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Conscious Consumers makes it easy – By Karen McLeod

Is it just me, or is figuring out where to find ethical and sustainable products and services overwhelming? I read so much conflicting information it makes me want to crawl between the sheets and take a nap. I know I have the power to choose how and when I spend my money, I just need someone to show me where!

Luckily for us here in NZ we have an incredible consumer movement called Conscious Consumers. They are a business accreditation programme, currently focused on the hospitality industry, which connects consumers with local businesses that operate sustainably, offer ethical choices, and do great stuff in their communities. They recycle, they compost, they give their leftovers to those in need – the list of good work is endless.

Conscious Consumers takes all the hard work out of figuring out where shop and use your dollar for good. The businesses accredited with Conscious Consumers must meet strict criteria which they audit each year. You can find out more about the standards on their website.

Whether you are after free-range eggs or eco-packaging, their online directory of accredited hospitality businesses makes it easy. You can even download the Conscious Consumers app to your smartphone so when you are out and about you can search the database for cafes, restaurants, bars, takeaways and caterers. You get rewards for supporting these businesses – just scan the QR code on the counter of any accredited business to ‘check in’ and earn treats. Over 2000 people are currently using the app and the number is growing quickly.  As more consumers download and use the app, more businesses are encouraged to become accredited with Conscious Consumers and make positive changes to their operations to meet the criteria for accreditation. Conscious Consumers have had numerous cases already of cafes starting to recycle or compost their waste, offer eco-packaging and BYO cups and containers, and soup-up their vegan menus – all because they want to meet the minimum standards required to join. Great things are happening and Conscious Consumers are making it happen.

It’s measurable

Through the accreditation process they collect information from their hospitality businesses on the quantities used and dollars spent on ethical products and services. They then use this information to measure the social and environmental impacts their businesses are having, collectively and individually.

The awesome new Conscious Consumers Blog profiles accredited businesses and the great work they are doing to help consumers make better choices. In addition, the blog will soon feature the people behind the movement, those that are making it all happen.

Meet the movers and shakers

Conscious Consumers is a non-profit social enterprise run by a group of like-minded and passionate individuals. Launched in Wellington in June 2010, the movement has grown to over 10,000 consumer members, has more than 120 accredited businesses, and has co-ordinators working in most major regions of the county. These are people who want to see industries’  respond positively to the increasing consumer demand for environmentally and socially responsible products and services.

Visit their website to learn more about Conscious Consumers and the work they do, and connect with them on Facebook to keep up-to-date with the latest news. Don’t forget to check out the blog.

Tags: conscious consumers