On Ethics and Hand Cream

We hear much about goods being “green” or “ethical”, but what precisely does this mean? In which way are some products ethical and others, by inference, unethical? What makes a particular product attractive to those who feel an obligation to the environment and to the world about them?In the production of goods “ethics” can mean a number of things. It could mean an absence of harmful chemicals used either during the manufacturing process or within the finished product itself. It could mean that care was taken to avoid any harm being inflicted upon the environment whilst the product was being made. It could mean that sustainable materials were used, without anything being taken out of the natural environment being replaced. It could mean that ingredients were not tested on animals. Or it could mean that those involved in the manufacture of the product were fairly treated and properly paid.It could even mean a combination of some or all of these things. In essence producers of ethical goods make an effort. They have a guiding principle that is something than other than profit. Which does not of course mean that they do not make a profit, simply that they aspire to put something back rather than just taking out.Ethical produce not tested on animalsOne popular market for ethical shopping is in the field of organic skin products. Usually these will be free of harmful chemicals and, just as importantly, will not have been tested on animals in any way. The packaging may be recyclable and the product itself will be certified by Ecocert, which provides the purchaser with the ultimate reassurance that the goods are precisely what they claim to be on the ecologically sustainable tin.Ecocert was the very first certification body to develop recognised standards for “natural and organic cosmetics”. Introduced back in 2003, the specification was drawn up in conjunction with all expert stakeholders in the value chain, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, consumers and also development organisations.Universally respected for its expertise and integrity, certification by Ecocert ensures that complete confidence can by had when making your purchase.These days some quite sophisticated produce is available in the form of organic or ethical gifts. Moisturising hand cream makes an excellent present or even a useful addition to one’s own bathroom and for one’s own personal use.Indeed almost every bathroom and skin care accessory can be sourced today in ethical form.