Ethical shopping is for life, not just for Christmas

“Money is tight at the moment, but we have to ask ourselves what we value and where we want to spend our money. Investing in local, sustainable businesses is investing in a future we surely all want.”

The compelling closing thoughts of an article detailing the struggles being experienced by a range of businesses selling sustainable consumer products.

It struck a chord because the refill, plastic-free shop near me has just shut its doors due to lack of custom. This means that there are again no plastic-free shopping options in the area.

We are told so often that we can each drive change in the world by putting our money where our ethics are. This is a bit tricky, however, if the businesses that align with low carbon footprint, plastic- and modern slavery-free ambitions are closing or down-sizing.

Certainly, the prices of ethical products can be higher, and it can be beyond some people's budgets. But there are plenty of people who can afford more, particularly when combined with a practice of buying less.

And, as we see with the recent revelations about Tesco's clothing line, one of so many we've seen over time, the real cost of cheaper alternatives is higher, but it is others who are paying it.

So, it has been said before, but it is really worth reiterating - we are going to have to radically change how we live our lives if we are going to hit our climate and biodiversity goals, and maintain a liveable world for our kids and grandkids. Supporting ethical businesses at this time of year could be the boost they need to keep going for the new year.

Fay Watts, cited in a Guardian article entitled 'It's just not tenable': cost of living crisis hits sustainability sector.