(December 14, 2012) — As Christmas approaches, people all around the world look to their trusted big-name retailers to purchase clothing and other gifts. Most of them don’t know where exactly the items they purchase come from and how they are made. If they did, they would probably think twice before filling their carts at, for instance, Walmart and the Gap. Just over two weeks ago, a factory fire in Bangladesh resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people. Factories like that one, which often don’t even have enough exits in case of fires, are more appropriately termed “sweatshops.” Many American retail giants such as Walmart purchase their stores’ clothing from factories like this one — this factory may even be one of their suppliers. It’s cheaper and easier for companies this way, but their negligence is inexcusable. Walmart has made strides in reducing the chances that its clothing is made in substandard factories, but there is also an indirect responsibility on consumers. Anytime someone purchases something from a company whose products come from third-world death trap factories, he or she is feeding the continuation of those unjust practices. The people who work in those kind of factories do so voluntarily; they know the harm they are putting themselves in. But if more and more people were to boycott goods from stores like Walmart, it and companies like it would have more incentive to work with their suppliers and encourage, even demand, better and fairer working conditions for their employees. This idea of supply-and-demand can make a difference, even though most people don’t think so. The Institute of Grocery Distribution conducted a study in which it found that most people are unconcerned with the malpractice involving the production of the goods they purchase. The two main reasons for their apathy are that they feel detached from the situation and they believe that for the people working in those factories overseas, any job is better than no job at all. In essence, they don’t see why they should have to pay extra at other smaller companies when all they are doing is buying goods that are produced by people who are thankful to be employed. It seems noble and altruistic to make claims of boycotting big-chain companies, but in practice, most people don’t think twice about where their purchases come from, and that’s a problem. What with the country’s economic downturn, even the most informed consumers would be hard put to compromise spending more of their hard-earned money for their ideals. So, at least for now, it’s unlikely that change will be effected, unless more factory workers overseas die in fires and accidents. At least for now, it’s enough that people know where all their Christmas gifts come from and how so many people suffer and even die trying to produce them.