Ethical Consumerism

the shaping of purchasing decisions by an evaluation of the moral attributes of an object

• purchasing products that minimise social/enviromental damage
• "conscientious consumption"

"the meaningful use people make of the objects around them"

• possessive individualism
• produces a human being that is made up of objects
• clearest way to express our moral choices
• through "dollar voting" - either positive buying or moral boycott
• eg organic produce, a vote for environmental sustainabuility

• ability to affect structural change is limited 
• affordability - uneven distribution of wealth prevents consumerism (ethical or otherwise)
• expensive green products - 'bourgois bohemians'
• displace responsibility from governments and corporations to individuals
• fetishisation - info limited regarding background/outcomes of purchase