Starbucks is also an interesting company. First off, I hate their coffee, but that's beside the point. I'm not sure about everywhere, but at least in Massachusetts they offer health insurance. My sister-in-law's boyfriend works there and they both have health insurance through Starbucks. I dislike the guy, but at least he does offer that in the relationship.
I will say, that for as much as I shop at Wal-Mart, I don't mind spending a few extra bucks at a local shop. I live in Alameda,CA, which, for anyone who has ever been there, the town is an anamoly. It's this littel island sitting just off the coast of Oakland, in San Fran bay. The only way on is either over a bridge or through a tunnel.
The population is big enough to support small local shops, but apparently too small to support big box stores, therefore aside from Safeway and Bed Bath and Beyond, big boxes are missing. I like the feel of the city. It has a main street with shops like a toy store(both new and vintage toys for kids young and old), "A1 Vacuum and Sewing", a clock/watch repair shop, and many other knick knack boutiques. Were it not for the physical barrier between Alameda and Oakland(water) and the size of the land itself, the shops would have been swallowed up many years ago. It creates an interesting place.
Squawkbert, very good point on CFL disposal. People are extremely used to just throwing away their light bulbs, but that definitely has to change.
I will say, that for as much as I shop at Wal-Mart, I don't mind spending a few extra bucks at a local shop. I live in Alameda,CA, which, for anyone who has ever been there, the town is an anamoly. It's this littel island sitting just off the coast of Oakland, in San Fran bay. The only way on is either over a bridge or through a tunnel.
The population is big enough to support small local shops, but apparently too small to support big box stores, therefore aside from Safeway and Bed Bath and Beyond, big boxes are missing. I like the feel of the city. It has a main street with shops like a toy store(both new and vintage toys for kids young and old), "A1 Vacuum and Sewing", a clock/watch repair shop, and many other knick knack boutiques. Were it not for the physical barrier between Alameda and Oakland(water) and the size of the land itself, the shops would have been swallowed up many years ago. It creates an interesting place.
Squawkbert, very good point on CFL disposal. People are extremely used to just throwing away their light bulbs, but that definitely has to change.
