this is a list of companies that i think are bad, and that i try to avoid.
it's mostly for my own reference, but you can use it too.
update log
domains: concerts, movie theaters
reasons: anti-consumer, anti-LGBTQ, anti-environment
alternatives: local music and film venues
this company owns an incredibly large chunk of the concert and promotion business in the united states. it uses its dominance to charge extremely high "service fees," which it falsely claims are set by its clients (hint: they own most of their venues, so they are their own clients).
if you like going to shows in NYC, avoid The Bowery Presents — they're owned by AEG.
as if seeking rent from artists and their fans isn't bad enough, these companies are owned by philip anschutz, best known for donating to anti-LGBTQ groups and operating in climate-change denial groups. going to coachella or paying for a show at one of his venues helps fund his activities.
domains: paper, fabrics, electronics, chemicals
reasons: anti-labor, anti-environment
alternatives: other paper companies (GP), other spandex manufacturers (invista), other electronics firms (molex)
the anti-labor and anti-environment practices of Koch Industries are too lengthy to list.
domains: online retail, web services
reasons: anti-labor, anti-union, tax-dodging
alternatives: buying local (most retail goods), B&H and newegg (electronics and photography), digitalocean and other hosts (web services)
amazon's anti-union and generally labor-hostile actions are well-attested.
domains: food and beverages
reasons: child slavery, forced labor, union-busting, rent-seeking via public goods (water)
nestle has encouraged the deforestation of national parks via the hands of child slaves, all for a cheaper chocolate bar.
there are no good large chocolate companies, but nestle stands out for its sheer size and continued apathy towards the slaves who make its products.