Tips on becoming an ethical shopper:

▲A person holding white tote bag. Photograph: Pexels

The way we spend our money can have a massive impact on our lives and help change our world. With a few small steps, it’s easy to begin your journey to become an ethical consumer and shop sustainably. Here are a few steps to help you be a more ethical shopper:

Less is more

This is a simple and easy step to do. Don’t buy things you don’t necessarily need. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Every year, an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally, a third of all food produced for human consumption. Although much of this goes to waste before it reaches the market, food is wasted needlessly by many households. By making a list before you go shopping, and looking at what food usually goes in the bin at your house, you can tackle this food waste and save some money. Also, you could try downloading an app like Olio or Too Good To Go, where you can rescue food that would otherwise go to waste!

Look for trusted labels

Before you buy your stuff you should ask yourself where are your buys coming from? The country of origin will be shown on the label of fruit, vegetables, clothes and several other items. A host of ethical labels exist, but some are more credible and comprehensive than others. Keep an eye out for logos on the label, such as the Fairtrade logo, which shows that people are being paid fairly for their work, or the Rainforest Alliance logo, that confirms a product meets certain environmental, social and economic sustainability standards and more.

Seek second-hand goods:

Second-hand clothing is the solution for fashion addicts who feel bad about their waste and wallet. Second-hand stores are almost all charitable, locally, or family-owned, so you steer your dollars away from multinational companies and to small business. And best of all, it’s a way to get fresh threads (sometimes with the tags still on) for fast-fashion costs. When you choose previously owned goods, you don't contribute to the labour and materials needed to make new goods. Check for cheap or free items in thrift stores, yard sales and community groups. Another sustainable approach is via rent clothing services like Le Tote and Rent the Runway.

Shop locally:

Visit your local bakery or farmers market rather than a big chain. Supporting small producers or purchasing locally made products is usually healthier for the environment because it reduces the distance that goods have to move and allows customers the ability to ask merchants directly for information about how products are sourced and made. Buying directly from independent shops also has the benefit of improving the local economy. You can often find unique and interesting products by shopping with local, independent retailers.

Good for the environment:

We are faced with many environmental problems, from global warming to pesticide emissions that can in part be solved by shopping more ethically. For example, we can help tackle climate change by moving to a renewable energy supplier or help reduce the number of harmful pesticides that are destroying wildlife by purchasing organic goods. Becoming an ethical shopper is a way to help you save your money and community. In the end, we look for a world where the environment is preserved so we all have a better and healthier life.