In this COVID-19 era, research shows more people are shopping ethically. Going a step further, another recent report also found more Aussies are choosing to support Australian businesses – in particular, those with a strong set of values that benefit others and the world we live in.
A number of businesses are leading the charge in this arena, where quality is valued over quantity and profits are considered as equally as the planet.
Take Koala for example, the Australian maker of mattresses and home furnishings, which practises what it preaches when it comes to sustainability and protecting the environment. Its products are designed to last (meaning less waste) and the company also donates products to people in need, as well as adopting endangered animals on behalf of customers.
Other businesses are true champions of improving the lives of women, such as Stella; a female owned and founded car insurance provider that tailors its policies to meet the needs of woman across the country. With this strong sense of purpose in mind, Stella has set out to help empower Australian women with simple, transparent and cost-effective car insurance and to challenge the way they approach insurance and finance. Through its #StellaSquad program, a portion of its profits are also donated to women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.
This female-focused purpose is at the core of Stella’s values, according to director and CEO, Sam White. “Any entrepreneur we support can’t just be just motivated by the bottom line – they must have a wider purpose beyond that,” she says.
You can also shop ethically through the simplest of purchases, such as your morning coffee ritual. Jasper Coffee has been serving its delicious selection of single origin, blends, Fairtrade, organic and speciality coffee for more than 30 years. It's dedicated to re-humanising the coffee supply chain, through strong relationships with coffee growers around the world. Right down to its compostable packaging, Jasper is also a 100 per cent carbon neutral company.
If you’re hoping to consume more mindfully, our top five tips will set you on track.
Take stock
A great starting point to shop more ethically begins with looking at your own shopping habits and what you value most in the brands and businesses you spend your money on. It could be as simple as starting to question where the beans in your morning coffee come from, or where your sofa was made. This will naturally lead you to understand more about the brands in your home and which align with your own values.
Research
A little research goes a long way. Before committing to purchase a product or service, read about its vision and values, as well as what others are saying about it. Many companies are becoming more open and transparent about where they source ingredients and materials, and how they are giving back to communities and the environment.
Ask questions
Get into the habit of asking for the information you cannot find. Ask for details about where items are made, how materials are sourced and what ethical and sustainable practices a company has in place to help inform your decision.
Quality over quantity
Less is often more when it comes to ethical shopping. Look for items that are durable, well-made and will stand the test of time, which also means less waste of both products and your money.
Spread the word
Champion the brands and businesses you genuinely love, and whose values you think make a positive contribution to the world and our lives. Spread the word to your friends and family, as when it comes to shopping ethically, we are most definitely able to create a better world together.
Brought to you by Stella.
