Dec 23, 2011 — A lot of people don't want to get caught up in the consumerism of the holidays. But often family and friends expect to get gifts from loved ones. Julie Grant spent time with one family where gift-giving is a real struggle.  Go to full article

Newtown, CT, Mar 01, 2011 — Record-setting snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in the Northeast have led to increased demand for firewood this heating season. There's also been an uptick in complaints by consumers who say they're getting less firewood than they pay for. As part of a collaboration with Northeast stations, WNPR's Diane Orson reports.

Northeast environmental reporting is made possible, in part, by a grant from United Technologies.  Go to full article

Berkeley, CA, Nov 30, 2009 — There's a new way for consumers to find out more about the products they buy. Samara Freemark has the story of a new online guide that lets you look up how good products are for you and for the environment.  Go to full article

Sep 29, 2006 — It's probably no surprise that the U.S. is the most consumer-oriented nation in the world. Juliet Schor, a critic of American Consumerism, says we work longer hours, save less and spend more than other industrialized countries. Schor is the author of Born to Buy: The Commercialized Child and the New Consumer Culture , and was the keynote speaker for the 2006 Crimmel Colloquium at St. Lawrence University last night. Her topic was "Spending Nation: Can Liberal Values Survive in the Age of Consumerism?" She spoke with Todd Moe.  Go to full article

Aug 04, 2006 — You might not be getting what you pay for when you buy food with the USDA organic label. The GLRC's Rebecca Williams explains.  Go to full article

Jul 03, 2003 — A movement is afoot to take small steps toward building a healthy local economy in the North Country. It's based on a concept called the "economic multiplier". The idea is basically this: spend a dollar locally, and that dollar cycles through the community to other local businesses and strengthens the local economy. A St. Lawrence County woman has created a role-playing game to illustrate the concept. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article