I think it comes down to being conscious about your spending.

For example, the other day I spent $50. I had the choice between buying something brand new from overseas for a few dollars more, or buying one that was secondhand, in good condition from someone in Australia. The shop was ebay, the thing was books. Technically, not something I *needed* but I chose the option that I felt was the most morally sound for me. It was a conscious choice. And i try to dispose of things consciously too - looking after them so I can pass them along in good condition to someone else who would love ot have the things I have.

I think Jennifer makes a very good point. I would love to be able to afford a hybrid car, solar panels, retrofitting my house with energy-efficient features, but we can not do that until we have built our wealth some more.

I'm not sure though to what extent my spending or lack thereof helps people who are sick or starving or homeless though. I think maybe those problems are solveable through the investment of time and energy, rather than money per se. Which stimulates another question- am I spending my TIME and ENERGY in an ethical way?