Ethical consumerism on the rise

While overall consumer spending drops, the proportion of spending devoted to ethical consumer decisions is rising, particularly for female consumers, according to a poll by marketing agency The Heat Group.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become the key distinguishing factor for both female consumers and staff, says Gillian Franklin, managing director of the firm. “Australian female consumers and employees are demanding transparency and ethical business practices, with over 90 percent saying that a company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is a must and that it affects their purchasing and employment decisions.”
 
Of the 645 respondents:
* 70 percent indicated awareness of a company’s CSR influences their purchasing decisions;
* 75 percent of 18-24 yr old women indicated CSR is a major factor in employment decisions (69 percent overall);
* 37 percent ranked the environment as the most important CSR activity.