From greenwashing to fair trade to credit card practices, the Money & Ethics Channel explores some of our most complex questions around ethics and economics.
In the credit default swaps (CDS) market, the health of multinational banks and corporations -- and the portfolios of untold individuals -- are at stake. What's more, the market is entirely unregulated. So how much damage can CDSs really cause? See more »
It's better to give than to receive. What retailer made that line up? Before you get too cynical about the perils of holiday shopping, pack up some coffee and doughnuts and get out there with the other 5 a.m. shoppers before these hot gifts are gone.
See more »
If you've got at least one kidney, a company called Biogen owns the patent for at least one of your genes. Find about about the contoversial "life patent" trend and what it could mean to the future of medical research.
See more »
If you've picked up a newspaper lately, then you're aware of the economic troubles raging on Wall Street. But the culprit may very well be in your own neighborhood: Are mortgage-backed securities to blame for the mess?
See more »
It's pretty trendy to buy and eat organic and sustainable foods, and chances are the swanky coffee shop you frequent proffers some fair trade beans. But what does the label "fair trade" mean?
See more »
Freegans live off the grid, refusing to buy, work or rent. How do they do it? Dumpster diving. Why do they do it? That's a little more complicated.
See more »
Corporations, businesses and even governments spend a lot of money to make themselves appear greener in the public eye. But when environmental claims are false or deceptive, it's considered greenwashing. How do you spot the six sins of greenwashing?
See more »
Capitalism revolves around the entrepreneurial spirit: Anyone willing to work hard enough to succeed will do so. However, that's easier said than done, especially in the developing world. That's where microlending comes in.
See more »
How do illegal drugs reach consumers without detection? There are points -- known as narco states -- along the world's drug supply chain where illegal substances are bought and sold with governmental approval.
See more »
In 2007 and 2008, foreclosures became a hot news topic. But is the crisis the fault of the home buyer, or is the lender to blame?
See more »
If squatters have taken over your property, keep your cool: They've got a lot more rights than you may realize. How do squatters operate, and how can you get them off your land?
See more »
The Freecycle Network hopes to encourage a "worldwide gift economy” by connecting individuals locally who want to exchange goods. Explore how the Freecycle network aims to reduce landfill waste and decrease consumerism.
See more »
Waiting in endless checkout lines can make Scrooges out of the cheeriest holiday shoppers. Many of us brave the mall mayhem to be part of the Black Friday rush. But to retailers' chagrin, most of us are browsing and not buying on this storied day.
See more »
Unfortunately, predatory lending is big business. How much do you know about avoiding lenders who want you to promise more than you can pay? Take our Predatory Lending Quiz and find out.
See more »
In the credit default swaps (CDS) market, the health of multinational banks and corporations -- and the portfolios of untold individuals -- are at stake. What's more, the market is entirely unregulated. So how much damage can CDSs really cause?
See more »
The American tax system is a huge machine with a tax code that seems more complex than rocket science. Many of us have come to dread April 15th: Tax Day. So what if you just didn't file them?
See more »
If you miss a monthly payment to your credit card company, you're credit score will drop and your credit report will show it. What else would happen if you stopped paying your bills completely?
See more »
Ever wonder why your favorite restaurant from back home offers a completely different menu abroad? This is called glocalization -- global organizations adapting expansive products to fit local markets.
See more »
Someone offers you $20 -- but only if you agree to share it. Your friend has to accept your offer, or neither of you gets a dime. How generous will you be?
See more »
One spent his life in service to others, helping the people of India through nonviolence and quiet protest. The other gobbles up real estate, making his name synonymous with “vulgar excess.” But you might be surprised to find out who said what.
See more »
The framers of the U.S. Constitution didn't add any clauses that limited the rights of corporations. But did a Supreme Court reporter set a radical precedent for businesses?
See more »
