By the way, I'll continue to send shoes and clothes and food to Honduras. The children we help there have nothing to put INTO the local economy. We also help people to get started producing something through a micro-lending program. I'm all about breaking the cycle of poverty, but hungry people need a meal.

It's clear from his analysis that Western Union outshines American Apparel. However, in his TOMS vs. Whole Foods article, he doesn't make nearly so strong a case. And he is setting his own standards up as what makes a good and a bad charity gift. I suppose that's what an editorial writer does, but not everyone will agree with his standards. It looks like he is also missing something . . . the cost of the goods they sell. A very strong case can be made that Wal-Mart does more for poor people in their neighborhood than Whole Foods ever could . . . because their prices permit folks to buy more.

His TOMS vs. Whole Foods comparison (link is in the post) is also very good.

I'm glad that Chris Horst took the time to analyze the two companies.