Ethical Consumerism

People as commodities

The products that we buy and use in Australia can affect people in other countries.

Many of the goods we use are made or grown in developing countries. Sometimes the workers producing these goods receive low pay or must work in dangerous conditions, and sometimes, the workers are child labourers and people that have been trafficked.

Trafficking reduces human beings to commodities. They become people bought and sold simply to service the ever-growing demands of global consumers for cheap goods and services – from agricultural products to clothing, household items to commercial sex.

What's behind the label? (1:53)

Ethical Consumerism

Ethical consumerism is about buying things that are made ethically. Put simply, it means:

Buying from companies and using products that do not harm or exploit humans
Buying from companies and using products that do not harm or exploit animals
Buying from companies and using products that do not harm or exploit the environment.

It means really understanding what is behind the label!

Things to keep in mind when making purchases:

When buying Fair Trade always look for the FAIRTRADE Label - the "seal of approval" on products that guarantees that internationally agreed standards have been met and benefits go to producers.

1. Vote with your money!

Your choice makes a difference. Supporting ethical businesses and rejecting unethical businesses is a form of voting. You are saying NO to human, animal and environmental exploitation and YES to good working conditions, fair prices, humane animal conditions and preserving the planet. Also, you can avoid unnecessary consumption by asking yourself, “Do I really need this?”

2. Learn about the issues

The decisions we make in Australia can have an impact on the lives of others, often the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. But our connectedness also means that there are simple changes we can make in our own lifestyles so that the impact is positive rather than negative.

To learn more, go to www.ethical.org.au

3. Ask Questions!

We need to be aware of what we buy and how it gets here. Ask your retailer where their product was made and if they know whether exploited labour was used. Ask questions of industry and if you don't get satisfactory answers, keep asking until you do!