Savvy Spending

Ethical Shopping

Tips for Ethical Shopping

We all know that being green is important – from the organic or free trade food you buy and where it comes from, to recycling everything from bottles to carrier bags. So how can you improve your green credentials whilst out shopping?

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  • Consider local, independent stores
    They discourage car use, offer a more personal service and support the local community.


  • Say 'NO'
    Say 'no' to unnecessary shopping bags and take carrier bags with you or a reusable cotton bag.

  • Look out for Fairtrade goods
    To buy ethically look out for Fairtrade Foundation marked products which guarantee workers have been fairly rewarded for their labour. Organisations such as Oxfam and Traidcraft sell fair trade goods.

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  • Avoid animal tested products
    Look out for 'not tested on animals' labels or better still contact BUAV or Naturewatch for an approved product guide.


  • Animal Free Shopper
    Avoiding animal products can be tough if you are vegan or vegetarian, especially when they crop up in surprising products such as beer and sweets. Luckily the Vegan Society publishes the Animal Free Shopper, a comprehensive guide to vegan and vegetarian products. Also look out for the Vegetarian Society symbol.


  • Buy organic produce
    The last few years has seen a take-off in the demand for organic produce, ranging from vegetables to bread and meat. Organic food is free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which benefits the workforce, the consumer and the environment. Look out for the Soil Association symbol or contact the Soil Association to locate your nearest organic outlet.

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  • Go GM free
    Genetically manipulated (GM) food is something that many people wish to avoid. Look out for GM-free labels or the Vegetarian Society symbol which is also a guarantee of genetics-free food.


  • Ethical banking
    The Co-op is currently the only high street bank with a truly ethical stance. One of Europe's leading ethical banks is Triodos, which now offers savings accounts to customers in the UK while the Ecology Building Society also offers a range of saving accounts and ISAs.

    Ethical investments continue to show growth and EIRIS (Ethical Investment Research Service) is a great starting point for the first time investor. Most large utility companies offer green tariffs. They are defined by the fact that they're either ecologically produced or a proportion of the money is put towards ecological sources. Try specialist green comparison service UKGreenPower.


  • Recycle
    Recycled and second hand products save precious resources and reduce pressure on landfill sites. Anything from paper to printer cartridges and TVs can be 'recycled'. For advice on recycling points in your area or a guide to recycled products, contact Waste Online.

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