I made a similar decision this year. My corner of the world doesn't have any great, locally owned grocery store options, but instead of driving out of my way to go to the best organically stocked grocery store, I embraced many rational arguments for why I need to do my grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. Gasp! I know! Oh the shame...
I hate that they kill local competition and don't give their workers full-time hours or benefits. I HATE their flourescent lights and their constantly changing lay-out. However, our finances are beyond tight and due to LIVING LIFE prior commitments, I don't have the time or energy to drive a little farther and/or make multiple stops.
SO, re-inspired by this book and my friend, Deb, I realized that though I'm shopping at EVIL BIG BOX STORE, I can use my purchasing power in a more socially responsible way.
I shop every two weeks...and ONLY every two weeks. We're really cracking down on that one. It's just so easy to ask hubby to pick up one item on his way home from work. However, multiple trips is a WASTE of time, gas & money. This has forced me to come a loooooooooong way in terms of meal planning. I'll share more on that another day!
The other thing I'm doing, buying organic EVERY TIME! Typically, I do buy organic when given a choice. However, some days, the extra $.40 for the organic broccoli becomes an easy out when the regular brocolli is sitting right next to it. The selection of organic foods has come a loooooooooooooong (I'm having fun with those O's!) way in the recent past, however, not far enough! Every time I pass over the organic option, I'm telling Wal-Mart that I don't care about where my food comes from, how it was grown, who grew it, etc.
One more inspired step, yesterday I sent emails to the three brands of sugar sold at my Wal-Mart. I'm going to gradually research my options and choose the most socially responsible offerings. It's a small step, but a step in the right direction!