Looking to make more informed purchase decisions and support brands with strong ethical and environmental standards? Wondering where to find reliable resources or user-friendly apps to evaluate these factors? This article aims to help you navigate the vast sea of information by providing valuable insights into the best resources and apps available, ensuring that you can confidently support brands that align with your values and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical future. So, whether you’re a conscious consumer or simply curious, read on to discover the top tools that will empower you to make ethical and environmentally-conscious choices.
Certification Programs
Fair Trade
Fair Trade certification ensures that products are traded in a way that is economically fair to farmers and artisans, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable. It guarantees that producers receive fair prices for their products, workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions, and environmental practices are in place to protect the planet. When you see the Fair Trade label on a product, you can feel confident that it has been produced with the well-being of people and the planet in mind.
B Corporation
B Corporation certification is given to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corps are businesses that are committed to using their power to create positive change in the world. They focus on balancing profit with purpose, and they consider the impact of their decisions on their employees, communities, and the environment. When you see the B Corp logo, you know that the company has been certified for its commitment to doing good.
Rainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance certification ensures that products are sourced from farms and forests that meet rigorous social and environmental standards. This certification focuses on protecting forests, conserving biodiversity, and promoting the rights and well-being of farmers and workers. When you see the Rainforest Alliance seal, you can be confident that the product you are purchasing has been produced in a way that supports sustainable livelihoods and protects the planet’s natural resources.
LEED Certification
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is given to buildings and homes that are designed and built to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. This certification focuses on aspects such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor air quality. When a building or home is LEED certified, it demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and a desire to minimize its impact on the environment.
Industry-Specific Initiatives
Fashion Revolution
Fashion Revolution is a global movement that aims to raise awareness and challenge the fashion industry to become more sustainable and ethical. They advocate for transparency and accountability in the fashion supply chain, from the sourcing of raw materials to the treatment of garment workers. Fashion Revolution encourages consumers to ask brands, “Who made my clothes?” and to demand greater visibility into the working conditions and environmental practices of the fashion industry.
Marine Stewardship Council
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an organization that works to promote sustainable fishing practices and ensure the long-term health of our oceans. MSC certification is given to fisheries that meet strict standards for sustainability, including maintaining healthy fish stocks, minimizing environmental impacts, and having effective management systems in place. When you see the MSC blue label on seafood products, you can be confident that they come from a fishery that is committed to protecting the marine environment.
Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes responsible forest management. FSC certification is granted to forests and forest products that meet rigorous environmental and social standards. This certification ensures that forests are managed in a way that protects wildlife habitat, respects the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and conserves natural resources. When you see the FSC logo on wood or paper products, you know that they come from a source that is committed to sustainable forestry practices.
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global organization that works to promote the production and use of sustainable palm oil. RSPO certification ensures that palm oil is produced in a way that protects forests, wildlife, and the rights of workers and local communities. It focuses on environmental protection, social responsibilities, and economic viability. When you see the RSPO label on palm oil products, you know that they have been sourced from a producer committed to sustainable practices.
Ethical Consumer Websites
Ethical Consumer
Ethical Consumer is a UK-based website that provides detailed information and ratings on the ethics of various brands and companies. They cover a wide range of industries, including food and drink, fashion, energy, finance, and more. Ethical Consumer assesses companies based on criteria such as environmental impact, workers’ rights, animal welfare, and political influence. Their ratings and analysis can help you make informed choices about where to spend your money and support companies that align with your values.
Good On You
Good On You is a mobile app and website that focuses specifically on fashion brands’ ethical and environmental impact. They provide ratings and information on thousands of fashion companies, giving you insight into their labor practices, environmental footprint, and animal welfare policies. Whether you’re looking for sustainable and cruelty-free fashion options or want to avoid brands associated with unethical practices, Good On You can help you make more conscious purchasing decisions.
Rank a Brand
Rank a Brand is a website that ranks brands based on their sustainability and social responsibility practices. They assess companies in various industries, such as food and beverages, electronics, cosmetics, and clothing. Rank a Brand considers factors like climate impact, labor conditions, waste management, and ethical sourcing. Their rankings are based on publicly available information, certifications, and awards, helping you evaluate brands’ commitment to sustainability and make informed choices.
Sustainability Ratings and Reports
Dow Jones Sustainability Index
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is a widely recognized benchmark for measuring the sustainability performance of companies across various industries. It assesses companies based on criteria like environmental policies, labor practices, product quality, and social impact. The DJSI provides investors, businesses, and consumers with valuable insights into companies that are leading the way in sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
MSCI ESG Research
MSCI ESG Research provides ratings and analysis of companies’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Their research helps investors and companies understand the impact of ESG factors on investment portfolios and business performance. MSCI ESG ratings cover a broad range of industries and consider various criteria, including carbon emissions, labor standards, board diversity, and community engagement.
CDP Climate Change
CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is an international nonprofit that works with companies and investors to disclose and manage their environmental impacts. Their Climate Change program focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a sustainable low-carbon economy. The CDP provides companies with a platform to report their emissions, set reduction targets, and improve their climate change strategies. Their ratings and reports are valuable resources for understanding companies’ commitment to addressing climate change and transitioning to a sustainable future.
Corporate Knights Global 100
The Corporate Knights Global 100 is an annual ranking of the world’s most sustainable companies. It evaluates companies based on environmental, social, and governance indicators, such as carbon productivity, gender diversity, and clean revenue. The Global 100 list provides an overview of the leading companies across industries that are demonstrating strong sustainability performance and incorporating sustainability into their business strategies.
Supply Chain Transparency Platforms
OpenSC
OpenSC is a supply chain transparency platform that allows consumers to trace the journey of products from origin to their hands. It uses cutting-edge technology, such as blockchain, to provide verified and transparent information about a product’s supply chain. OpenSC helps consumers make more informed choices about the products they buy and supports companies in demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
Provenance
Provenance is a platform that enables companies to provide transparent and verified information about their products’ origins and sustainability credentials. It allows businesses to showcase their supply chain practices, including ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental impact. Provenance helps consumers understand the story behind the products they purchase and empowers them to support brands that align with their values.
GoodGuide
GoodGuide is a research-based platform that provides information and ratings on the health, environmental, and social impacts of consumer products. They analyze thousands of products, from cosmetics to household cleaners, to help consumers make informed choices about the products they use. GoodGuide’s ratings consider factors like ingredient safety, environmental impact, and social responsibility, allowing you to choose products that meet your ethical and environmental standards.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reports
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is an international independent standards organization that helps businesses and organizations report on their environmental, social, and governance practices. GRI provides guidelines and frameworks for companies to disclose their sustainability performance and impacts. These reports enable stakeholders, including consumers, investors, and employees, to evaluate companies’ efforts towards sustainability and responsible business practices.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a global environmental disclosure platform that allows organizations to measure, manage, and disclose their environmental impacts. The CDP’s corporate sustainability disclosure system enables companies to report their carbon emissions, climate risks, and reduction targets. By participating in the CDP, companies demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate change and provide stakeholders with transparent information about their environmental performance.
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) develops industry-specific sustainability accounting standards that help companies identify, manage, and communicate their sustainability performance to investors and stakeholders. SASB standards provide guidance on the environmental, social, and governance issues that are most relevant to each industry. By reporting according to SASB standards, companies enhance their transparency and facilitate comparisons of their sustainability performance.
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is a voluntary initiative that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and practices. UNGC participants commit to ten principles covering human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. Companies that join the UNGC are expected to report annually on their progress in implementing these principles, demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Mobile Apps
Buycott
Buycott is a mobile app that allows you to align your purchasing decisions with your values. It enables you to scan the barcode of products and immediately see whether the brand supports causes or engages in practices that are important to you. Buycott provides information on the social, environmental, and political impact of companies, empowering you to make more informed purchasing decisions that match your beliefs and priorities.
GoodGuide
GoodGuide, mentioned earlier as an ethical consumer website, also offers a mobile app for on-the-go access to their product ratings and information. With the GoodGuide app, you can quickly find out about a product’s sustainability, health, and social responsibility attributes by scanning its barcode. The app helps you make conscious choices while shopping and supports brands that prioritize ethically and sustainably produced goods.
Sustainability
The Sustainability app is a comprehensive resource for consumers interested in sustainable living and responsible consumption. It offers information on sustainable products, eco-friendly practices, and tips for reducing your environmental impact. The app also features a rating system for brands and businesses, allowing you to evaluate their sustainability credentials and make informed choices that align with your values. The Sustainability app is your pocket guide to a greener lifestyle.
Shop Ethical
Shop Ethical is an app that provides comprehensive information on the ethics of various brands and products. It covers a wide range of industries, from food and fashion to electronics and personal care. With the Shop Ethical app, you can quickly access ratings and details about a brand’s environmental and social impact. Whether you’re looking for cruelty-free cosmetics, fair trade coffee, or sustainable clothing, Shop Ethical helps you find products that match your ethical standards.
Nonprofit Organizations
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is an international environmental organization that campaigns for positive change on issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. Greenpeace conducts research, organizes protests, and works to hold corporations and governments accountable for their environmental impact. By supporting Greenpeace, you contribute to their efforts to protect the planet and promote sustainable practices.
Oxfam
Oxfam is a global movement that works to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and fight injustice. They focus on issues such as fair trade, women’s rights, sustainable agriculture, and humanitarian aid. Oxfam works with communities, governments, and businesses to create lasting change and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a dignified and sustainable life. By supporting Oxfam, you join their fight against poverty and injustice worldwide.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international conservation organization that works to protect the world’s most vulnerable species and ecosystems. WWF focuses on issues such as deforestation, climate change, sustainable fisheries, and wildlife conservation. They collaborate with governments, companies, and local communities to find solutions that support biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future. By supporting WWF, you contribute to their efforts to safeguard the planet’s natural resources and biodiversity.
Transparency International
Transparency International is a global movement that aims to eliminate corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity worldwide. They work to expose and combat corruption in governments, businesses, and other institutions. Transparency International develops tools and initiatives to foster transparency and encourage individuals and organizations to act with integrity. By supporting Transparency International, you support their mission to create a more just and corruption-free world.
Governmental Initiatives
EPA’s Safer Choice
The Safer Choice program, run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), helps consumers identify cleaning and household products that are safer for human health and the environment. Products with the Safer Choice label have been evaluated for their ingredients and have met rigorous criteria for safety and sustainability. The program empowers consumers to choose products that are effective and have reduced environmental impact.
EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is a voluntary certification program that identifies products and services that have a reduced environmental impact. It takes into account factors such as energy and resource efficiency, emissions, and waste management. The EU Ecolabel allows consumers in European Union member states to choose products and services that have been independently verified as meeting high environmental standards. The label provides assurance that the product or service has undergone a rigorous assessment to minimize its environmental footprint.
Fairtrade International
Fairtrade International is an organization that promotes fairer trading conditions for producers in developing countries. They work to ensure that farmers and workers receive fair prices, can invest in their communities, and have access to adequate social and environmental standards. The Fairtrade label on products indicates that they have been sourced and produced in a way that supports sustainable livelihoods and protects the rights of farmers and workers.
US Department of Labor – Sweat and Toil app
The Sweat and Toil app, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides consumers with information about goods produced using child labor or forced labor. The app allows users to search for specific products and learn about the countries or regions where those products have been associated with child or forced labor. By using the Sweat and Toil app, consumers can make informed choices and support brands and products that are free from exploitative labor practices.
Media Outlets and Publications
EcoWatch
EcoWatch is a leading environmental news platform that covers a wide range of topics, from climate change and renewable energy to sustainable living and environmental justice. They provide insightful articles, reports, and resources that inform and inspire readers to take action for a more sustainable future. EcoWatch is a valuable source of information for staying updated on environmental issues and discovering ways to make a positive impact.
The Guardian – Sustainable Business
Sustainable Business, a section of The Guardian newspaper, focuses on reporting and analyzing the efforts of businesses to address environmental and social challenges. They cover a range of topics, including sustainable development, climate action, renewable energy, and responsible supply chains. The Sustainable Business section provides in-depth articles and perspectives on the intersection of business and sustainability, offering valuable insights into corporate efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
Triple Pundit
Triple Pundit is an online publication that explores the intersection of business, society, and the environment. They cover a wide range of topics, including corporate social responsibility, sustainable finance, ethical supply chains, and social entrepreneurship. Triple Pundit features thought-provoking articles, interviews, and analysis that inspire readers to think critically about the role of business in creating a more sustainable and just society.
Sustainability Times
Sustainability Times is an online publication that covers a wide range of sustainability-related topics, including renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable transportation, and social innovation. They aim to provide timely and accurate information on the latest developments in sustainability, offering insights into the efforts and initiatives driving positive change worldwide. Sustainability Times is a valuable resource for staying informed on sustainability trends and discovering inspiring stories of sustainability in action.
In conclusion, evaluating a brand’s ethical and environmental standards requires access to reliable resources and tools. Certification programs, industry-specific initiatives, ethical consumer websites, sustainability ratings and reports, supply chain transparency platforms, CSR reports, mobile apps, nonprofit organizations, governmental initiatives, and media outlets all play a crucial role in providing valuable information to consumers. By utilizing these resources, you can make more informed choices and support brands that align with your values, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible economy.