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George Monbiot is a well-known investigation reporter and columnist for the British newspaper “The Guardian” as well as a member of the BBC Wildlife magazine’s advisory board. He is also the author...
In our westernised world, an increasing number of people are now adopting new shopping habits which take quality, ethics and the environment into account. To be a “green shopper” means choosing products which do not harm the environment or society. In recent decades, large consumer movements, boycot campaigns and “protest consumerism” movements have frequently encouraged awareness and and responsibility when shopping, much to the dismay of manufacturing lobbyists.
George Monbiot, the famous Guardian columnist condemns this eco-shopping trend saying it has fuelled the current consumerist frenzy at a time when “we should actually be buying less”.The journalist says that although “eco-responsible” shopping may get us to buy ethical, local, sustainable and recycled products, it does not encourage us to spend less.
The Christian Science Monitor is of the opinion that the fashionable trend of “green chic” which has recently invaded the United States has been adopted by well-off American consumers in a weak attempt to appear that they are doing their bit for the planet. Like Monbiot, the article says that most stringent measures and greater commitment on the part of governments is required to reduce the carbon footprint, rather than keep it at current levels. The article finishes by saying: “If something can't continue, it won't”.
However, “eco-responsible” shopping provides s a way to force producers to adopt responsible and citizen-friendly management policies. From this point of view, eco-friendly shopping is a positive step towards raising collective awareness that the environment requires immediate action. Ruth Rosselson, editor of the magazine “Ethical Consumer” explains that our choice of clothes (among others) can be guided by ethical and environmental considerations. There are many forms of eco-responsible management which promote certain production methods and reduce envionrmental impact, and which consumers should be encouraging.
Des produits cosmétiques équitable sont photographiées dans une grande surface, en mai 2007 à Rots - France © AFP
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