You're a slave driver, and so am I

The last time I was called a "slave driver" was when I was a shift supervisor at Burger King, way back in the day. Someone didn't want to do what they were being paid for, and I made them do it anyway. The thing is, that person was getting paid. My employees these days are not. They're actual slaves.

I recently re-took the SlaveryFootprint.org quiz, to see how many slaves I employ these days. When I read my results I found it quite confronting, since the last time I took their quiz I "only" had 44 slaves working for me. Since taking the first test, I've tried to be more conscious of where I buy food and clothing, by trying to buy from local farmers and retailers, and trying to buy fair trade. Sadly this does not seem to be enough, as the sheer volume of stuff I consume and the high number of electronics I own has shot my score up.

Initially when I saw the number 53 (9 higher than last time), I felt super deflated. I still feel kind-of deflated, to be honest. However, I realise that this number - which actually represents 53 people like you and me - can either motivate me to give up or try harder to find fair-trade options, so I'm just going to have to try harder. 

I think about it this way: If it was 53 of my friends and family who were being forced into slave labour, I wouldn't buy those products for any reason at all. Well, those 53 people are someone's family and friends, so it's only appropriate to behave as if I know them personally.

If you want to take the test, just go to SlaveryFootprint.org.

It's worth it to check up on your consumption once in a while, even if you are trying to buy more fair trade, because this problem of convoluted supply chains and underpaid workers will not go away any time soon unless we keep fighting.

It is a worthy fight. I will keep trying, and I know you will too.