Ethical shopping is a growing consumer awareness and an attempt to maximize social responsibility through purchasing behavior. This mindful purchasing behavior and decision-making is in the aim of positively impacting and contributing to the environment and society. For example, shopping for bio-degradable products contributes to the alleviation of pollution. Purchasing from companies and brands that don’t exploit workers by underpaying and overworking them is also an example of ethical shopping. 

Now that Christmas is near, you can take a look at how you can positively contribute to your society and environment. You can also adopt ethical shopping practices. Here are five tips to shop ethically this Christmas.

1. Purchase a Nature-based Gift

You can look for a gift that is made from natural materials. Purchasing a nature-based gift means you’re supporting a production process that didn’t involve any manufacturing of chemicals that are hazardous to the surrounding community for example. These products also don’t undergo processes that emit pollution such as soot and smoke which is inhaled and can seep into water that is used by the community. Examples of nature-based gifts include jewellery made from wood, mens bamboo underwear, straw hats, and clay kitchenware.

2. Consider the Packaging

Before you purchase gifts such as boxer briefs, you should be mindful of the packaging. On the other hand, if the brand markets the product as eco-friendly yet the packaging is in plastic, it’s something to wonder about.

3. Research on Labor Practices

A part of your research can also be about the labor processes of the manufacturer. Exploitation of labor is the employment of force to systematically extract greater worth from human beings than is provided to them. In essence, it’s an unfair relationship based upon an asymmetrical power differential between employees and their employers.

An example of exploitation of labor is when a business owner hires illegal immigrants or minors to work in his factory. The owner then deducts expenses for health care and other benefits even if their status as workers is illegal.

Exploitation is also used in the prison system to abuse prison inmates by subjecting them to unacceptable working conditions.

The minute you realise that there are documentaries and official reports about certain brands adopting such illegal practices, you should avoid supporting those unethical businesses. Boycotting such services and products will eventually lead to the dismantling of the brands.

4. Shop for Recycled or Repurposed Gifts

You can look for gifts that are recycled as a means of ethical shopping. Recycled gifts mean that the earth was saved from getting more polluted. For example, you can buy a piece of decor for the house that is made from bottles and bottle caps. These re-designed items mean that instead of throwing these bottles in the ocean, the bottles will serve as art in the house of the person that you gifted.

Alternatively, you can find an item that you have in your home, and give it as a repurposed gift. For example, if you have a cloth bag, you can use it as packaging for the items that you bought. The receiver is then able to use the bag afterwards. This contributes to the wellness of the environment compared with using plastic wrapping paper.

5. Look for Pre-loved Gifts

Pre-loved items are commonly thrown away, contributing to pollution. However, you can visit stores that sell pre-loved items which the person you’re gifting would appreciate. You can visit an antique store, for example, where people sell their items for some money. These items are restored to look brand-new.

Conclusion

Ethical shopping is the mindful purchasing of gifts that positively contribute to the wellness of human beings and the environment. If you’re considering going the route of ethical shopping this Christmas, you should consider buying nature-based gifts that don’t involve toxic production processes. You should also check how the product is packaged because this is telling of whether the product is truly eco-friendly.

You should also research on the labor production processes of the particular brand you plan to get. This will help you determine whether it’s a brand that you can support by purchasing its products. Shopping for recycled and pre-loved gifts are also methods of ethical shopping.