i need new shoes but am struggling with the fact that lots of shoes are made in sweat shops in china, so as usual i goggle ethical footwear
http://www.soulshoes.co.nz/ is one i found (has cute kiddy shoes) but not really the chuck taylor-esk shoes i would like for myself, also has cool sandal but i still have a pair of made in NZ romans and some made in Nelson Korkers so i don't need more sandle. but oh where to find sneakers???
in that vain ...here are my requirement or cheak list that keeps floating aaround my brain when buying stuff..
Some helpful questions to ask ourselves
These questions are meant to be guidelines and not to make people feel guilty. The process of shopping is one that has to take account of many factors, your age and health, where you live, your income and your commitments to family and work, to name just a few. We also have to balance the advantages of one point against another, e.g. travelling an extra distance to buy organic vegetables or Trade Aid goods.
What is really clear from this exercise is our need for more information. We need to ask questions of our supermarkets and Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Whenever you discover information you see as relevant make sure you tell others about it.
Before you shop, ask yourself:
Do I really need this item? Can I produce it myself?
Once you have decided to buy, shopping questions relate to:
1. Production
* What is the country of production of a) materials, b) manufacture? What laws does the country of origin have regarding the use of pesticides, safety regulations for workers, wages, and conditions for workers? (Buying locally gives you more knowledge to be able to answer these questions.)
* What is the brand name? Has the company a good or bad record internationally?
* How much energy has been used to manufacture the product or its container?
* What chemicals and processes are used in the manufacturing or growing of the product or its container that could damage the workers or the environment?
* Are timber products from native rainforest?
* If the product is from animals are they well cared for? E.g. hens, pigs?
* Have animals been used in the testing of the product?
2. Transport and retail
* How much fuel has been used to transport the product to the retail outlet?
* Can you take your own bags and containers with you and buy in bulk rather than pre-packaged?
* Does your retail outlet have a good employment policy for its workers?
* How far do you travel to your retail outlet?
3. Your use
* If the product goes into the drainage system will it eventually harm the waterways?
* Is the product an energy efficient one?
* Is the product harmful to you or your family's health?
4. Disposal
* Is the product over-packaged?
* Is the product or packaging able to be re-used, composted, recycled?
* Will the packaging be harmful to animals or the environment if left lying around?
http://www.soulshoes.co.nz/ is one i found (has cute kiddy shoes) but not really the chuck taylor-esk shoes i would like for myself, also has cool sandal but i still have a pair of made in NZ romans and some made in Nelson Korkers so i don't need more sandle. but oh where to find sneakers???
in that vain ...here are my requirement or cheak list that keeps floating aaround my brain when buying stuff..
Some helpful questions to ask ourselves
These questions are meant to be guidelines and not to make people feel guilty. The process of shopping is one that has to take account of many factors, your age and health, where you live, your income and your commitments to family and work, to name just a few. We also have to balance the advantages of one point against another, e.g. travelling an extra distance to buy organic vegetables or Trade Aid goods.
What is really clear from this exercise is our need for more information. We need to ask questions of our supermarkets and Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Whenever you discover information you see as relevant make sure you tell others about it.
Before you shop, ask yourself:
Do I really need this item? Can I produce it myself?
Once you have decided to buy, shopping questions relate to:
1. Production
* What is the country of production of a) materials, b) manufacture? What laws does the country of origin have regarding the use of pesticides, safety regulations for workers, wages, and conditions for workers? (Buying locally gives you more knowledge to be able to answer these questions.)
* What is the brand name? Has the company a good or bad record internationally?
* How much energy has been used to manufacture the product or its container?
* What chemicals and processes are used in the manufacturing or growing of the product or its container that could damage the workers or the environment?
* Are timber products from native rainforest?
* If the product is from animals are they well cared for? E.g. hens, pigs?
* Have animals been used in the testing of the product?
2. Transport and retail
* How much fuel has been used to transport the product to the retail outlet?
* Can you take your own bags and containers with you and buy in bulk rather than pre-packaged?
* Does your retail outlet have a good employment policy for its workers?
* How far do you travel to your retail outlet?
3. Your use
* If the product goes into the drainage system will it eventually harm the waterways?
* Is the product an energy efficient one?
* Is the product harmful to you or your family's health?
4. Disposal
* Is the product over-packaged?
* Is the product or packaging able to be re-used, composted, recycled?
* Will the packaging be harmful to animals or the environment if left lying around?
posted by ange @ 4:47 pm
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