Many companies today claim to have ethical production practices, but there is often a lack of regulation to ensure that this is actually the case.
Some brands even engage in “greenwashing” — a marketing technique to make themselves seem environmentally friendly, even when their products and practices do not meet ethical or sustainable standards. This is particularly true in the fast fashion and skincare industries.
It is important that you, as a consumer, do your own research and ensure that the brands you are purchasing from are truly ethical.
That’s why in this blog post, we will help you with exploring what it means to be an ethical brand, why it’s important to shop from ethical brands, and 5 signs to look out for to determine if a brand is truly ethical.
What Does it Mean to be an Ethical Brand?
Being an ethical brand means prioritizing environmental sustainability, respecting human and animal rights, and being transparent about the ingredients and processes used to create products.
Ethical brands seek to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce the environmental impact throughout their entire supply chain.
They also ensure that all workers, including those in their supply chain, are treated fairly and with respect.
Finally, they are transparent about the ingredients used to create their products and provide consumers with relevant information so they can make informed decisions about their purchases.
Why is it Important to Shop from Ethical Brands?
There are many reasons why it is important to shop from ethical brands. First and foremost, shopping from ethical brands helps to promote environmental sustainability.
Shopping from ethical brands also supports fair labor practices, as it ensures that all workers, including those in their supply chain, are treated fairly and with respect.
Ethical brands are transparent about the ingredients and processes used to create their products, which enables consumers to make more informed decisions about the products they buy. This can help consumers to avoid products that may be harmful to their health or to the environment.
5 Signs a Brand is Truly Ethical:
#1: Short ingredient list & transparency about sourcing
One of the easiest ways to determine if a brand is ethical is to examine the ingredient list of its products. Ethical brands tend to use fewer, higher-quality ingredients that are sustainably sourced.
They also provide transparency about where their materials come from and how they are produced. Consumers should be wary of brands that use vague or wishy-washy language to describe their ingredients or sourcing practices.
#2: The products are made locally
Brands that prioritize ethical production practices often make their products locally, as it helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the supply chain. They also avoid outsourcing production to countries with poor labor standards.
#3: Environmental Certifications
There are a variety of environmental certifications that brands can obtain to demonstrate their commitment to ethical production practices.
Some certifications to look for include:
- Certified B-Corporation
- Fair Trade Certified
- World Trade Organization
- Fairtrade
As a consumer, you should look for these certifications on a brand’s website or packaging to ensure that they are truly committed to ethical production practices.
#4: Eco-Friendly Packaging and Delivery
One of the key things to look out for, to tell if a brand is truly ethical is its use of plastic packaging. Many companies use plastic materials that take years or even decades to decompose, adding to the already massive problem of plastic waste in our oceans and landfills.
In contrast, ethical companies will use biodegradable, recycled or reusable packaging.
Similarly, ethical brands will often go to great lengths to reduce the carbon footprint of their delivery process. This could involve using electric vans or bicycles, or partnering with delivery companies that offset their emissions.
#5: The brand doesn’t fuel overconsumption
By constantly bringing out new collections and styles of products, brands create a sense of urgency and FOMO among consumers.
This leads to a culture of waste, where the products are used a few times before they are thrown away.
In contrast, ethical brands take a different approach. They create high-quality, timeless products that are designed to be used and loved for years, rather than just for a short period of time. They don’t rely on constant turnover to generate sales but instead focus on building a loyal customer base that values quality and sustainability.
Let’s Chat!
What is an important sign for you that a brand is truly ethical, let us know in the comments down below! :)