Ethical Consumer

For the consumer practice, see Ethical Consumerism.
Ethical Consumer Magazine
FrequencyBi-monthly
FounderRob Harrison and Jane Turner
Founded1989
CompanyEthical Consumer Research Association
CountryUK
Based inManchester, England
LanguageEnglish
Websitewww.ethicalconsumer.org
ISSN0955-8608

Ethical Consumer Research Association Ltd (ECRA) is a British not-for-profit publisher, research, political, and campaign organisation which publishes information on the social, ethical and environmental behaviour of companies and governments and issues around trade justice and ethical consumption.[1] It was founded in 1989 by Rob Harrison and Jane Turner[2][3][4] and has been publishing the bi-monthly Ethical Consumer Magazine since.[1] Its office is in Manchester.[1]

History

Ethical Consumer was formed in Hulme, Manchester, UK, in 1989. Between 1989 and 2009 it was a worker co-operative,[1] then in 2009 became a not-for-profit multi-stakeholder co-operative consisting of worker members and investor/subscriber members.[5] It is an industrial and provident society.[6]

Company research and ratings

Ethical Consumer researches the social, ethical and environmental records of companies,[1] using media reporting, NGO reports, corporate communications and primary research.

Consumer publishing

It publishes a bi-monthly print magazine, Ethical Consumer Magazine, sold via subscription, shops and newsstands, and a consumer website which is partly subscription based. This includes analysis of company and product ethics[1][7] by sector including: Banking Sector, Energy Industry, Fashion, Food & drink, Home & Garden, Supermarkets, Technology and Transport. Some of the causes it supports are more contentious, such as the BDS movement.[8]

It produces reports on products and companies, and lists current boycotts.[1] It also produces the annual UK Ethical Consumer Markets Report[9] in conjunction (2019) with The Co-operative Bank.

Campaigning

Ethical Consumer runs consumer oriented campaigns, including a boycott against Amazon.com, Inc. for its use of tax avoidance.[10][11][12][13]

Consultancy work

Ethical Consumer also undertakes consultancy, research and ethical company screenings,[14] primarily for NGOs and third sector clients.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Toynbee, Polly (18 December 1996). "Why the green shopper is not being properly served". The Independent. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  2. ^ "How can you shop with a conscience?". BBC News. 5 October 1999. Retrieved 2024-03-30.
  3. ^ Shanta Barley (14 September 2010). "Vote for your unsung green hero". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  4. ^ Tim Hunt (June 2010). "Workers of the world, co-operate!". RedPepper.org. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  5. ^ Boyle, Dave (2 March 2012). "Fresh Ideas 2 – Good News: A co-operative solution to the media crisis" (PDF). Co-operatives UK. p. 38. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Annual Review July 2023" (PDF). Ethical Consumer. 26 July 2023. p. 6. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  7. ^ "From loo rolls to fashion: how to spend your cash more ethically". The Guardian. August 15, 2020.
  8. ^ Halbfinger, David M.; Wines, Michael; Erlanger, Steven (July 27, 2019). "Is B.D.S. Anti-Semitic? A Closer Look at the Boycott Israel Campaign". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2019-07-27. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
  9. ^ "The rise and rise of ethical shopping". New Internationalist. December 13, 2017.
  10. ^ Thomas, Daniel (October 13, 2020). "Amazon accused of Covid failings as Prime Day begins". BBC News.
  11. ^ Jones, Rupert (November 30, 2013). "Alternatives to Amazon: MPs spread seasonal boycott message". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-03-30.
  12. ^ Brignall, Miles (October 13, 2020). "UK shoppers urged to shun Amazon Prime Day to support small businesses". The Guardian.
  13. ^ Allen, Katie (December 19, 2012). "'Boycott Amazon' campaign launched". The Bookseller. Retrieved 2024-03-30.
  14. ^ "Consultancy & Research". eldis.org.