As Australian consumers the abundance of goods available to us is almost unlimited. Although we want to make the best decision when we buy, our decisions are often made harder because we are spoilt for choice. How can we choose amongst so many brands offering such similar claims? It is, of course, possible to make better choices if we are armed with that age-old consumer adage ‘buyer beware’. We need to be aware that when we buy our decisions have far reaching consequences, not only for our hip-pocket but also for the people that produce the product and the environment. As consumers we can be more ethical in our decision-making if consider the following guidelines every time we make a purchase.
Do I really need it? How long will it last? Can it be reused?
Where was it made? Was it made in
Who owns the company making the product? Does the parent company have an ethical or questionable history?
What is it made of and how was it produced?
Who made it and under what working conditions was it made?
How many times can I use it? Is the packaging recyclable or made from recycled material?
What happens to it when I throw it away? Is it recyclable or will it just contribute to land fill?
And finally
Is there a better – fair trade – alternative?
