Who has the market share?
In the world of brands, all is not what it seems. Thousands of brands compete for our attention and money. Behind the scenes we usually find that there is just a handful of very large corporations behind this diversity. Our new interactive chart explores the dominant players and concentration of ownership for common supermarket products. You can make a difference by supporting smaller Australian-owned companies.
Fairtrade focus
Last week saw the end of another Fairtrade Fortnight. We hope you were inspired to find new ways to support the Fairtrade movement! Here are some ways to help keep up the momentum:
- Find Fairtrade-certified products
- Support Fairtrade fashion
- Make the case for Fairtrade tea and coffee in your workplace
Nestle's water woes
Nestlé's new global advertising campaign focuses on the benefits of hydration for their Pure Life bottled water product. This appears somewhat hypocritical given the various criticisms levelled against Nestlé for extracting clean groundwater from across the USA and Canada. Sign the petition calling for Nestlé to stop this in California - an area with limited access to clean, affordable water ... in fact presently they're in drought!
Modern Slavery Act
Australia is considering adopting a Modern Slavery Act which will require businesses to report on steps taken to eradicate slavery in their supply chains. A similar act was introduced in the UK in 2015. It would bring the crimes of slavery, forced labour and human trafficking under a single law. For more see Choice article, parliamentary submissions, and Walk Free's guide for businesses on how to eradicate slavery from supply chains.
Help close the recycling loop
ABC's recent Four Corners program revealed that some glass collected in council curbside recycling ends up stockpiled. It's a reminder that 'recycling' requires having a market for collected material. We as consumers can help create this market and 'close-the loop' by choosing products with recycled content. You can start with toilet paper and copy paper, and find other products at Buy Eco Green, Ecobuy and GECA.
New product: 3-in-1 wrap pack
Do you like the thought of never having to buy cling wrap, baking paper or aluminium foil again? The Agreena Wrap Pack's got you covered! This re-usable, non-toxic and recyclable alternative seals packages, bowls, and the food itself, and can be used in the freezer, oven or microwave. Lasts for years. Agreena, an Australian-owned company, donates proceeds from every pack to environmental organisations. Buy your 3-in-1 pack here.
Quick Bites
Get ready for the warmer weather ahead by checking our new brand comparison page for thongs and sandals to see how your favourite brands rate.
»
Shop Ethical
Green & Black's, which pioneered the use of Fairtrade chocolate in its bars, is launching its first product that is neither Fairtrade certified, nor organic.
»
Independent
The Guardian asks experts and campaigners - from Lily Cole to Dame Ellen MacArthur – on what more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste.
»
The Guardian
Sign this petition to call on Samsung to end its partnership with agribusiness Korindo, recently criticised for burning and clearing pristine rainforest in Indonesia.
»
Sum of Us
The Federal Court has ordered one of WA's largest egg producers to pay $750,000 in penalties for falsely claiming its eggs were free range.
»
Farm online
You are receiving this update because you signed
up through the Shop Ethical! app or website
previous updates
| unsubscribe | donate
Your dollar is your vote - Make it count!