How to tell if your products are ethically sourced
More and more, people are realizing there is a link between our consumption of natural resources and the flourishing of people worldwide.
Every year, between 400,000 and 1 million people in developing countries die because of diseases related to plastic and other mismanaged waste. That’s nearly one person every 30 seconds.
Overconsumption, the relentless consumption of some, is devastating our natural world. We see it in the drastic decline of wildlife species, which has fallen by 60% since 1970. It’s undeniable: the more we consume, the further we push our environment to the breaking point.
But what would it look like for us to live more like Jesus today, in terms of living within the world’s environmental limits?
The more responsible we are in our consumption, the more restorative our lives become.
This realization is spurring us to look for ways to change our consumption habits. One of the ways we can do this is by purchasing ethically sourced products.
Vetting your products doesn’t have to be a complicated process. To prove it, we’ve compiled this list to help you the next time you shop:
- Look for certifications. Every time we consume a product, we affect the livelihood of another person. Fair Trade USA exists to help us make better choices. Products with the Fair Trade certification show that a company has adhered to the International Labor Organization’s standards for Worker’s Voices, Women’s Rights, and Fair Premiums.
- Check out the manufacturer’s code of ethics. When companies hold themselves to ethical standards, they often share this information on their websites. However, we realize that manufacturers are more likely to focus on the positive rather than the negative. But if you review carefully, you can find out if they are committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
- Use tools to research your products. Guides like this one provide examples of ethical products. Let’s say, for instance, you want to buy shampoo. Simply search using the keyword “shampoo,” and the site will list several products that have been pre-vetted as fair and sustainable.
Whether you’re just beginning the journey toward more sustainable consumption habits or this is something you’ve been passionate about for a while, we hope this encourages and helps you determine which steps to take so that you can better care for creation and your global neighbors.
Want to do more? Join a movement of people who live out their faith in a holistic way ⏤ a way that brings healing, reconciliation, and peace in the fullest sense.
