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Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of Our Daily Choices
Where does your chocolate come from? Does it matter if your coffee is fair trade or not? It matters--more than you might think. Julie Clawson takes us on a tour of everyday life and shows how our ordinary lifestyle choices have big implications for justice around the world. She unpacks how we get our food and clothing and shows us the surprising costs of consumer waste. How we live can make a difference not only for our own health but also for the well-being of people across the globe. The more sustainable our lifestyle, the more just our world will be. Everyday justice is one way of loving God and our neighbors. We can live more ethically, through the little and big decisions we make every day. Here's how.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2009
27 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Julie Clawson
3 books6 followersWe are storytelling creatures. Our lives are stories and we make sense of our life through story.
Stories of love and adventure...
Stories of joys and sorrows...
Stories of whimsy and wonder...
Stories of justice and hope...
We explore these stories to find these messages and make sense of our own lives. These stories help us understand and live our own stories well.
As an author I enjoy dreaming up stories and exploring the impacts of those stories in our lives - from how stories of injustice are connected to our everyday actions to how stories of hope for a better world inspire us. We are all storytellers and with our stories we can dream together.
When I am not writing, I spend my time in Austin, TX working as a metalsmith and trying to keep up with my husband and my 5 kids and 3 cats. And, when I get a chance, to enter into good stories told in book and film or role played in games. For as a timetraveling madman in a box once said, “we’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one.”
Stories of love and adventure...
Stories of joys and sorrows...
Stories of whimsy and wonder...
Stories of justice and hope...
We explore these stories to find these messages and make sense of our own lives. These stories help us understand and live our own stories well.
As an author I enjoy dreaming up stories and exploring the impacts of those stories in our lives - from how stories of injustice are connected to our everyday actions to how stories of hope for a better world inspire us. We are all storytellers and with our stories we can dream together.
When I am not writing, I spend my time in Austin, TX working as a metalsmith and trying to keep up with my husband and my 5 kids and 3 cats. And, when I get a chance, to enter into good stories told in book and film or role played in games. For as a timetraveling madman in a box once said, “we’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 18, 2019
"Every decision has a price tag."
This is a truth Julie Clawson lays down very early in this book. It is also a truth that each and every one of us should be more aware of as we go about our daily lives. In so many ways, we are unthinkingly doing things that seem completely normal to us but are contributing to systems of horrible injustice in ways we don't even realize.
In Everyday Justice, Julie Clawson picks seven of these normal things (like the coffee we drink, the gas we put in our cars, and the clothes we wear) and exposes how our unthinking choices of going with the cheapest or most convenient options contributes to social injustice in one form or another. In other words, she exposes the unseen price tag for our unthinking decisions.
In each chapter, Julie Clawson then gives often two or three (or more) ideas for ways we can make very small changes in our lives that help us "opt out" of the system of injustice she has just exposed. Most of these ideas are very simple and can easily be implemented in pretty much all of our lives. I was actually encouraged by how many of these ideas (or similar) I have already chosen for my own life. Clawson usually includes a personal example here of someone who made a change and how it impacted them and/or others.
JC then closes up each chapter with a collection of books, movies/documentaries, and websites available for those who would like to dive further into that chapter's particular topic. I love this because, while some of these topics "didn't speak to me", others I have been and continue to be very passionate about and would love to go further in learning what is and what needs to be done.
Two minor complaints I do have in this book. 1) Many of these ideas are very USA (or at least 1st world) specific. Since I am not living in the States or the West, these ideas or options are not available to me. On the flip side, some of these problems don't apply to me either (ie all my fruits and veggies are pretty much automatically organic, locally grown, and only available seasonally)
The second complaint I do have is that she did not even mention the single greatest human right that is denied to so many. It is a human right denied to all too many that each and every individual should be able to hear an adequate, culturally understandable presentation of the gospel. When Jesus came and declared his mission, he said he came to bring good news to the poor, release to captives, freedom to the oppressed, and sight to the blind. But he also came to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. All too often we have people and churches either doing exclusively the former or the latter but all too seldom are people doing both. Julie Clawson had an excellent opportunity to share ideas on how these minor changes in justice issues can be coupled with the spread of the gospel. Unfortunately, she let this opportunity slip by.
This is a truth Julie Clawson lays down very early in this book. It is also a truth that each and every one of us should be more aware of as we go about our daily lives. In so many ways, we are unthinkingly doing things that seem completely normal to us but are contributing to systems of horrible injustice in ways we don't even realize.
In Everyday Justice, Julie Clawson picks seven of these normal things (like the coffee we drink, the gas we put in our cars, and the clothes we wear) and exposes how our unthinking choices of going with the cheapest or most convenient options contributes to social injustice in one form or another. In other words, she exposes the unseen price tag for our unthinking decisions.
In each chapter, Julie Clawson then gives often two or three (or more) ideas for ways we can make very small changes in our lives that help us "opt out" of the system of injustice she has just exposed. Most of these ideas are very simple and can easily be implemented in pretty much all of our lives. I was actually encouraged by how many of these ideas (or similar) I have already chosen for my own life. Clawson usually includes a personal example here of someone who made a change and how it impacted them and/or others.
JC then closes up each chapter with a collection of books, movies/documentaries, and websites available for those who would like to dive further into that chapter's particular topic. I love this because, while some of these topics "didn't speak to me", others I have been and continue to be very passionate about and would love to go further in learning what is and what needs to be done.
Two minor complaints I do have in this book. 1) Many of these ideas are very USA (or at least 1st world) specific. Since I am not living in the States or the West, these ideas or options are not available to me. On the flip side, some of these problems don't apply to me either (ie all my fruits and veggies are pretty much automatically organic, locally grown, and only available seasonally)
The second complaint I do have is that she did not even mention the single greatest human right that is denied to so many. It is a human right denied to all too many that each and every individual should be able to hear an adequate, culturally understandable presentation of the gospel. When Jesus came and declared his mission, he said he came to bring good news to the poor, release to captives, freedom to the oppressed, and sight to the blind. But he also came to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. All too often we have people and churches either doing exclusively the former or the latter but all too seldom are people doing both. Julie Clawson had an excellent opportunity to share ideas on how these minor changes in justice issues can be coupled with the spread of the gospel. Unfortunately, she let this opportunity slip by.
March 8, 2012
I'm struggling to remember the review I read of this book that made me think it would be a good read. Regardless, I know now that I wasn't the target audience for this book. I hope my copy eventually makes it to someone who is.
"Everyday Justice" is good at what it does. It presents several categories of consumer decisions (coffee, chocolate, gas, etc.), and tells people how these decisions affect people in developing nations and the environment. She then presents a "Why Care?" mandate that demonstrates why Christians should care about both these people and the environment.
The book presents these topics in a concise and non-threatening way. At the most, it's a good persuasion tool for the average Starbucks-drinking, non-recycling evangelical.
I find what the book omits more interesting. There's little to no discussion of the evil institutions and corporations that create famine and hunger in developing nations (Nestle, MonSanto, etc.). There's little critical look at the power structures: racism, classism, etc. that originally created and continue to widen the chasm between the rich and the poor (To be fair, she discusses the role of the slave trade and colonialism in crippling Haiti's economy historically, but there's little talk about modern racism and classism).
The last chapter on national debt and the macro-economic forces that create poverty came the closest to touching on the big picture of these problems, but it's quickly wrapped up in a friendly way: write letters, vote with your dollars through conscientious consumerism! I wish that Clawsen had gone out on a limb and risked making audiences uncomfortable by questioning the ability of the free market to bring about justice, and by calling out corporate greed. A fair trade latte is a nice first step, but readers deserve to know that there are much bigger forces at work, and much more that they can do.
Recommended for: people who are much more evangelical than me who are just beginning to think about the realities of sweatshops and paying farmers fair wages.
"Everyday Justice" is good at what it does. It presents several categories of consumer decisions (coffee, chocolate, gas, etc.), and tells people how these decisions affect people in developing nations and the environment. She then presents a "Why Care?" mandate that demonstrates why Christians should care about both these people and the environment.
The book presents these topics in a concise and non-threatening way. At the most, it's a good persuasion tool for the average Starbucks-drinking, non-recycling evangelical.
I find what the book omits more interesting. There's little to no discussion of the evil institutions and corporations that create famine and hunger in developing nations (Nestle, MonSanto, etc.). There's little critical look at the power structures: racism, classism, etc. that originally created and continue to widen the chasm between the rich and the poor (To be fair, she discusses the role of the slave trade and colonialism in crippling Haiti's economy historically, but there's little talk about modern racism and classism).
The last chapter on national debt and the macro-economic forces that create poverty came the closest to touching on the big picture of these problems, but it's quickly wrapped up in a friendly way: write letters, vote with your dollars through conscientious consumerism! I wish that Clawsen had gone out on a limb and risked making audiences uncomfortable by questioning the ability of the free market to bring about justice, and by calling out corporate greed. A fair trade latte is a nice first step, but readers deserve to know that there are much bigger forces at work, and much more that they can do.
Recommended for: people who are much more evangelical than me who are just beginning to think about the realities of sweatshops and paying farmers fair wages.
August 4, 2012
Clawson lays out a fundamental premise early in the book that "Every decision we make is an ethical decision, which forces us to choose whether we will act out of love or end up denying the image of God in others." She then explores the impact of our lifestyle choices in several key areas, such as food, clothing, waste and cars, exposing for the reader how the default American lifestyle in these areas promotes and perpetuates injustice in the world. She argues that the price for our choices is often not paid by us but by someone in another part of the world, out of sight and out of mind. But as followers of Christ we are called to a different way of life, one that acts with love towards those we can see as well as those we can't.
I appreciate that Clawson presents practical suggestions and refrains from laying unrealistic expectations on her readers to entirely change their lifestyles overnight. She recognizes the limitations that affect each of us in our decisions, but encourages us to begin making small changes wherever possible so that we live with greater righteousness -- a term she equates with justice.
I appreciate that Clawson presents practical suggestions and refrains from laying unrealistic expectations on her readers to entirely change their lifestyles overnight. She recognizes the limitations that affect each of us in our decisions, but encourages us to begin making small changes wherever possible so that we live with greater righteousness -- a term she equates with justice.
March 31, 2014
I would highly recommend this book for those who want to start pursuing Jesus through justice in everyday ways, right now. I say it's a way to start because each chapter introduces you to one of seven different justice issues. What's great about the end of each chapter is the list of resources to continue your own research and personal action on any of the seven justice issues. Overall, it is an easy and engaging read that is continuing to impact my choices, even many weeks after I've finished the book.
January 30, 2011
This book was a good jumpinh-off point toward understanding ways in which we can practice being a good neighbor toward our people worldwide. My reason for the low rating was becuase most of the information was pretty basic and almost "too obvious". But definitely read it as a jumping point- also there are good resources listed at the end of each chapter for ways to do more research.
December 26, 2012
This book only gets one star because only one chapter was clear and helpful (chapter 4, on food). Every other chapter was filled with fallacious arguments and emotionally laden distortions of reality. One chapter even had a blatant contradiction within two paragraphs of each other.
The first chapter covers the "necessity" of fair trade laws within the coffee industry. It even has a chapter on "fair wages in the Bible", but it doesn't go through any of Jesus' parables about fair wages, nor does it mention any biblical laws or proverbial wisdom principals to help guide the reader. It only mentions the oppression of the poor by robbing them of their wages. And that doesn't provide any biblical solutions at all. It only leaves the door hanging wide open for secular humanistic solutions to walk right in.
The second chapter is about chocolate and the horrors of "human trafficking" in SOME foreign industries of chocolate production. She lists only one very small region within the entire world to argue her case against such slavery. William Wilberforce is used as a historical example of christian heroism (of course) in opposition to slavery. And based upon that evidence alone, she even goes so far as to claim that: "...most of us are guilty of aiding criminal behavior, even slavery, every time we indulge in a choclaty treat" (p. 57). That is pure nonsense. It is in this chapter that she contradicts herself within a couple paragraphs. On page 60 she writes: "...in the Christian tradition, there is a long history of taking a stand against slavery." But two paragraphs later, and on the same page, she argues that beginning in the first century, and "until the nineteenth century, it was common for the majority of christians to read the Bible as not only approving of but mandating slavery as a God-ordained institution." So which is it? Does the Christian tradition have a long standing history of opposing slavery or approving and mandating it?
The third chapter is about the "wasteful" effects of greenhouse gas and global pollution to the earth's atmosphere. After citing Al Gore's bogus documentary about global warning -- An Inconvenient Truth -- she tries to scare the reader into believing that the global warning crisis is so OBVIOUS, and greedy Americans so guilty of hurting others through pollution, by saying that: "some reports even predict that entire islands in the Pacific could be devastated as sea levels rise due to climate change. In 2002 the small island of Tuvalu started recruiting other Pacific nations to join a planned lawsuit against the United States... for the destruction of their homes" (through the increase of greenhouse gases, p. 79). Could the author have used a more nebulous example? "Some reports"? Really? They "predict" that this "could" happen?? Really? And one "small island" even planned on suing the United States because "climate change" destroyed their homes??? Give me a break.
The fifth chapter is all about the odiousness of "sweatshops" that make clothing for US consumers. I agree with her assessment that "basic workplace standards," like having a well-lit work area, short breaks during the day, having proper safety equipment, etc., are all good and practical ideas. But then the author goes on a diatribe in favor of enforcing minimum wage laws and promoting the "basic human right" for every person in the world to work and get health care, benefits, and a safe place of shelter to sleep at night. That sounds fine and dandy until the reader realizes that she provides no evidence of that being a basic human right. She assumes it's a basic human "right", and then goes on to talk about ways to provide "justice" in foreign sweatshops. I sympathize with her feelings about the odiousness of tyrannical and unclean work environments, but I don't agree with her understanding of basic human rights. It's certainly not what the Bible illustrates as a basic human right.
The sixth chapter is about garbage; specifically the horrors of disposable diapers, tampons, and electronics in garbage dumps. She says it's hurting the environment and poisoning tons of people, and Americans are responsible for aiding in the destruction of the world by not switching to cloth diapers, cloth feminine pads, and increasing government restrictions (i.e. increasing taxation) upon electronic companies for the harm caused upon the environment and people's health when such items are improperly disposed. My wife and I use cloth diapers for our child, and she draws out some interesting health facts which helped us decide (long before I read this book) to go that route, but there isn't much more in this chapter that's helpful or insightful.
The seventh chapter is about the national debt crisis and the irresponsibility of US citizens. It's an interesting chapter, especially those parts which talk about the IMF and World Bank (interestingly, there is no mention of the Federal Reserve to be found), but some of her arguments are really strange. For example, she argues against bigger government intrusion into people's lives, but then she blatantly endorses government schools and "free" government education!! I wasn't aware that there was such a thing as "free" government education. I thought tax payers and other expenses from the private sector were used to support government education. But hey, if it's absolutely FREE, and incredibly valuable, who wouldn't want it? But she fails to tell us where this "free" government education can be found. Her emotionally laden arguments are overly simplistic too. For example, while writing in favor of "free" government education, she says: "Universal public education is a luxury often taken for granted by wealthy nations. When the government cannot provide free education, schools must charge fees. ...One effect of this is the widening of the gender gap around the world. In cultures that value boys more than girls, a family will not "waste" precious resources to pay for a girl to attend school. The result is generations of illiterate, uneducated women" (p. 171). In this example, we are supposed to deduce that illiterate, uneducated women are the direct result of cultures which do not have a government that can provide free education. If that's not an oversimplified argument, I don't know what else is.
Only chapter four (on food) was really good and helpful.
The first chapter covers the "necessity" of fair trade laws within the coffee industry. It even has a chapter on "fair wages in the Bible", but it doesn't go through any of Jesus' parables about fair wages, nor does it mention any biblical laws or proverbial wisdom principals to help guide the reader. It only mentions the oppression of the poor by robbing them of their wages. And that doesn't provide any biblical solutions at all. It only leaves the door hanging wide open for secular humanistic solutions to walk right in.
The second chapter is about chocolate and the horrors of "human trafficking" in SOME foreign industries of chocolate production. She lists only one very small region within the entire world to argue her case against such slavery. William Wilberforce is used as a historical example of christian heroism (of course) in opposition to slavery. And based upon that evidence alone, she even goes so far as to claim that: "...most of us are guilty of aiding criminal behavior, even slavery, every time we indulge in a choclaty treat" (p. 57). That is pure nonsense. It is in this chapter that she contradicts herself within a couple paragraphs. On page 60 she writes: "...in the Christian tradition, there is a long history of taking a stand against slavery." But two paragraphs later, and on the same page, she argues that beginning in the first century, and "until the nineteenth century, it was common for the majority of christians to read the Bible as not only approving of but mandating slavery as a God-ordained institution." So which is it? Does the Christian tradition have a long standing history of opposing slavery or approving and mandating it?
The third chapter is about the "wasteful" effects of greenhouse gas and global pollution to the earth's atmosphere. After citing Al Gore's bogus documentary about global warning -- An Inconvenient Truth -- she tries to scare the reader into believing that the global warning crisis is so OBVIOUS, and greedy Americans so guilty of hurting others through pollution, by saying that: "some reports even predict that entire islands in the Pacific could be devastated as sea levels rise due to climate change. In 2002 the small island of Tuvalu started recruiting other Pacific nations to join a planned lawsuit against the United States... for the destruction of their homes" (through the increase of greenhouse gases, p. 79). Could the author have used a more nebulous example? "Some reports"? Really? They "predict" that this "could" happen?? Really? And one "small island" even planned on suing the United States because "climate change" destroyed their homes??? Give me a break.
The fifth chapter is all about the odiousness of "sweatshops" that make clothing for US consumers. I agree with her assessment that "basic workplace standards," like having a well-lit work area, short breaks during the day, having proper safety equipment, etc., are all good and practical ideas. But then the author goes on a diatribe in favor of enforcing minimum wage laws and promoting the "basic human right" for every person in the world to work and get health care, benefits, and a safe place of shelter to sleep at night. That sounds fine and dandy until the reader realizes that she provides no evidence of that being a basic human right. She assumes it's a basic human "right", and then goes on to talk about ways to provide "justice" in foreign sweatshops. I sympathize with her feelings about the odiousness of tyrannical and unclean work environments, but I don't agree with her understanding of basic human rights. It's certainly not what the Bible illustrates as a basic human right.
The sixth chapter is about garbage; specifically the horrors of disposable diapers, tampons, and electronics in garbage dumps. She says it's hurting the environment and poisoning tons of people, and Americans are responsible for aiding in the destruction of the world by not switching to cloth diapers, cloth feminine pads, and increasing government restrictions (i.e. increasing taxation) upon electronic companies for the harm caused upon the environment and people's health when such items are improperly disposed. My wife and I use cloth diapers for our child, and she draws out some interesting health facts which helped us decide (long before I read this book) to go that route, but there isn't much more in this chapter that's helpful or insightful.
The seventh chapter is about the national debt crisis and the irresponsibility of US citizens. It's an interesting chapter, especially those parts which talk about the IMF and World Bank (interestingly, there is no mention of the Federal Reserve to be found), but some of her arguments are really strange. For example, she argues against bigger government intrusion into people's lives, but then she blatantly endorses government schools and "free" government education!! I wasn't aware that there was such a thing as "free" government education. I thought tax payers and other expenses from the private sector were used to support government education. But hey, if it's absolutely FREE, and incredibly valuable, who wouldn't want it? But she fails to tell us where this "free" government education can be found. Her emotionally laden arguments are overly simplistic too. For example, while writing in favor of "free" government education, she says: "Universal public education is a luxury often taken for granted by wealthy nations. When the government cannot provide free education, schools must charge fees. ...One effect of this is the widening of the gender gap around the world. In cultures that value boys more than girls, a family will not "waste" precious resources to pay for a girl to attend school. The result is generations of illiterate, uneducated women" (p. 171). In this example, we are supposed to deduce that illiterate, uneducated women are the direct result of cultures which do not have a government that can provide free education. If that's not an oversimplified argument, I don't know what else is.
Only chapter four (on food) was really good and helpful.
February 9, 2019
An outstanding book. It should be required reading for pastors and Christians who want to better understand the social justice implications of our "everyday" decisions, particularly how we spend our money, and how we might practically reflect our values when we shop. I believe it is individual consumers, "everyday people," who have the power to eliminate economic injustice and I believe the author has made the case convincingly. I don't know how I overlooked this excellent book for so long.
I have to say that I found the final chapter (on debt) disappointing, as I was expecting the author to criticize the incurring of debt, rather than the requirement that it be repaid. But her point is well-made nevertheless.
I have to say that I found the final chapter (on debt) disappointing, as I was expecting the author to criticize the incurring of debt, rather than the requirement that it be repaid. But her point is well-made nevertheless.
January 24, 2024
The point of the book is that every decision has a price tag. Even goods and services that appear cheap to us are often cheap because someone somewhere else is paying part of the price.
Good overview of different areas where this idea might apply, but it is a pretty shallow overview. Definitely more research is needed.
Good overview of different areas where this idea might apply, but it is a pretty shallow overview. Definitely more research is needed.
November 29, 2017
I didn't finish, so it gets one star. I love a good documentary, but this book didn't have any information I hadn't heard before. And it had the added annoyance of including convenient, cheesy fictional scenarios to illustrate its points.
January 4, 2021
Insightful. Provoking. Practical.
December 20, 2010
I like that the author begins with, “Don’t panic” because it can be overwhelming book to read if you come in with the mindset that I must change all my habits and make all the right decisions immediately. Yes, our choices do make an impact, but I think the problem is that we do not see the immediate impact of our choices and then believe that consequences will not follow in the end. Love your neighbor, even the neighbors you cannot see.
January 5, 2022
Decent introduction to the ethical costs of everyday aspects of (I'd interject Western middle-class) life. Though the book is 10+ years old, it's a little sad that it's still relevant and that many of the industries named have made very little progress in becoming more sustainable and just for the earth, for their workers, and the consumers.
March 30, 2010
A little simplistic, and factually wrong on a few points - but a good reminder of some things that it is easy to forget.
January 11, 2011
Making sustainable, ethical choices for my family's food, clothing and other consumer decisions whenever possible is important to me as a Christian. We're called to love our neighbors and to be good stewards of both our own bodies and Creation. Buying locally and sustainably grown food rather than grocery store and factory farm fare, breastfeeding, using cloth diapers and reusable rather than disposable wherever we can, and buying fair trade are all things we've implemented in our home to various degrees. So when I had the chance to review Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of Our Daily Choices by Julie Clawson, I looked forward to seeing what she had to say about consumer choices from a Biblical point of view and what I could glean from her knowledge.
Ms. Clawson begins by encouraging the reader not to panic or get overwhelmed. The sheer enormity of the issues involved, the realization that our everyday lifestyle choices contribute to them, and the awareness that our faith should inform our approach to them can leave us feeling paralyzed. She encourages us to make small changes as we can, not to attempt to overhaul our entire lives overnight or feel guilty. Do what you can when you can. This is key. After this exhortation, she moves into an explanation of why our daily choices matter and why our faith should inform those choices.
Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27). These two commands encompass every one of our relationships.
"When we choose to love God and love others, we have no choice but to treat others with respect and fairness as we acknowledge them as fellow image-bearers. We have to treat them as we ourselves desire to be treated and act in ways that show concern for their welfare." (p. 21)
So how does this apply to our everyday choices as a consumer? Purchasing goods that are produced in a way that is harmful to the environment or treats others unethically fails to apply the biblical mandates to be good stewards and to love others. Every decision we make is an ethical decision. Every decision we make affects others.
"For example, the banana my daughter ate for breakfast this morning involved an ethical decision. By buying and eating that banana, I support everything that banana represents. If that banana was grown by farmers who were kept in near-slavelike conditions, paid pennies a day, exposed to hazardous chemicals and beaten by hired terrorists if they protested their work conditions, I am supporting those things". (p. 25)
As Christians, every area of our lives, including our choices as consumers, should be informed by our faith.
"Living justly means understanding the impact of our decisions. It involves not only an awareness of the needs of others but also choosing to love others in a way that cares for their needs. It forces us to take a hard look at how our everyday choices (what we wear, what we eat, what we drive, etc.) affect others...We will still need to be consumers, but instead of being complicit in injustice, we can promote ethical consumption. Ethical consumption implies that we will apply our moral values and ethical standards to our consumer habits. We don't opt out of a necessary system, but we attempt to redeem it as we live by a more consistent ethic." (p. 26)
Ms. Clawson is frank about the complexity of the issues and the reality that substantive change doesn't happen overnight, but she urges us to be aware and take small steps wherever we're able. This means we must educate ourselves so that we can be informed consumers and make wise, biblically ethical choices.
Everyday Justice serves as a resource to that end, a primer of sorts. This explanation of how the biblical mandate applies to our choices is followed by seven chapters, each addressing a different area:
coffee
chocolate
cars
food
clothes
waste
debt
Each chapter begins with background information on that particular issue, then goes on to give the biblical viewpoint, followed by practical ideas to apply a biblical ethic to the situation and then a resource list. Several chapters contain boxes that tell the story of an "everyday practitioner": an ordinary person who has chosen to adjust their lifestyle and habits to reflect a more biblical ethic on that particular issue.
Since our consumer habits are something we've been focused on as a family already, I was aware of quite a bit of what she shared, although there was some new information for me too (I'd never really looked into the issues with chocolate, for example, although being a true chocoholic I should!). I really appreciated how the book is able to raise some shocking issues and motivate the reader to take action without making them feel guilty, or overwhelmed at the enormity of the issues.
The biblical call to love our neighbor as the motivating force behind our choices was the focus of the book. The call to be good stewards was somewhat implicit in the reasoning since there is definite overlap between them, but I wish she would have addressed it more explicitly alongside the call to love. Both are compelling reasons for action. I did find a couple of the suggested resources less than appealing, and I'm just not sold on global warming, but overall I think Ms. Clawson did an excellent job of raising awareness of an important issue that is so often overlooked by Christians. We of all people should be the most concerned about how our lifestyle and consumer choices affect others, no matter how small or insignificant that choice may seem in the grand scheme of things.
All in all, Everyday Justice serves as a great primer on the practical outworking of the biblical mandates to be good stewards and love our neighbors. It addresses an issue that should be important to every Christian.
Thanks so much to Intervarsity Press for providing a review copy to me! All opinions are my own.
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Ms. Clawson begins by encouraging the reader not to panic or get overwhelmed. The sheer enormity of the issues involved, the realization that our everyday lifestyle choices contribute to them, and the awareness that our faith should inform our approach to them can leave us feeling paralyzed. She encourages us to make small changes as we can, not to attempt to overhaul our entire lives overnight or feel guilty. Do what you can when you can. This is key. After this exhortation, she moves into an explanation of why our daily choices matter and why our faith should inform those choices.
Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27). These two commands encompass every one of our relationships.
"When we choose to love God and love others, we have no choice but to treat others with respect and fairness as we acknowledge them as fellow image-bearers. We have to treat them as we ourselves desire to be treated and act in ways that show concern for their welfare." (p. 21)
So how does this apply to our everyday choices as a consumer? Purchasing goods that are produced in a way that is harmful to the environment or treats others unethically fails to apply the biblical mandates to be good stewards and to love others. Every decision we make is an ethical decision. Every decision we make affects others.
"For example, the banana my daughter ate for breakfast this morning involved an ethical decision. By buying and eating that banana, I support everything that banana represents. If that banana was grown by farmers who were kept in near-slavelike conditions, paid pennies a day, exposed to hazardous chemicals and beaten by hired terrorists if they protested their work conditions, I am supporting those things". (p. 25)
As Christians, every area of our lives, including our choices as consumers, should be informed by our faith.
"Living justly means understanding the impact of our decisions. It involves not only an awareness of the needs of others but also choosing to love others in a way that cares for their needs. It forces us to take a hard look at how our everyday choices (what we wear, what we eat, what we drive, etc.) affect others...We will still need to be consumers, but instead of being complicit in injustice, we can promote ethical consumption. Ethical consumption implies that we will apply our moral values and ethical standards to our consumer habits. We don't opt out of a necessary system, but we attempt to redeem it as we live by a more consistent ethic." (p. 26)
Ms. Clawson is frank about the complexity of the issues and the reality that substantive change doesn't happen overnight, but she urges us to be aware and take small steps wherever we're able. This means we must educate ourselves so that we can be informed consumers and make wise, biblically ethical choices.
Everyday Justice serves as a resource to that end, a primer of sorts. This explanation of how the biblical mandate applies to our choices is followed by seven chapters, each addressing a different area:
coffee
chocolate
cars
food
clothes
waste
debt
Each chapter begins with background information on that particular issue, then goes on to give the biblical viewpoint, followed by practical ideas to apply a biblical ethic to the situation and then a resource list. Several chapters contain boxes that tell the story of an "everyday practitioner": an ordinary person who has chosen to adjust their lifestyle and habits to reflect a more biblical ethic on that particular issue.
Since our consumer habits are something we've been focused on as a family already, I was aware of quite a bit of what she shared, although there was some new information for me too (I'd never really looked into the issues with chocolate, for example, although being a true chocoholic I should!). I really appreciated how the book is able to raise some shocking issues and motivate the reader to take action without making them feel guilty, or overwhelmed at the enormity of the issues.
The biblical call to love our neighbor as the motivating force behind our choices was the focus of the book. The call to be good stewards was somewhat implicit in the reasoning since there is definite overlap between them, but I wish she would have addressed it more explicitly alongside the call to love. Both are compelling reasons for action. I did find a couple of the suggested resources less than appealing, and I'm just not sold on global warming, but overall I think Ms. Clawson did an excellent job of raising awareness of an important issue that is so often overlooked by Christians. We of all people should be the most concerned about how our lifestyle and consumer choices affect others, no matter how small or insignificant that choice may seem in the grand scheme of things.
All in all, Everyday Justice serves as a great primer on the practical outworking of the biblical mandates to be good stewards and love our neighbors. It addresses an issue that should be important to every Christian.
Thanks so much to Intervarsity Press for providing a review copy to me! All opinions are my own.
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June 6, 2018
The thought that has most struck me as I read this book is "what is the REAL cost of this (thing, activity, service, lifestyle)?". The book is a little introductory, but still challenging because of the many ways a modern American lifestyle rests in injustice. Clauson tries not to be overwhelming but still offer practical suggestions for change. The main issue with the book is that she doesn't hit hard enough on some of the underlying racial and colonialist issues in many of the these global and environmental justice issues. But that may be due to IVPress which tends to prefer milquetoast prophets. Overall this a book I would recommend and share for those who have not thought a ton about these everyday justice issues, have thought about it but haven't figured out how it relates to their Christian faith, or like me, need some reminders and a push to put these things into action on a daily basis.
April 8, 2019
As someone who has recently embarked on trying to be more environmentally friendly, this was a great overview of seven key areas, and how being more environmentally friendly aligns with caring for God’s creation. I incidentally read this during Lent and am so happy I did. It referenced several Bible verses and related these to the key areas that were being discussed. The author also acknowledges that change can be daunting and overwhelming, but was consistently supportive of instilling small, gradual changes, and providing action steps to do this. I also enjoyed the list of additional resources to extend the learning beyond this book at the end of each section. I save my five star ratings for truly memorable or life-changing books, and this definitely fits.
November 30, 2024
An excellent, convicting (i.e. kick you in the butt) read. Published in 2009, the stats and many links need updating, but still chock full of eye opening (and heart rending) information. Please do give it a read. It’s not a guilt trip. It’s that gentle, yet firm shove from a good friend, pushing you in the direction you know you should go, but have been scared to. Until now.
This is a book that helps you think and act justly and righteously—big words that mean treating other humans as you’d like to be treated. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And with thousands of us taking steps, we make a difference.
This is a book that helps you think and act justly and righteously—big words that mean treating other humans as you’d like to be treated. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And with thousands of us taking steps, we make a difference.
November 4, 2018
I've really enjoyed Clawson's book. It's approachable and covers a multitude of issues succinctly and authoritatively. It is a great primer for anyone interested in learning how to make a difference in the world with how consume and live. It falls short theologically and needs more of a robust connection to soteriology, but I may be asking too much of the book. What makes a Christian's actions different than a secular humanitarians? Does anything? Why or why not? Those are questions I wanted Clawson to answer.
July 27, 2019
Wow! this book has been such an easy read and great guide for my friend and me when we were researching and writing for a paper in our Christian Ethics class. We specifically were writing about the ethics of sweatshops. However, this book does not only touch on the sweatshop topic but also other food and clothing sources. It's been enlightening and not in an overwhelming manner, but more so of a conversation.
Have a read, and I would even go as far as to say that it's a good stepping stone if you are just starting to learn more about Christian ethics in the area of environmental value. :)
Have a read, and I would even go as far as to say that it's a good stepping stone if you are just starting to learn more about Christian ethics in the area of environmental value. :)
November 29, 2021
Practical lessons for Christians wishing to live a sustainable lifestyle. However, the content is a little outdated as much more is required to achieve "everyday Justice" rather than simply inspiring privileged people to feel better about their choices as a consumer.
July 1, 2023
A good book about how the choices we make impact people in other parts of the world. I'm not on board with everything, but the parts about coffee and chocolate affected my shopping habits for myself and the concession stand where I worked.
July 13, 2018
Decent book about issues of social justice - a bit of a kindergarten way of addressing readers. Informative for an overview of different topics regarding social justice
March 22, 2020
This book is on SE section in Stan's office near the window on first shelf.
June 14, 2020
Highly recommended. It’s inspires the ready to be the change rather be the change by taking very small lifestyle choices.
February 15, 2023
This was a thought provoking book.
March 7, 2025
This amazing and important book opened my eyes to so many things. I am resolved and encouraged to dig deeper and do more with the strength God provides.
December 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book, written by an old friend from 20 years ago. Hi Julie!
December 30, 2011
Julie Clawson is an evangelical mom, student and author who has recently awakened to global injustice and its links to the every day lives of middle class North Americans. In this book she looks at several common practices and products in our middle class lives (coffee, clothing, chocolate, oil, waste, etc) and shows the environmentally destructive and economically exploitative ways these products make into our stores and shopping carts. She helps make the connection between middle class lifestyles and injustice in places most of us have never seen or heard of. She then links this concern for justice to biblical faith. Each chapter then concludes with several practical steps and resources that folks can go to to do and learn more.
For evangelicals who have recently been "discovering" social justice as a Christian virtue, this is a good start, and why I chose it as a text for my undergraduate class on social justice. However, Clawson falls way short of identifying the systemic causes for this global injustice. At the end of every chapter after describing the exploitation of workers, the forced labor of children, the blatant disregard for ecological safety and so on, she falls short of pointing the finger at the global corporations and the capitalistic system that profit from these practices. Clawson, like many evangelicals, either is blind to the role of these institutions and systems or is too timid to point the finger where it needs to be pointed. As a result the book is a good starting point, but a long way from any clear finish line.
For evangelicals who have recently been "discovering" social justice as a Christian virtue, this is a good start, and why I chose it as a text for my undergraduate class on social justice. However, Clawson falls way short of identifying the systemic causes for this global injustice. At the end of every chapter after describing the exploitation of workers, the forced labor of children, the blatant disregard for ecological safety and so on, she falls short of pointing the finger at the global corporations and the capitalistic system that profit from these practices. Clawson, like many evangelicals, either is blind to the role of these institutions and systems or is too timid to point the finger where it needs to be pointed. As a result the book is a good starting point, but a long way from any clear finish line.
July 21, 2011
Clawson does two things very well in this book - 1) describes the impact that our unexamined lifestyle choices are actually having elsewhere in the world, and 2) outlines simple, practical steps that we can take to enact change in those areas. The book is primarily focused on consumption - the foods we eat, the clothes we wear, the things we buy, and so forth, and at the lowest level of involvement she suggests alternative consumption habits that are simple to adopt (if somewhat costly). For me, it was a sort of rude awakening to realize the things that are going on in the world that we rarely hear about, and it's one of those books where once you've read it you can never really look at things the same way again. There are some lifestyle changes that I've made immediately, and several others that I am pondering as a result of reading this book.
July 2, 2013
It's so easy to get caught up in our lives, not realizing that there is a world out there where many people lead lives vastly more difficult than ours. It's sobering to learn that our conveniences are contributing to the hardships these others face. This book not only raises awareness of the injustices inherent in much of what we consume and find convenient but also delineates why Christians have a mandate to care.
I found the book to be very convicting. I've heard it said that what's important to you can be tracked by where you spend your time and money. I've always tried to be careful with how I spend my money. Now I realize that I haven't been stringent enough. Thank you, Julie Clawson!
I found the book to be very convicting. I've heard it said that what's important to you can be tracked by where you spend your time and money. I've always tried to be careful with how I spend my money. Now I realize that I haven't been stringent enough. Thank you, Julie Clawson!
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