad practices and encouraging a more conscious market. With that being said, the latter 2/3 of the book is so much better. But man… having a hard time getting over the intro and customization chapter.
There is also something ephemeral and narrow to me about the push to improve economies in impoverished countries by encouraging them to make Christmas ornaments and tote bags out of literal trash. Supporting these imports immediately and directly finances individuals who need it and, on a grassroots level, puts more money into small economies, yet shouldn’t we be thinking bigger? Establishing REAL import production that can appeal to global markets, single companies that bring hundreds of jobs and money to local economies, or local branches supplying or manufacture for larger companies that hire and are managed by locals, encouraging literacy and professional development in these communities?
I really respect her business and hope more sustainable for-profit philanthropy projects continue to flourish!
Happy to have learned about her wonderful company but not what I was hoping for in writing or content.
May 20, 2020
“Buy The Change You Want to See” is a very informative book about various industries and how a consumer can be better informed about how their money can be spent in a retail way that helps ethical small businesses and factories. While the work the author is doing is commendable and I leaned a lot while reading this particular book, it is not one I feel the need to read again. Some chapters are very specific e.g. an entire chapter on coffee which can be hard to read through as someone who doesn’t really consume that product.
January 11, 2024
I gave up on annotating this book on page 58, where I read the words “I love the fact that retailers recognize the important role of gift giving in society.” This is written in reference to (what I would call) overconsumption during the holiday season.
Yeah.
I knew going into this book that I was not going to enjoy it. However, I did not know how much exactly I was not going to enjoy this book. I thought it would be more of a mild dislike, rather than finding it genuinely difficult to read at times. This entire book feels sort of like a promotion for the author. She’s constantly talking about her business and how great of a person she is, her consciousness, all the people she’s met, and most commonly, the profitability of her company.
That is the core issue I have with this book. It misses the mark on its own subject, what it would call “ethical” consumption for consumers, changing the world and making a better place—but there seems to be a lack of research and a lack of awareness for the issues facing the communities being talked about in the first place. She encourages overseas purchasing of cheap products because they were made by someone who is vulnerable. She speaks positively of companies greenwashing because their marketing is done via ethically made products. There no regard for overconsumption specifically, which is hurting the exact same communities that she talks about helping in this book. There is no commentary whatsoever on the long-term impact of environmental issues and the constant push for economic growth, and for a book that wants to talk so badly about how everyday purchases can change the world, I was thrown off. I should have expected it to be like this, and to not at all address the fact that purchasing so many things in the first place is bad for the world, but it blew me away with just how tone deaf it is. That’s impressive and that’s why it’s getting one star.
Yeah.
I knew going into this book that I was not going to enjoy it. However, I did not know how much exactly I was not going to enjoy this book. I thought it would be more of a mild dislike, rather than finding it genuinely difficult to read at times. This entire book feels sort of like a promotion for the author. She’s constantly talking about her business and how great of a person she is, her consciousness, all the people she’s met, and most commonly, the profitability of her company.
That is the core issue I have with this book. It misses the mark on its own subject, what it would call “ethical” consumption for consumers, changing the world and making a better place—but there seems to be a lack of research and a lack of awareness for the issues facing the communities being talked about in the first place. She encourages overseas purchasing of cheap products because they were made by someone who is vulnerable. She speaks positively of companies greenwashing because their marketing is done via ethically made products. There no regard for overconsumption specifically, which is hurting the exact same communities that she talks about helping in this book. There is no commentary whatsoever on the long-term impact of environmental issues and the constant push for economic growth, and for a book that wants to talk so badly about how everyday purchases can change the world, I was thrown off. I should have expected it to be like this, and to not at all address the fact that purchasing so many things in the first place is bad for the world, but it blew me away with just how tone deaf it is. That’s impressive and that’s why it’s getting one star.
November 24, 2019
Clearly the author is doing amazing work and has excellent insight into the ways business, government, and nonprofits can work together with consumer demand to help change predatory practices and environmental destruction. It was interesting to read the case studies of certain industries she highlighted in the book (coffee, chocolate, etc.).
However, I felt the title was really misleading. This is more a sociological look at some ways businesses are adapting to changing consumer behavior with an inspirational bend, not really a guide for consumers on how to change their specific behavior.
However, I felt the title was really misleading. This is more a sociological look at some ways businesses are adapting to changing consumer behavior with an inspirational bend, not really a guide for consumers on how to change their specific behavior.
February 29, 2024
It felt like one big ad
June 19, 2020
I appreciate the advice and tips provided throughout the book, to help me think more about the journey of everyday products. It was full of interesting facts. I especially enjoyed hearing about the authors travels to Haiti and meeting artesian women. I also learned a lot about how buisnesses meet the CSR and ESG standards and try to help protect their employees and the environment.
Although I did feel that this book felt more like an 'about us' section of the 'To the Market' website.
Overall it was very informative, had great tips and gave me some inspiration and insight to sustainable living. However it is very focused on american buisnesses and recommends many American companies. Which is understandable as the author is from the US. However as someone from the UK. I just felt a lot of the companies were inaccessible and some facts were not personally relevant to me. Although, it got me thinking and inspired to do my own research. Morris reminded me to be active in checking the companies sustainability ethos and values before parting with me cash. I feel I really can use my spending power to buy the change I want to see.
Although I did feel that this book felt more like an 'about us' section of the 'To the Market' website.
Overall it was very informative, had great tips and gave me some inspiration and insight to sustainable living. However it is very focused on american buisnesses and recommends many American companies. Which is understandable as the author is from the US. However as someone from the UK. I just felt a lot of the companies were inaccessible and some facts were not personally relevant to me. Although, it got me thinking and inspired to do my own research. Morris reminded me to be active in checking the companies sustainability ethos and values before parting with me cash. I feel I really can use my spending power to buy the change I want to see.
April 8, 2021
Coffee, chocolate and fashion. These three words should be enough, but it gets better. Most of us would jump at the opportunity to contribute to positive change. Through fun and engaging stories, Jane provides guidance on how we can align our money with our values and make better purchasing decision that support the things we care about most.
She introduces us to women beating the odds by escaping human trafficking, farmers fighting deforestation in Central America and Haitians making coveted art from trash. Jane shares the stories of everyday people and how they are finding solutions. The stories are inspiring and remind us all that we can work together to build the world we want to live in by voting with our dollars.
She introduces us to women beating the odds by escaping human trafficking, farmers fighting deforestation in Central America and Haitians making coveted art from trash. Jane shares the stories of everyday people and how they are finding solutions. The stories are inspiring and remind us all that we can work together to build the world we want to live in by voting with our dollars.
January 31, 2021
This book wasn’t what I was hoping for. The author wrote about very specific imports (coffee, bracelets made from beads rolled from cardboard trash) and their origins. There wasn’t a lot of practical advice on how to use my purchasing power to do good, other than support the artisans represented by the author’s company. And the advice and resources that were given appear to be outdated, by nature of changing times.
June 22, 2020
FANTASTIC read. As we think more and more about how our lifestyles impact the world, and the people who inhabit it it, Buy the Change You Want to See provides some great context. It has me thinking more critically about where my money goes, and how it may be better spent. I’m INSPIRED and I highly recommend the book!
October 17, 2021
This book went along nicely with the books I’ve been reading about making smarter choices for the environment. It focused on being a conscious consumer and thinking about where your purchases come from and who benefits from your money when you buy products. Each chapter focused on a different chapter like chocolate, coffee or crafted goods.
July 19, 2023
From co-ops in Guatemala to non-profits in California. This book renewed my fire for using my purchasing power for good. It's easy to see the world and say my actions don't matter, but I'm reminded in this book that it actually does. It matters to a rural farmer, to a woman leaving the sex trade, to so many people surviving and doing what's right for their communities.
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February 28, 2024i read this book for a class, but i think it is so important to learn about how our purchasing power actually affects the world around us, and this book was very informative on that through the eyes of a entrepreneur who works in market based social change.
July 17, 2023
A step on the way to a more sustainable life.
July 3, 2024
6/10: it was cool to learn about the coffee and chocolate industry and all they’re doing but I would’ve liked to hear about more
February 5, 2024
This book really drove home for me just how much it matters what we buy. It very clearly explains the transformative impact our dollars can have on people and the planet when buying even small things like coffee, chocolate and gifts. It highlights the creativity and ingenuity of artisans around the world working with limited resources, and also the good companies like Starbucks are doing to improve the lives and working conditions of farmers. There's a chapter dedicated to repurposing waste for a healthier world and a section on how to fight human trafficking. It also includes lists of better companies and items to support, my favorite being the best chocolate companies to purchase from! It's wonderfully written with a perfect balance of stories and facts. Super enjoyable read. Thank you for writing this book, I learned so much!!!
January 10, 2022
This book is excellent! It is really easy to follow with examples of small changes we can all do to make an impact on this world. It is a refreshing read and a solid book from front to back.
March 6, 2019
I heard about this book from Sirius Wharton and really liked it. Decided to make chocolate my ethical "go-to"!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews