Some companies get it

While on the subject of retail, living wages and ethical consumption, the Wal-Mart model doesn't have to be the one chosen by U.S. corporations.

Costco manages to compete with Wal-Mart while paying a living wage, offering health insurance and allowing employees to have a life of quality.

It's refreshing to hear an American CEO offer the following sentiments about valuing people over profits. In a recent interview, CEO Jim Sinegal expressed his belief in compensating the people who have built the $42 billion business into what it is today.

"They're entitled to buy homes and live in reasonably nice neighborhoods and send their children to school," he said.

If you live in an area where you have a choice of shopping at Costco or Wal-Mart, I think you know what you need to do. See if you have a warehouse near you.