Shopping ethically, considering workers’ rights, animal welfare, and environmental impact, can be challenging, according to a University of Guelph professor. Many consumers express interest in supporting Canadian-made products with fair labor practices and eco-friendly methods. However, during the holiday shopping season, the higher prices of such products may hinder people’s intentions to shop ethically, as highlighted by Jing Wan.
Wan’s research reveals that while consumers show a desire for ethical shopping, the market share of ethical products does not align with consumer preferences. This discrepancy suggests a difficulty in translating ethical values into purchasing decisions in the marketplace, according to Wan’s comments to CBC News.
Defining ethical shopping as the act of benefiting others or the environment beyond personal gain, Wan emphasizes the importance of choosing products that align with ethical values over conventional alternatives lacking transparency in production processes, eco-friendliness, fair wages, and animal testing.
Wan underscores the existence of an “ethical premium” that consumers must pay for products benefiting others or the environment. She suggests that when faced with similar products at the same price point, consumers may struggle to justify paying more for ethical attributes that do not directly benefit them.
The best way to shop ethically … is actually not to buy as much.– Jing Wan, University of Guelph professor
Moreover, Wan’s research reveals that not all products labeled as ethical truly align with ethical standards. She proposes that one solution to the challenge of higher prices for ethical products is for consumers to reconsider their consumption habits and purchase only what they truly need.
Billie-Jo O’Brien and Pete Molloy, founders of Molloys Soap in Cambridge, Ontario, have garnered a significant customer base by emphasizing eco-friendly practices in their soap and cleaning products. O’Brien notes that while not all products are “zero waste,” their commitment to environmental protection resonates with customers who prioritize non-toxic, sustainable options.
Emphasizing local production and a refill program to reduce plastic waste, Molloys Soap aligns its business practices with ethical considerations. O’Brien highlights the company’s efforts to minimize plastic use in packaging and shipping, offering customers the opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Operating both a physical and online store with delivery services in several regions, Molloys Soap aims to provide accessible, ethical choices for consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives.