Ethical Consumer Magazine

Ethical Consumer Magazine We're an indie, NPO, CO-OP, ethical consumption magazine & research association est. 1989. We track sales data across a wide range of consumer sectors.

Our Story:
For over 30 years we have been the hub of the ethical consumer movement, helping consumers to shop ethically, campaigners to challenge corporate power and businesses to improve their supply chains. We are an independent, not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder co-operative with open membership, founded in 1989 by student campaigners. Our mission is to make global businesses more sustainable

through consumer pressure. You can read more about our mission and manifesto here - https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/about-us/ethical-consumer-manifesto

We have a range of products and services available:

Magazine:
The UK's leading alternative consumer magazine, published 6 times a year. Available as a paper copy delivered to your door, as a flip-book or as a digital download. If you sign up to our weekly newsletter you will get a free copy of a magazine. View a sample issue of our magazine here - https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/sites/default/files/flipbook/Issue%20174/

Shopping Guides and Ethical Ratings:
We understand it’s complex making ethical decisions in modern consumer markets, we aim to simplify it down into digestible and actionable key points, making it easy for busy people to understand which companies to support and which to avoid. We've developed the world's most sophisticated and simple to use, personal ethical rating system to give you the information you need, based on detailed research of over 40,000 companies, brands and products. These ratings are updated in real time from our corporate research database. These shopping guides and ethical ratings can be found in our magazine and on our website - accessible to all with our annual subscription. Campaigns:
We run campaigns on key ethical issues and are currently campaigning for a boycott against Amazon for their use of tax avoidance. We also collaborate on The Lush Prize, founded the Fair Tax Mark and Save Our Bank and are a partner of CTRLshift. Read more about our official campaigns here - https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethicalcampaigns

Research & Consultancy:
We provide research and consultancy for campaign groups and organisations such as Amnesty International, Christian Aid, Co-op Bank, and the Guardian. Our research and analysis helps organisations understand, reach and campaign with their stakeholders to make meaningful interventions into consumer markets to drive positive social and environmental change. Find out more about our research and consultancy services here - https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethical-consumer-research-consultancy-services

Consumer markets report:
The Ethical Consumer Markets Report has been acting as an important barometer of UK spending since 1999. The report is trusted and used by businesses, academics and the UK Government. Read the latest consumer market report here - https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/research-hub/uk-ethical-consumer-markets-report

Take a look at our full shopping guide to see our Best Buy and Recommended brands, the highest scoring of which had an o...
04/09/2025

Take a look at our full shopping guide to see our Best Buy and Recommended brands, the highest scoring of which had an overall Ethiscore of 54/100. Check out the full results 👉 https://bit.ly/4lIvHKZ

Our 2023 Climate Gap report suggested a 95% reduction in consumption emissions might be needed in developed economies by...
03/09/2025

Our 2023 Climate Gap report suggested a 95% reduction in consumption emissions might be needed in developed economies by 2030.

A rapid upscaling of repair and re-use in clothing and household goods however is one way of bringing about significant de-growth.

The good news is that we're seeing this happen.

One of the stand-out stats in our 2023 Ethical Markets report was the 49% rise in the amount spent on secondhand clothes.

According to GlobalData's figures, the clothes resale market in the UK grew by 149% between 2016 and 2022.

They forecast that it would grow by a further 68% between 2022 to 2026.

Ethical fashion is not just about buying new, or even secondhand, clothes.

Running and participating in clothes swaps, making your own clothes from scratch, upcycling, repairing, and renting – all these options are not only financially affordable, but they offer other benefits as well.

They can lead to upskilling and building community connections.

What are your Second Hand September top tips?

Head to bit.ly/4iFr8k9 to subscribe!

And make sure you’re following Ethical Consumer Magazine for more!

Take a look at our full shopping guide to see our Best Buy and Recommended brands, the highest scoring of which had an o...
02/09/2025

Take a look at our full shopping guide to see our Best Buy and Recommended brands, the highest scoring of which had an overall Ethiscore of 80/100 👉 https://bit.ly/4mXp3BM

Why boycott amazon?Ethical Consumer has been campaigning for a boycott of Amazon since 2012, particularly because of Ama...
01/09/2025

Why boycott amazon?

Ethical Consumer has been campaigning for a boycott of Amazon since 2012, particularly because of Amazon's tax avoidance.

But the list of reasons to avoid Amazon extends beyond tax, and includes its services to fossil fuel giants, workers' rights abuses, greenwashing and harmful environmental practices.

1. Amazon's tax avoidance

We estimate that Amazon's tax avoidance could have cost the UK economy around £433m in 2023.

Ethical Consumer has calculated that, in 2023 nearly half a billion pounds (£433,000,000) could have been lost to the UK public purse from the corporation tax avoidance of Amazon alone.

2. Building a monopoly

Amazon’s monopoly supports staggering inequalities: between March and September 2020, at a time when most businesses were struggling, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos saw his personal wealth increase so much that he could have given all 876,000 Amazon employees a bonus of $105,000 and be as wealthy as he was pre-pandemic.

3. Denying workers’ rights

Behind this monopoly are thousands of Amazon workers. Yet, the company has in many instances refused to respect their basic rights.

Is it possible to boycott Amazon?

Since we launched the boycott campaign ten years ago, we’ve seen resistance to Amazon grow. By boycotting the company, we are taking part in this global movement and building the pressure for Amazon – or the legislation that allows its abuses – to change.

Keep growing the movement by sharing with friends and encouraging change! More info can be find by taking a look at our website or subscribing to our free weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3RBJ7LQ

Win a year's supply of loo roll from Best Buy Naked Paper , to celebrate their number 1 spot on the Ethical Consumer toi...
29/08/2025

Win a year's supply of loo roll from Best Buy Naked Paper , to celebrate their number 1 spot on the Ethical Consumer toilet paper guide!

On Friday 1st September, we will send a link in our weekly newsletter that will give you the chance to sign up and enter.

If you’re not already part of our weekly newsletter community, don’t worry; there’s still time to sign up before Friday’s mail goes out - sign up here 👉 bit.ly/4iFr8k9

Those who enter will be in with the chance to win a full year's supply of loo roll with Naked Paper, one of our most ethical loo roll providers.

Naked Paper is proudly unbleached, keeping its beautiful, natural brown hue. Made from recycled cardboard or FSC-certified bamboo, their super-soft, double-length rolls are completely free from bleach, plastic, PFAS, fragrances, dyes and all other harsh chemicals. And it’s not just loo roll – they also make kitchen roll and tissues, all with the same sustainable ethos.

Every single aspect of their paper is carefully considered to minimise impact – from the vegan adhesive that binds each ply, to the electric trains used to transport rolls from their factory – a factory that runs entirely on renewable energy. The result? A climate footprint less than half that of other eco rolls.

Want to try them out and get a year’s supply? Sign up for our newsletter to enter now!

And, as an Ethical Consumer magazine subscriber, you can enjoy an exclusive 10% off your first order —simply log in to your account online to retrieve your exclusive discount code.

*New sign-ups must join by Wednesday 3rd September.

Your personal ethical consumer guide. Independent product guides, research, information and analysis since 1989.

Read the full article here  https://bit.ly/472H5hlWith the rise of ‘big tech’ and artificial intelligence (AI), people a...
27/08/2025

Read the full article here https://bit.ly/472H5hl

With the rise of ‘big tech’ and artificial intelligence (AI), people are becoming more aware of issues around data privacy and the power wielded by tech monopolies.

Our choice of web browser can play an important part in how much personal data is gathered about us and our online activity.

In this article we explore some of the issues around browser use, and which browsers are best for privacy and security.

Do you have an ethical recommendation?

Read the full article here https://bit.ly/41zv5jVFind out more about other organisations who are campaigning on corporat...
26/08/2025

Read the full article here https://bit.ly/41zv5jV

Find out more about other organisations who are campaigning on corporate power.

We explore who they are, what they have achieved so far, and how you can support them. From working towards public ownership to preventing damaging trade deals, these groups are tackling corporate power.

When you are doing what you can as an ethical consumer, it's heartening to know that there are other people like you campaigning for things to be better.

In this feature, we profile organisations that are working hard to challenge corporate power, to make society better for people and planet. Check out what they're doing, sign their petitions, raise their profiles and support their work where you can!

Check out this week's article👉 https://bit.ly/45KKmQ9 where researcher, Rob Harrison, explains why persuading companies ...
25/08/2025

Check out this week's article👉 https://bit.ly/45KKmQ9 where researcher, Rob Harrison, explains why persuading companies to convert to less damaging corporate forms will be a key step in addressing corporate power.

What's your act of challenging corporate power?

How ethical is Triodos Bank? Check out the full review 👉 https://bit.ly/41AA97nOur research highlights several ways in w...
21/08/2025

How ethical is Triodos Bank? Check out the full review 👉 https://bit.ly/41AA97n

Our research highlights several ways in which Triodos is more ethical than other banks, including its approach to lending, investment, and climate change, as well as its overall company ethos.

How ethical is The North Face? Find out here 👉https://bit.ly/3HrkxfIThe North Face is owned by VF Corporation, an Americ...
20/08/2025

How ethical is The North Face? Find out here 👉https://bit.ly/3HrkxfI

The North Face is owned by VF Corporation, an American apparel and footwear company that owns brands including Timberland, Dickies and Vans.

Our research highlights multiple ethical issues with VF Corporation and The North Face, including use of ‘forever chemicals’, unsustainable fabric use, and likely use of tax avoidance strategies.

We've recently updated our Tesla company profile. This includes a new expanded section on Elon Musk, his political influ...
18/08/2025

We've recently updated our Tesla company profile. This includes a new expanded section on Elon Musk, his political influence in the US and his support for far-right politics in Germany and the UK.

Elon Musk is the richest person in the world. His unelected role in the US Government with the 'Department of Government Efficiency' received criticism globally, with experts saying it triggered a “constitutional crisis” in the U.S.

Check out the full company profile here 👉 https://bit.ly/415uXYZ

Win a year's SIM contract worth £220 with ethical phone network provider Meaningful Planet to celebrate their Best Buy l...
15/08/2025

Win a year's SIM contract worth £220 with ethical phone network provider Meaningful Planet to celebrate their Best Buy label with us!

On Friday, 22nd August, we will send a link for you to sign up for a chance to enter as part of our weekly newsletter.

If you’re not already part of our weekly newsletter community, don’t worry; there’s still time to sign up before Friday’s mail goes out - bit.ly/4iFr8k9

Those who enter will be in with the chance to win a full year's contract with Meaningful Planet, one of our most ethical phone providers.

Meaningful Planet directs 10% of its revenue towards restoring nature, helping the environment, and enhancing biodiversity with its phone contracts.

From rewilding the British countryside to restoring sea grass meadows off our coasts, their customers are helping to restore the wild in the UK.

Want to try them out and get a free phone cataract for the year? Sign up for our newsletter to enter now!

And, as an Ethical Consumer magazine subscriber, you can enjoy a lifetime 25% off Meaningful Planet’s SIM plans—simply log into your account online to retrieve your exclusive discount code.

*New sign-ups must join by Wednesday, 20th August

You can also find out more about the brand in their Q&A with us here: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/technology/qa-meaningful-planet

Interested in Ethical Consumer, but don’t want to commit to the annual magazine subscription just yet? Sign up now to our weekly e-newsletter and receive a free sample digital issue of Ethical Consumer magazine.

Address

41 Old Birley Street
Manchester
M155RF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441612262929

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ethical Consumer Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ethical Consumer Magazine:

Share

Category

Our Story

Ethical Consumer is more than just a magazine. We are the only place where you can find transparent and reliable ethical rankings of companies and products. On our site there are detailed ethical ratings of 1000's of brands which help consumers make the right choices, help campaigners challenge corporate power and help businesses do the right thing. For over 30 years Ethical Consumer has been the lead research organisation within the consumer movement. We research the issues that matter to you so that you can easily find the products that reflect your principles. Ethical Consumer's information and analysis helps you choose the most ethical products and services whenever you need them and wherever you are. From bread to banks, use our product guides to check what to purchase and what to avoid.