Shopping for a cause

So with everything happening- like the green movement - the economic climate- companies making severe budget cuts and some going out of business... I've been thinking that now more than ever it's important to support the companies we believe in by spending our money there. Now more than ever, our dollar is a like a vote. When we spend or don't spend with a company right now, that makes a huge difference. A difference we can see everyday as companies like Saks cut 11,000 jobs. How we spend our money is one of the most important messages we send out everyday. I'd say most people have a grasp of this concept, but would you say that it's in the forefront of your mind when you are grocery shopping, let's say?
I think about it when I wear my one pair of Toms shoes, but I didn't even buy those for myself. I think about it when Lucky mag posts their monthly shop for a cause page, or when it's convenient for me... but I don't usually go out with the intention of supporting specific businesses every time I shop. So this concept was stirred in me when I started noticing Jezebel.com running articles on all the fashion houses that are buckling and how they are so pissed that uggs haven't had to even go on sale. Don't the girls over there realize that's just a basic principle of economics? If people are willing to buy uggs at the current price, there is no reason for retailers to put them on sale. If no one is buying Peter Som, then Peter Som needs to change into something people will buy or yes, he will go out of business. http://jezebel.com/5129499/ugg-boots-are-the-sort-of-stupid-crap-we-hoped-the-economy-would-kill
So for me, this article really sparked something. Do we think about the impact we do when shopping at certain stores or buying certain products? I've always tried to avoid shopping at Walmart because I think they have shady ethics, but sometimes in school I'd have to cave because they were open at convenient times and did have low prices.
Right now though, I think I'm going to try and shell out a few more bucks to allow me to thoughtfully consider my purchases then support companies that I believe are doing more good than harm, whether that be environmentally or by charitable contributions that company makes. There are all sorts of reasons you can decide to shop or spend your money, but now more than ever, I think we all need to start being a little more thoughtful with our spending and really see the bigger picture.