A lot of people I know look at our world and see so many issues that make them squirm with discomfort, but they feel powerless and unconvinced that they can make any kind of impact against these issues. When I hear this, I’ll usually ask the self-proclaimed ‘insignificant’ soul to pull out their wallets and look inside. You don’t think that you have any power? You don’t think you can make any difference in this world? Pull out one, yes, even just one, of those green-tinted, rectangular pieces of paper and I will tell you where you’re wrong.

We live in a world that is absolutely driven by consumerism. The virtue of this is up for debate, but like it or not, your dollars make the world run. Most people live completely unaware that their wallets hold such an immense amount of power and influence. Voting with your dollar, while it may seem insignificant, can make a difference, which is why it is so important to make sure that you are casting your vote wisely. Become aware that every dollar you spend is a statement, and when you make a statement one way or another, the global market listens.

Spending your money in a way that fits with your ethics is just as important as filling out your ballot for a political election. So what does it mean to be an influential dollar-voter?

1. Become a Smart Shopper

Know what’s behind the products that you buy. Many of the world’s biggest industries are hiding some dirty secrets, and sometimes I find that I am no longer able to purchase from a company because their sets of values are so skewed from my own. That skirt from H&M didn’t just appear into existence by magic, and that bottle of water’s background is a lot murkier than the liquid itself. Worried about the environmental future of the planet? Make sure you know which industries are huge culprits of deforestationand pollution; you may be surprised at what you find. Passionate about human rights? Learn about the most exploitative and unethical countries on the market before you make your next purchase.

2. Cast Your Vote Elsewhere

Start searching for alternatives to those items produced by companies that you no longer feel able to support. Buying local and shopping small are almost always the best options that you can go for. There are scores of natural-method beauty and cleansing products that refuse to test on animals or leave any more of a mark on the planet than absolutely necessary. If the fast-fashion industry makes you tick, look into thrift shopping: It’s an easy, fun way to recycle (and cheap!). A word of caution: many large corporations stretch their reach over more than just their main name, so you may be buying products that are really a part of, say, the Nestle or Coca-Cola industry, without even knowing it.

Something else to keep in mind is that a lot of the times the more ethically-produced or environmentally-friendly products are more expensive than their standard alternatives. Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is sometimes. You have to make the choice on where you send your dollar.

3. Spread the Word

When you find a new great product that you love and feel good about buying, share the news! Likewise, if you can’t ignore the methods of a company, maybe others would be interested to know about it as well. One person alone can have a huge impact by changing their shopping habits, but if that one person tells a few friends, and then they tell a few friends, and so on, imagine the wave of change that could occur!

4. Donate

Donating is another way to vote with your dollar. There are many organizations that work to stop and reverse the harmful effects of the world’s most corrupt and damaging industries. Consider striking up a partnership with one, or even a few. This is another way to make your voice heard.

You are what you buy, so make sure you’re a smart shopper.