Articles - Book Reviews
 

Good Shopping Guide Review

Are you confused by brand boycotts like Nestlé and Esso? Want to know what's healthy for the producers and the planet not just the consumers? Then the Good Shopping Guide is for you! Based on research conducted by ECRA (the Ethical Consumer Research Association) The Good Shopping Guide calculates the ethical value of 700 every day consumer brands, giving you all the information you need to make an informed choice in your weekly shop.

There are five sections in the book covering a wide range of basic consumer items from white goods to beer, even tackling personal finance. Products are judged on the basis of their impact on people, animals and the environment with sub-divisions such as Worker's Rights, animal testing, pollution and even a company's political donations. There's also an at-a-glance summary of the good, the bad and the ugly in each product area. The most ethical brands receive the Good Shopping Guide Ethical Standard logo, soon to appear in a high street near you, whilst Heinz, Sony, Boots and Disney are just a few examples of familiar brands that score some of the lowest ratings.

As consumers we still underestimate our power for good when it comes to challenging a company's ethical practices. What we buy makes a real difference and is an important way of demonstrating care of our neighbour. Even if it has to be a 'lesser of two evils' decision I find this book invaluable while contemplating all kinds of purchases.

You can buy The Good Shopping Guide on the Traidcraft Stall (while stocks last!) or direct from ECRA for £10. ECRA also produces a magazine every 2 months called Ethical Consumer. Contact them on 0161 2262929 between 12 and 6pm or visit www.ethicalconsumer.org

Rachel Wood

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