Ethical shopping has reached a new height

Mintel’s latest report shows that the demand for organic and Fairtrade produce has risen as well as the number of shoppers recycling packaging. In 2002, 24 % of shoppers agreed that paying more for organic food was worth it; this number has risen to 33 % in 2006. The proportion of people buying Fairtrade products whenever possible has increased from 26 % to 35 % in the same period of time. Also, the attitude towards recycling has changed. While 65 % of the respondents thought it was their duty to recycle rubbish in 2002, 76 % thought so in 2006. The concern about global warming and exploitation of the developing countries are named as reasons for this development.

Companies are also reconsidering their strategies. Tesco, for example, aims at reducing energy use by 50 % and at increasing recycling by 80 % by 2010. Marks & Spencer takes measures to make the company carbon neutral within five years.

Source: Daily Mail