How to get good goods15 December 2010
She says: I'm trying to buy eco stuff - you know, checking how it's produced, seeing if it's organic, fair trade, free range, non-sweat shop, carbon neutral, recycled and all. But it's a real hassle. In my supermarket most of the food doesn't have any information - except for how fat or thin it's going to make me.
You say: Not easy is it? It's reckoned only 2% of all goods in the world market are "ethical".
She says: I suppose that's because they're expensive and not many people can be bothered. If more people want good goods more companies will produce them.
You say: Let the market sort it out? We don't buy that argument with lead in petrol any more. Which petrol would you like, madam - with poison or without?
She says: But it must be hard - expensive - for Tesco to go out on a limb and say, "our apples were grown without hurting farmers in Kenya". People want cheap.
You say: So if governments made all companies meet minimum standards on things like pollution and working conditions, it would be a start.
She says: But you can't trace everything.
You say: Why not?
She says: Well that's a lot of apples.
You say: True. But the supermarkets are really picky about what shape, size and colour each apple has to be, and how it's packaged - all because they think that's what their customers want. So why is it so unreasonable to make them certify how it's been grown?
She says: I guess, but it's not something the Government needs to interfere in. Companies already have to produce reports on how they're affecting the environment and stuff. They can regulate themselves.
You say: Actually, reporting is a voluntary thing - and only 3% of companies worldwide bother.
She says: So it's pretty meaningless.
You say: Exactly. Expecting companies to self-regulate is like having the FA Cup Final without a referee, and telling Man U and Chelsea to "play fair". Metatarsal mayhem.
She says: Messy. I see your point. Self-regulation sucks. Governments should make rules for companies - so that I can be a happy shopper. Want another?
You say: Good shout. Mine's an organic.
