UK ethical market worth £32.3bn

The UK’s total ethical market is now worth £32.3bn (45.3bn), a jump from £29.7bn (€41.6bn) a year ago.

:: The Co-Op Bank’s Ethical Consumerism Report found that during 2006 UK households spent an average £664 (€929) each on green and ethical food, clothing, energy, transport and financial products.

:: That figure increased from £366 (€512) in 2002, the report said.

:: Only 6% of UK adults were described as committed ethical consumers – people who shop weekly for ethical products and services.

:: Sales of ethical clothing increased 79% in the past year.

:: But charity shops saw sales fall 13%, apparently as a result of cheaper clothes being sold on the high street and online.

:: The report is based on analysis of company sales data plus a consumer survey of 1,065 adults carried out online in September.

:: The Green Alliance, which lobbies the British government about business and environmental issues, has called for all food packaging to be recyclable or compostable within five years.

:: Green Alliance director Stephen Hale said 18% of the UK’s household waste came from food and 20% came from packaging.

:: Fashion bible Vogue recently listed bamboo bras and biodegradable surfboards among its top 30 “eco-chic” tips.

:: The compilation also comprised wildflower confetti and lipstick with a compostable tube.