Ch9: Ethical + Sustainable Consumption

• A responsible consumer takes into account if the product is environmentally friendly by considering these factors:

  • Did the production process pollute the Earth?
  • Is the product made of recycled material? Can the product be recycled?
  • How does the manufacturer dispose of their waste?
  • Will the usage of the product damage the environment? Are there better or more sustainable alternatives available?
• A responsible consumer takes into account the if the product is ethical to purchase by considering these factors:

  • Were the goods manufactured in a low-wage economy where the workers weren't paid fairly?
  • What were the working conditions like? Were they healthy and safe?
  • Were the workers forced to work long unacceptable hours without any rest breaks?
  • Were children employed in the manufacturing of this product when they could have got an education?
  • Did the firm producing and selling the product pay their fair share of taxes in the country they operate in?
• Ethical consumption can be difficult to follow because:

  • Our income is limited, meaning we have to purchase the cheaper alternative which is often unethical and unsustainable
  • We may not fully know or be aware of the background of the goods and services on sale in the retailers and outlets
  • We can get confused on all of the different views and points on what is ethical and sustainable