Green Guide: Buying ethical products

The choices you make about how and where you spend is where the power to make positive change lies. See our simple four step guide to ethical consumerism to learn how you can become part of making the change.

Locally sourced
Ever felt guilty about your carbon footprint when you've taken a holiday abroad? Well, don't forget that the last grapes, oranges or wine you bought probably took the same journey before making it to your local supermarket. Luckily, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons now all stock locally sourced products, so pay attention the country and area of origin labels on fresh produce when you buy.

Second hand
Charity shops are a good place to start, especially for Fairtrade fashion. Oxfam have revamped several stores which are now dedicated to fashion and even sell some special items online. If you have plenty of time to rummage and an eye for fashion, then you'll be surprised how many fashion finds there are in almost every charity shop.

If you can't find what you want in a charity shop, try local newspapers, or buying second hand online. All second hand buying prevents unnecessary waste and unnecessary production.

Negative buying
Don't forget that one of most powerful ways to be an ethical consumer doesn't involve spending a penny. Avoiding products which aren't ethically sourced or unethical companies reduces demand for them, and ultimately means pressure on the companies to change their ways and go green.

Fairtrade
You might remember Fairtrade Fortnight's Big Swap which encouraged you to swap your purchases for Fairtrade alternatives. Well, the idea still goes; you can find Fairtrade alternatives to just about all of your usual purchases, just look for the Fairtrade logo.

Look here for a list of Fairtrade items and to see what you could swap for a fairer alternative.