The 5 questions to ask yourself to make your shopping more ethical
Written by Place de la Cité | April 26, 2023
With the vast range of shopping options available to us today, it is sometimes difficult to decide. If you want your purchases to be the result of conscious and more sustainable choices that reflect your values, here are 5 questions you will no doubt want to answer when you go shopping.
1- What is my product made of?
First of all, choose items without packaging or with compostable or cardboard packaging, rather than plastic.
Opt for materials designed with the aim of reducing the ecological footprint, such as organic cotton, linen, Lyocell, vegetable cashmere or vegetable leather. These materials are more environmentally friendly than synthetic materials such as polyester. However, there are more and more options made from recycled materials such as recycled polyester or even materials made from recycled plastic bottles, so take a good look at the labels. For beauty products, personal hygiene products or household cleaning products, choose options made from plant-based products and with containers that can be refilled. You will even save money in the long term.
2- How was the product made?
It is important to consider the working conditions of the people who made the product, as well as the standards and requirements to which a product was subjected during its production. The country of origin can be a clue, but don’t rely on that alone. Visit the About brands pages and don’t hesitate to find out about their values and socio-environmental commitments. Companies that respect workers’ rights, offer fair wages and ensure that their production is respectful of people and the environment are obviously more ethical. Give preference to companies that are transparent in their practices.
3- Ai-je une alternative locale?
If you have the choice between a product that was made on the other side of the world or a few kilometers from your home, choose the local product! The production and transportation of a local product will not only have a better impact on our planet and on global warming, but also on our local economy, since it generates jobs and investments locally. There are more and more labels that identify products made in whole or in part in Quebec, so keep an eye out!
4- What are the social impacts of my purchase?
Ask yourself if your purchase supports a company that respects workers’ rights and sustainable practices. Some brands also support foundations or humanitarian causes by donating part of their annual profits or profits from the sale of one or more products. Find out more, these causes could align with your values!
5- How do I know I'm making the right choice?
It is true that an ethical product can sometimes be more expensive than a non-ethical product, but this is not always the case. It is important to consider the quality of the product, its durability and its long-term environmental and social impact. If the purchase lasts longer, preserves the environment or supports the local community, the higher price is undoubtedly worth it. But make no mistake, sometimes the cheapest turns out to be the most ethical in the end! When faced with a difficult choice, simply ask yourself which of the two products best reflects your values.
