Two Pocket Sized Ethical Supermarket Shopping Guides

There’s so much to take into consideration if you want to make the most ethical choices on your weekly shopping run. Wouldn’t it be easier if you had a pocket guide to take with you to the supermarket?

While it’s mainly a reference for recognising animal derived ingredients in food, alcohol and other supermarket items, Veg*n Shopper: A Pocket Reference also includes lots of useful information including tips on:

• Environment
• Organics
• GE foods
• Fair trade
• Vegan alternatives
• Food additives

The Ethical Consumer Group who’s Shopping With A Conscience Tours also have a guide, rating companies on:

• Ownership
• Genetic Modification and Animal Cruelty
• Packaging
• Environmental, Social & Governance Record

The information and ratings are collated from over 30 sources including Greenpeace True Food Guide, Choose Cruelty Free, Corporate Monitor, Reputex and the National Packaging Covenant.

It comes in two addictions, a wallet sized Supermarket Buying Guide and as a detailed shopping guide.

As a quick summary, The Ethical Consumer Group gives these tips:

• Soft drinks: Avoid phenylethane.
• Milk: Look for cardboard tetrapack.
• Biscuits: Avoid double packaging.
• Chips: Look for cardboard packaging.
• Chocolate: Look for organic, fairtrade.
• Dishwashing: Look for biodegradable.
• Laundry Detergent: Look for phospate and chlorine free. And look for low sodium.

And when in doubt, always look for Australian made, organic, fairtrade, cruelty free, and recyclable, recycled, or minimal packaging.