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Over the last week, what is the most talked about New Zealand Facebook page?

1. Our international tourism brand -100% Pure New Zealand?
2. Our Grammy award winner Lorde?
3. The All Blacks?

No, it is the Wellington-based social enterprise Conscious Consumers, with over 136,000 people mentioning them on Facebook this last week.

The organisation launched their Facebook page in late 2011, and has been growing strongly ever since. The page provides practical tips and motivating quotes about using your wallet to vote for a better world. Communications Manager Amy Stephens has been involved with Conscious Consumers since the launch of the page. “We are stoked to see so much interest in the issues we are promoting, and our movement is growing very quickly as a result”, Stephens says.

Building off this strong showing on social media, Conscious Consumers has just launched a new smartphone application that makes it easy for consumers to find and support local businesses doing good stuff. To be listed on the application businesses need to be accredited for specific ethical and sustainable practices, such as selling locally made food and recycling their waste.“It is a great way for businesses to showcase their sustainability credentials”, says Ethical Business Advisor for Conscious Consumers, Melissa Keys.

Businesses can send notifications to the phones of consumers that have ‘favourited’ them on the app, as well as offering 10-trip loyalty rewards. Some businesses are even offering donations to charity if consumers visit them.Courtenay Paul, owner of the Momento Expresso Group in Hamilton is offering to give $5 to St Vincent de Paul for every customer that ‘checks in’ 10 times with the app at her cafes. “The app is great – is helps us promote the good work we are doing through a start-of-the-art marketing platform”, she says.

National Director of Conscious Consumer Ben Gleisner is really excited about the potential the app offers. “Our current focus is the hospitality sector, and we have over 175 businesses listed already”.“In time, we want to take this idea to other business sectors and the world”, he says.

Tags: conscious consumers