Ethical Consumer & the new BEST BUY label

Ethical Consumer magazine launched its Best Buy Label last month.
The label aims to combat the growing problem of greenwash by making it easier for the UK’s ethically motivated shoppers to choose genuinely ethical products and services.

With the booming ethical market becoming increasingly crowded and competitive, the very best ethical companies are struggling to stand out. In addition big multinationals with highly controversial activities in some of their operations are beginning to market ethical products.

Rob Harrison, editor of the Ethical Consumer magazine which launched in 1989 and is an established and trusted name within the ethical business community said:

“By identifying those companies who consider ethics throughout their entire operation, the Ethical Consumer Best Buy Label gives shoppers the confidence that they are making the best possible ethical and environmental choice. The label will be the definitive endorsement for people who want to put principles on their shopping list.”

Click here to read more.......

The Body Shop joins forces with MTV in a new HIV campaign

WHILE MANY YOUNG PEOPLE BELIEVE HIV WILL NEVER TOUCH THEIR LIVES, GLOBALLY OVER 40 MILLION PEOPLE LIVE WITH HIV AND AIDS. SHOCKINGLY, HALF OF ALL NEW HIV INFECTIONS ARE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS UNDER 25*.

A decline of awareness surrounding HIV prevention has been a contributing factor for the expanding epidemic in this age group, and the motive behind The Body Shop & MTV ‘Move Your Lips’ campaign and sale of New Limited Edition Guarana Lip Butter (£5.00). At least £2.80 from every Guarana Lip Butter sold goes directly to the Staying Alive Foundation**, Funding HIV awareness and prevention for young people around the world.

M&S' new eco sofas - the Fern Collection

The Fern Collection is an eco-friendly range that uses a combination of eco materials, including recycled plastic bottles and Fairtrade certified cotton.

The Fern Collection includes a large two-seater sofa (£899), a large two-seater sofa bed (£1,199), a two-seater sofa (£799) and an armchair (£599).

All pieces have a wooden frame, sourced from sustainable wood, and cream Fairtrade certified cotton loose covers.

They are filled with a combination of Ecoflex foam (a castor oil-based foam, containing 20 per cent renewable resources, compared to zero per cent in traditional sofas) and plastic made from 70 per cent post-consumer waste. This includes plastic drinks bottles and 122 are used to make every two-seater sofa.

Products are delivered in 100 per cent recyclable packaging and are included in M&S's free eco-furniture delivery scheme. Up to 10,000 trees are planted every year to offset emissions from deliveries. (www.dailyrecord.co.uk)

click here to view the collection

Walmart & McDonalds "clean" up their Tea & Coffee

Two recent announcements keep Fairtrade and the Rainforest Alliance products high in the minds of consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. You may have seen the TV adverts by PG Tips and their recent move to use the Rainforest Alliance stamp on their tea. Well, Walmart have launched some Fairtrade coffees in America and McDonalds have changed their tea over to PG Tips here in the UK so that their tea comes with the Rainforest Alliance stamp.

With some in the ethical industry questioning how committed shoppers will be to green consumerism, it does look like the big corporations think that despite the gloomy economic forecast, ethical shoppers will stay true to their values. This move can only be good for the ethical movement as it gives a clear signal that the big players are willing to invest in their supply chains at a time when traditionally it would be easy to assume that companies will be planning cost saving measures.

click here for more on Walmart - here for more on McDonalds

New Ethical Modelling Agency opens.....

As the size zero debate continues to reign, a new London-based modelling agency has opened and announced that it will not take any girls they deem too slim, and will instead focus on ethical management.

Quintessentially Models has banned size zero girls from its books, and have taken comprehensive measures to ensure the health of its models. The agency also works closely with eating disorder charity B-eat to help raise awareness of the eating issues that face many girls in the industry. click here to read on.......