CDG’s Marketing Strategist: Nora Thomas-Dib
June 7, 2024
From Amazon, to TikTok shop, to *insert quick shop option here,* the landscape of consumerism is drastically changing. This has also raised some green flags around consumer behavior specifically and the importance of consciously purchasing. Statista reported that 45% of people surveyed considered themselves an ethical shopper, outweighing those saying ‘no’ and ‘unsure.’
What Does It mMean to Be An Ethical Shopper?
Being an ethical shopper means that you are consciously using your purchasing power to purchase for good. The decisions that you’re making when it comes to either purchasing locally, buying clothes, or food for example has thought behind it with the intention of making a greater impact.
In a perfect world, we would all shop ethically. We would support the planet by making better choices about our food consumption and we’d only buy clothing from brands we know are making a positive impact on our planet, but that’s really hard to achieve.
What Are Ways You Can Be An Ethical Shopper?
It can be overwhelming when you begin to think about all of the ways you can change your purchasing power and I’m here to tell you, you don’t need to change all habits to begin to make a bigger impact. Consider these industries when adjusting your spending habits and when defining how you personally can make an impact.
Food and Beverage
Buying organic will support in avoiding foods that are grown with synthetic fertilizers which helps promote soil health and biodiversity. Eating plant based and cruelty free products will also reduce negative environmental impact by limiting contribution to factory farming practices.
Fashion and Apparel
Buy from eco-friendly brands that are intentional in their material choices and prioritize ethical labor practices. It’s also important to consider investing in high-quality, durable clothing for long-term use or exploring purchasing second-hand clothing. Shopping second hand is also very much so trending making clothing options very broad to appeal to all consumers—no excuses here.
Beauty and Personal Care
More and more beauty brands are prioritizing creating natural and organic products that come in eco-friendly packaging. Choose the options that are safe and non-toxic, have clear labels showcasing all ingredients, and come in sustainable packaging. There’s no reason beauty companies should be testing products on animals or using animal byproducts such as collagen or animal hair.
Electronics and Technology
Support brands that are committed to sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials and ensuring ethical supply chains. Using energy efficient devices is an active and conscious way to reduce energy output—we all have phones that never leave our side and we all charge them when we go to sleep (or even multiple times a day). Investing in an energy efficient charger is one way to drastically reduce energy consumption when you’re using your phone daily.
Transportation
We have public transportation, use it. Additionally, bikes offer more benefits than just a more sustainable way to move, but also a great form of exercise while enjoying the outdoors, it’s a win-win situation.
Banking and Finance
Bank with companies who invest in socially responsible and environmentally sustainable projects.
Household Cleaning and Products
Move away from toxic cleaners by using eco-friendly cleaning products and DIY cleaning solutions. Vinegar and baking soda do the trick nine times out of ten. Additionally, focus on having reusable items in your house such as cloths, washable mop heads, and sponges—this helps immensely to reduce waste and save that money!
Energy and Utilities
At your home, there are ways you can invest in green energy such as solar panels and smart home technologies. An investment nonetheless, but these are long term investments that promote renewable energy all while drastically minimizing your expenses.
The main message here is, it’s still very possible to shop ethically without changing all of your habits or breaking the bank. That’s actually how we integrate ethical shopping into our lives by starting in one area at a time in a way that truly feels sustainable to you. Making your own cleaning products is an example of how you can start small while making a huge impact on the environment. It’s cheap, reliable, and you’re avoiding non-recyclable products and harsh chemicals.
The Impact on Businesses
The rise of the ethical shopper is having a significant impact on businesses across various industries. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of aligning their values with those of their customers. Many are adopting more sustainable practices, improving labor conditions, and becoming more transparent about their operations. This shift not only helps in building brand loyalty but also attracts a growing market segment that values ethics over convenience or price alone.
The rise of the ethical shopper is a powerful testament to the changing dynamics of consumer behavior. As more people become aware of the impact of their purchases, they are choosing to support brands that reflect their values of sustainability, equity, and transparency. These initiatives aren’t just reshaping markets but fostering a more conscious and responsible global community. By continuing to educate yourself and make informed choices, being an ethical shopper drives a positive change that benefits everyone.
When shopping ethically, you’re not just buying things, but you’re buying into things—something Companies Doing Good will help consumers prioritize over and over again to make impact extremely approachable. What are you going to buy into, next?