The products that we buy and use in Australia can affect people in other countries.
Many of the goods we use are made or grown in developing countries. Sometimes the workers producing these goods receive low pay or must work in dangerous conditions, and sometimes, the workers are child labourers and people that have been trafficked.
Cocoa, used to make big brand chocolate, is often produced on the backs of child labourers in Africa. In Southeast Asia, men are too often exploited for their labour in the fishing industry. Coffee growers in South America are underpaid for their crops, victims to crop dumping by subsidised and wealthy nations. Carpets are woven in India by children as young as 5 years old working in grueling conditions. Women and children enslaved in the sex trade endure lives of torment and disease. Sadly, the list goes on.
A how-to guide
As a consumer, you have the power. Every dollar you spend is analysed. When you shop ethically, you send a message to sellers, to manufacturers, and to other shoppers.
So do this:
- Look for the ethically produced alternative – the Fairtrade lable is a guarantee that exploitative labour and practices have not been a part of that product’s manufacture. The more we buy ethically, the more others will realise we won't put a price on humanity.
- Ask your favourite retailer to stock ethically produced tea, chocolate and coffee.
- Call Coles Supermarkets to ask them to use ethically produced cocoa in their home brand product range. Call Coles on 1800 061 562.
- Support ethical production in your home, school and workplace by campaigning for ethically produced products.
- Encourage your MP to champion against labour exploitation with policies, ethical procurement and action.
- Consider whether your consumption is necessary. Remember to ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”
Your choice makes a difference. Supporting ethical businesses and rejecting unethical businesses is a form of voting. You are saying NO to human, animal and environmental exploitation and YES to good working conditions, fair prices, humane animal conditions and preserving the planet.