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

  2. Transport and retail

  3. Your use

  4. Disposal