Ethical Consumerism

Australians live in a consumer society. It can be easy to ignore the fact that every purchase we make has an impact - financially, socially and environmentally. Being an ethical shopper means making conscious choices about what we consume, and how if affects our world. Do we choose low-cost, high-convenience and unnecessary consumption over environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility and actual need? Do the products we purchase harm other humans, animals or the environment? Are the people who produce them working in decent conditions? How can consumers influence producers and retailers to supply products free of exploitation? Ultimately, there are no right or wrong buying decisions, just better or worse purchases according to what you value. Being an ethical consumer means becoming an informed one, and then making big or small decisions which can make a difference. This book explores a range of issues involving ethical choices for conscious consumers to consider. Also includes: Worksheets and activities; Fast facts; Glossary; Web links; Index.