#ethical-consumption

#ethical-consumption

Several years ago, Michael Pollan had a disturbing encounter. The relentlessly curious journalist and author was at a conference on plant behaviour in Vancouver. There, he'd learned that when plants are damaged, they produce an anaesthetising chemical, ethylene. Was this a form of self-soothing, like the release of endorphins after an injury in humans? He asked Frantisek Baluska, a cell biologist, if it meant that plants might feel pain. Baluska paused, before answering: Yes, they should feel pain.

If someone truly wants an object, consider choosing one that's fair-trade and environmentally responsible. Sadly, much of the "stuff" we find on shelves has been made in sweatshops by underpaid workers (and even children). You can make a difference by being selective about where you spend your dollars. Ethical consumption increases well-being-not just for the recipient, but for the giver, too-because it aligns our actions with our values and our care for the larger world.

Consumer behavior has undoubtedly shifted. Research shows that 70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for ethically sourced products, and 66% expect brands to understand their needs and preferences. Nearly half of all consumers now buy products after seeing them endorsed by people they trust. These statistics clearly show that people want businesses to do better. But here's what the data doesn't capture: consumer expectations alone cannot drive the fundamental changes our world needs.