Do you personally feel that some companies that commit a portion of their proceeds to a certain cause do so to garner more sales?

REI does this. The one where I live has been open for a few years and says they have donated $80k~ back into local non-profits. They're also the nations largest consumer owned co-op and they're very proud of that. To join co-op, you pay $20 (just once) and then receive "annual dividends". It's basically 10% back from all full-priced stuff you buy.

The money they donate generally goes back to places who are committed to environmental preservation too so that's a good thing and it stays local.

The brands REI sells are also usually "environmentally conscious" too.

My big gripe with REI is that although they pay well for retail, $11~, they only really give 16/hrs a week unless you're committed to being a sales lead or manager there. So, really, it's not a livable wage at all and that's kinda sad.

I wish they were a little "'more" co-op in that sense. Plus they say the reason wages aren't higher is because of external and internal theft which to me is a little ridiculous.

Other than that I think they're headed in the right direction if you're into outdoorsy pursuits.

/r/Anticonsumption Thread