Although these shoes are from a discount-chain-shoestore that shall remain anonymous, I am currently loving them.

Unfortunately, everything I purchase is not guaranteed to be produced ethically. Even though I will go out of my way to buy items that were made with ethics in mind, I still use some items that are made without them on anyone’s conscience. This choice, however, continues to weigh heavily on my own conscience, as I strive to make the best decisions with my tiny budget.

And I know that I am not alone.

What can we do to combat this polarity?

Buying your entire wardrobe from independent crafters/businesses is not possible if your budget won’t allow for the extra cost. But, then again, going to T*rget and buying items with an increasing number of countries tags on them (Made in Vietnam, Made in Laos, Made in Bulgaria, Made in Peru, Made in India and it continues…) troubles me in a different sort of way.

I’ve been trying to come up with a solution regarding this frustration, but in discussing it with friends, see a similar type of frustration on their faces as well.

How can we afford to pay people what they are worth when we are not being paid what we are worth ourselves?