[beachmouse]

I've refused to buy gas at BP stations since the oil spill, and our local fuel depot is owned/managed by Citgo, so I manage to avoid it to some degree down the supply chain as well.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

Walmart fills a necessary niche. The fact that I don't have to make multiple trips to different stores to obtain various items is a savings of both my time and my gas. Think about the environment impact of that.

So does Target and Publix for the most part, as well as neighboring stores which tend to cluster next to either of them which counters the "environmental" aspect. If one truly wants to be environmentally-conscious perhaps focusing on purchasing products not shipped in from China would be a more impactful tact. You can easily choose to vote with your consumer dollar if one wants to make a mild effort and has a backbone. The same goes for gas, as one can just as easily pass BP and Exxon/Mobil to get to a Shell or Racetrac.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

So does Target and Publix for the most part, as well as neighboring stores which tend to cluster next to either of them which counters the "environmental" aspect. If one truly wants to be environmentally-conscious perhaps focusing on purchasing products not shipped in from China would be a more impactful tact. You can easily choose to vote with your consumer dollar if one wants to make a mild effort and has a backbone. The same goes for gas, as one can just as easily pass BP and Exxon/Mobil to get to a Shell or Racetrac.

Target is really no better than Walmart other than people's perceptions IMO. They also carry a smaller selection and breadth of items (especially their household/auto sections).

As for trying to avoid specific gas brands, you'll find it's more problematic than you might think

The Consumerist » When You Boycott BP Gas Stations, BP Can Profit

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/12/yo...y/12money.html