Eurostar, Electric Cars & Fairtrade – The Best Ethical Products of the Past 20 Years Say Politicians and Campaigners
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009E
urostar, electric cars and Fairtrade are today identified as
among the best ethical products of the past 20 years according to a
survey of leading politicians and environmental campaigners by Ethical
Consumer Magazine.
In the survey, 20 leading politicians and environmental campaigners
were asked what was the best ethical product of the past 20 years.
In response Ben Stewart, Head of Communications at Greenpeace chose
Eurostar, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London chose electric cars whilst
Hilary Benn MP, secretary of state for the environment, chose Fairtrade.
Ben Stewart from Greenpeace said:
“The Eurostar to the continent is the start of a network to challenge
Britain’s addiction to flying.”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said:
“I am completely blown away by the rapid development of electric
vehicle technology. We are now reaching a tipping point whereby
electric powered vehicles will be a mainstream choice which will
deliver massive benefits for London with regard to air quality,
pollution levels and reduced carbon emissions.”
Hilary Benn MP, secretary of state for the environment said:
“The whole Fairtrade movement has had an enormous impact and changed
people’s lives. It’s a brilliantly simple idea that builds a
relationship between the farmer and the person buying the product.”
Rob Harrison editor of Ethical Consumer magazine which this month
celebrates its 20th anniversary, said:
“Our survey identifies just some of the many ethical products that
shoppers can now buy. Over the past 20 years there’s been a spectacular
revolution in the number and range of ethical products and services
available. No longer hidden away, ethical shopping has burst onto the
High Street with dramatic success.”
“By buying items that minimise the impact to both people and the
planet, shoppers today have a great opportunity to become checkout
campaigners everytime they go shopping.”
In the same survey politicians and campaigners were asked which item
they would ban on ethical grounds.
In response Jenny Jones, Green Party member of the London Assembly
chose short-haul flights, Hilary Benn MP, secretary of state for the
environment chose Bluefin tuna, Climate Camp activists chose carbon
offset companies and Caroline Higginson from the fashion industry
campaign group Labour Behind the Label chose throwaway fashion.
