Shopping sustainably this holiday season: prioritizing ethical labour
Christmas is just around the corner, and the holiday shopping season is well underway. Amidst the festive hustle and bustle, it’s important to pause and consider the impact of our purchases—not just on our wallets, but on the people behind the products we buy.
Many of the goods we see on store shelves or online may have a hidden cost: labour trafficking. Labour trafficking (also known as forced labour) is the control and exploitation of an individual for their labour. Force, fraud, and/or coercion are used to make the victim perform tasks. Labour trafficking situations usually involve very poor and/or unsafe working conditions, extremely long hours, and unfair or non-existent wages. From clothing to chocolate to electronics, many of the products we purchase are likely produced in some part by child and/or forced labour.
By shopping sustainably and ethically this holiday season, you can help disrupt the cycle of exploitation. Here’s a few ways that you can make a difference:
Research before you buy
It can be extremely difficult to tell what items in your cart or under your tree may be produced in part by labour trafficking. Modern supply chains are incredibly complex - even a seemingly simple product may have a lengthy supply chain that touches numerous countries around the globe.
Realistically, even with the best intentions, it is extremely difficult to track down information on the supply chains of all the goods we purchase. That being said, there are some certifications and online resources that can help you be a better-informed consumer. Research certifications like Fair Trade, B Corp, or Rainforest Alliance and look for them on the products you purchase. These certifications indicate that companies are committed to operating sustainably and workers are treated fairly. Additionally, there are organizations such Good On You that provide information and resources to help you stay informed and evaluate the brands you’re buying from.
Support small and local businesses
Shopping locally not only supports your community but also reduces the risk of unknowingly purchasing items linked to exploitative practices. Local artisans and small businesses are more likely to have direct oversight of their production processes, making it easier to trace the origins of their products. By choosing to shop local you reduce the environmental impact of long supply chains, strengthen the economic health of your community, and help small businesses and artisans grow and thrive.
Opt for secondhand or homemade gifts
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces are treasure troves of unique and high-quality items. By opting to shop secondhand you reduce waste and lessen the demand for fast fashion and mass-produced goods.
Another thoughtful option to consider this holiday season is making your own gifts. Handmade gifts are more sustainable and reduce our reliance on mass production. You have full control over the creation of your gifts, allowing you to customize them for each recipient and opt for ethically sourced or recycled materials whenever possible.
Give the gift of experiences
Instead of gifting material goods, why not give a fun and memorable experience instead? The options here are endless, but a few ideas are: a cooking class, concert or sporting event tickets, national park passes, gift cards for a local restaurant, or ski lift passes. Gifting an experience is a thoughtful alternative to traditional gift giving, with the added bonus of creating special memories for the recipient!
Why it matters
Christmas is a lucrative time for businesses around the world. By choosing to shop sustainably and ethically, we reduce the demand for products made under exploitative conditions and send a message to companies that we value fair labour practices. Each intentional purchase we make helps to support businesses that prioritize transparency, ethical sourcing, and the rights of their workers.
Knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against labour trafficking and exploitation. Choose to be a mindful consumer, and raise awareness among your family, friends, and community about where the products under the Christmas tree are coming from, and how they are produced. By having these conversations, we can inspire others to take meaningful steps towards shopping thoughtfully and ethically. Together, we can make the holiday season not just a time of giving, but a time of creating positive change.