what is ethical buying?

Basically, we vote with our money. Our patronage of certain goods means we buy not just into that product meeting our needs, but we also buy into how that product is manufactured.

Being ethical means taking responsibility and being aware that how we meet our own needs and wants doesn't mean trampling on somebody else's rights.

Sounds deep. But, in this age of consumerism, we should stop and think for a minute. Why is this so cheap? What does it really cost?

what issues should i be aware of?

Buying ethically all depends on issues that are important to you -

• are you against child labour?
• do you care about animal rights?
• do you care about the standard of living of those who have laboured to bring those goods through your door?
• did it come from sustainable sources?

This product should make me feel better and my buying it means I have helped somebody down the line, not just the retailer.

how much would it cost me?

It will always cost more to buy free range meat than the factory bred ones. There are additional costs to making sure that all workers are paid proper wages and gain a good standard of living. Cheap labour and cheap goods come at a cost to other people, animals or the environment.

Maybe what we don't know wouldn't hurt us. But then again, maybe if we do know, unnecessary oppression of human and animals and our environment need not be the price we pay.