Responsible Shopping in China

Traditionally, our purchasing decisions were based on quality and prices. However, with growing concerns for the environment and human rights, more consumers are encouraged to evaluate their purchases with social and environmental considerations.

In China, this concept is growing, promoted by various small and big organizations to encourage fair, green and ethical consumption. Nillah Nyakoa takes a look at some organizations promoting this phenomenon.

Many of us go shopping every day, whether in the store or internet shopping. But the question is, do people really care about the background of products they purchase? The answer could be yes or no or both.

However it is worth noting that, responsible consumption, although not a popular consideration for most consumers, has become a new approach to shopping in China. This includes knowing a little bit more about the product, as well as its benefits.

Some Chinese organizations that promote this type of consumption say, that many consumers are not keen to know more about the history of products they purchase. A tradition they hope to change through fair trade goods that have been known to route for responsible shopping.

Jeff Xu works for Hand affection, a fair trade company that deals with the selling and promotion of hand made silver jewelry. He notes it is a task to convince customers to learn more about products.

"Most consumers who come to our shops and buy our stuff just buy things because they think that the product itself is very nice"

He notes that if customers are provided with information about how fair trade goods are made, shoppers may change their attitudes. If this happens, he says that responsible shopping will play a bigger role in alleviating poverty.

Fair trade goods encourage responsible shopping of products made in poor rural communities. And therefore most of them are handmade.

Although many may be uninterested in these learning sessions, Lu Qiang a shop attendant at Hand Affection says, she overlooks the customers' cold shoulders and goes on to tell the story behind the products. Sometimes she gets their attention and sometimes not. Many have no time, she says.

Usually, I will introduce the craftwork to the customer and tell them more about how the artisan made it. If the customer shows interest, I introduce more about the craftwork, like these pieces on my hand which needed much wiring skills. Normally, I explain how profits will be given to the artisans to improve their living standards.

Lu Qiang says the problem with getting a consumer's attention lies in the fact that living in a modern world is not easy to change shoppers' attitudes towards an alternative lifestyle. So why should a consumer be conscious about their purchasing decisions while sampling alternatives in the market? A question inquired of Li Ai, the media communications officer at I fair, an organization that helps promote companies dealing with fair trade goods.

"Fair trade business has just started in China. This is a form of consumer protection that we believe is for the future. There will be many certified institutions to increase ethics when buying goods or services, because responsible consumption is a good way to boost living standards for communities that make these products."

She acknowledges there is still need for consumer involvement if this kind of trade grows.

The willingness of consumers in buying goods that cause no harm to the environment is crucial. It encourages a win-win situation that accommodates ethical consumption; a behavior that formulates healthier business practices.

Ethical goods and services can be relatively expensive. A reason perhaps many shoppers would rather go for less pricy factory made goods. A tradition that the Hand Affection organization is getting people away from by educating them on the importance of purchasing fair trade goods.

"We promote fair trade products that we know very well and we promote this idea by providing people with a case　of why this is really helpful to people that are involved."

Making good choices often involves looking at existing alternatives. And with responsible shopping being promoted on a large scale, organizations like ifair and Hand Affection hope shoppers will consciously purchase goods that not only improve their way of living but help alleviate poverty in the communities that are involved.

This kind of consumerism is about asking yourself questions while you shop: Is this product tied to the local economy? Is it locally produced? Is it packaged efficiently and is it recyclable?

For CRI I am Nillah Nyakoa.