As an Environmental Studies student, I’ve been told countless times to be a sustainable consumer, to always think about the ethical meaning behind your everyday purchase! Here I sit, being told these things and really, what does ethical consuming really entail? I can’t possibly do something that isn’t actually explained to me, so I’ve decided to tell you all a bit about what it means to be an ethical consumer.

According to Statistics Canada, ethical consumption considers the production of items through worker environments and wages, the handling of animals and the overall environmental impact a company or product has. Fair trade takes an integral role in ethical purchasing and consumption because these kinds of companies promises to manufacture and market their products in an ethical manor that allows for equal rights to the workers in accordance to working conditions and wages, if the company handles animals they promise to provide adequate care and reduce any heavy environmental impacts the organization may have to the earth.

Clearly ethical consumption involves beyond a feeling you get when you purchase something that was “ethically” made. By choosing to purchase ethically you enable opportunities for people that are involved in production and marketing.

I urge you to learn more about ethical consumption and fair trade! By learning more about these topics you may be able to find sustainable organizations and companies you can purchase from.

Until next time!
Sustainably Yours,
Tami