Many low-cost products perpetuate human exploitation; buying fair labor, responsibly sourced goods empowers ethical work conditions and promotes sustainability.
The choices we make as consumers have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate function or aesthetic of a product. When we choose fair labor and responsibly sourced products, we are not just buying a commodity; we are endorsing a set of ethical principles. Such purchases prioritize human rights, ensuring workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. They also advocate for sustainable environmental practices, reducing deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while promoting resource conservation. Our power as consumers can help combat inhumane work conditions and environmental harm. Make your home not only a place of personal comfort but also a statement of social justice and environmental responsibility. Make the conscious choice to support fair labor and responsible sourcing today.
Pros
- Social Justice and Human Dignity: Fair labor products ensure ethical work conditions and fair wages, contributing to a more equitable society compared to standard sourcing, often riddled with exploitative practices.
- Environmental Stewardship: Responsible sourcing involves adhering to eco-friendly practices, reducing environmental damage in comparison to conventional methods that often exploit resources and contribute to pollution.
- Economic Resilience: By supporting industries committed to ethical practices, we invest in a resilient economy less prone to shocks from social unrest or environmental crises.
Cons
- Higher Costs: Ethically sourced products can be more expensive due to the additional costs incurred in maintaining fair labor conditions and responsible environmental practices.
- Limited Accessibility and Variety: Some regions or markets may have limited access to responsibly sourced products, or the variety might not match that of conventional items.
- Trust and Verification: There’s a challenge in verifying the authenticity of fair-trade and responsibly sourced claims, which may lead to ‘greenwashing’.
Costs
1New Construction
2Existing Home - Hiring a Contractor
3Existing Home - DIY
Hiring Pros
- Use Trusted Websites: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Verify Credentials: Look for experts with green certifications like LEED, Green Advantage, or Certified Green Professional (CGP). These credentials ensure they are trained in green building and renovation.
- Check References and Reviews: Always check past customer reviews and ask for references. Experiences of previous clients can be a great indicator of the quality of their work.
- Ask About Experience: Enquire about their experience with EPPs. This includes both the types of products they’ve worked with and the scope of the projects.
- Request a Detailed Quote: Ensure the quote includes specifics about the EPPs to be used. This transparency can help avoid misunderstandings and extra costs.
Do It Yourself
- Educate Yourself: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Ask Questions: Whether you’re hiring a contractor or buying materials, always ask about their sourcing. Ensure they support fair labor and environmentally-friendly practices.
- Certifications Matter: Look for products with credible certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These guarantee ethical labor and environmental practices.
- Support Local: Buying locally sourced materials reduces carbon footprint and supports your local economy, which often includes smaller businesses that treat their workers fairly.
- Plan Ahead: Responsibly sourced materials can sometimes take longer to procure, so factor this into your project timeline.
Tips for Renters
Looking for a Rental:
1Research
Look for properties managed by companies with strong sustainability and social justice commitments. They’re more likely to use responsibly sourced materials.
2Ask Questions
During the viewing, ask about the materials used in construction and renovation.
3Look for Certifications
Properties with LEED, ENERGY STAR or Living Building Challenge certifications typically prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
Convincing a Landlord:
1Educate
Share information about the importance of ethical sourcing and its potential to enhance the property’s value and appeal.
2Demonstrate Cost Benefits
While upfront costs may be higher, these can be offset by durability, lower maintenance costs, and potential tax incentives or grants.
3Advocate
Highlight the growing demand for ethical and sustainable housing, indicating it as a competitive advantage in the rental market.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Early Integration
Begin considering responsible sourcing early in the design process. It’s easier to incorporate these materials from the start rather than retrofitting them into an existing design.
2Knowledge of Materials
Understanding the characteristics of responsibly sourced materials is key. Some might have different structural or aesthetic properties compared to their conventional counterparts. Having this knowledge ensures your design optimizes these materials without compromising functionality or aesthetic appeal.
3Collaborate
Partner with suppliers who can guide you towards the best responsibly sourced materials for your project. Their experience and knowledge can be invaluable.
For the Builder:
1Verify Certifications
Always verify that the products you’re purchasing are certified by credible organizations such as the Fairtrade Foundation or the Forest Stewardship Council.
2Build Relationships
Establish strong relationships with suppliers committed to responsible sourcing. They can ensure you have a consistent supply of the materials you need.
3Educate Your Team
Make sure everyone on your team understands the importance of responsibly sourced materials. This can help motivate them to work with these materials effectively and to uphold the project’s ethical commitments.
1Early Integration
Begin considering responsible sourcing early in the design process. It’s easier to incorporate these materials from the start rather than retrofitting them into an existing design.
1Verify Certifications
Always verify that the products you’re purchasing are certified by credible organizations such as the Fairtrade Foundation or the Forest Stewardship Council.
2Knowledge of Materials
Understanding the characteristics of responsibly sourced materials is key. Some might have different structural or aesthetic properties compared to their conventional counterparts. Having this knowledge ensures your design optimizes these materials without compromising functionality or aesthetic appeal.
2Build Relationships
Establish strong relationships with suppliers committed to responsible sourcing. They can ensure you have a consistent supply of the materials you need.
3Collaborate
Partner with suppliers who can guide you towards the best responsibly sourced materials for your project. Their experience and knowledge can be invaluable.
3Educate Your Team
Make sure everyone on your team understands the importance of responsibly sourced materials. This can help motivate them to work with these materials effectively and to uphold the project’s ethical commitments.
Resources
Books:
“Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things” by William McDonough & Michael Braungart.
“The Responsible Company: What We’ve Learned from Patagonia’s First 40 Years” by Yvon Chouinard and Vincent Stanley.
Websites:
Fair Trade Certified (https://www.fairtradecertified.org/)
- Rainforest Alliance (https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/)
