The document discusses trends in ethical consumerism and corporate responsibility. It summarizes research showing that consumers are increasingly concerned about issues like climate change and ethical business practices when making purchasing decisions. Companies are responding by integrating corporate responsibility policies and sustainability more fully into their strategies and operations. Voluntary reporting and transparency initiatives are also growing to better inform consumers.

1. Ethical Consumerism and its Commercial Future November 2007

2. The Glasshouse Philosophy Being good has taken the place of looking good. The role of the corporation has changed, and companies looking to manage their corporate reputations effectively must integrate CR policies across their business offering and as part of a sustainable business strategy. Focus on what matters. Glasshouse recognises that companies must remain commercially viable. We focus on how each policy can actually improve a company’s business offering in a fiercely competitive marketplace.

4. Who We’ve Worked With CR strategy and materiality assessment Brand strategy and environmental thought leadership Global positioning and thought leadership based on social vision Public affairs, media relations, brand strategy, and partnerships with this ethical think-tank Brand strategy and rebranding for sustainability NGO Reputation strategy focused on extractive license to operate and consumer ‘permission to purchase’ UK Stakeholder engagement and philanthropy around environmental issues Development of communications strategy to promote biodiversity

6. “I am very concerned about global warming.”

7. “There is no consensus that global warming is real.”

8. “ I am a more environmentally responsible person than average in this country.”

9. “ We in this country will have to change our lifestyles significantly if global warming is to be stopped.”

10. “ I would rather do business with companies that are working to reduce their contribution to global warming than with other companies.”

11. Who Do Consumers Trust to Provide Information on Climate Change?

12. More General Concern than Individual Responsibility 51.6% 15.1% of respondents have sought out information on climate change, BUT… of respondents have assessed their own impact with a carbon calculator

13. How are Consumers Acting? 79% 53% 37% 87% 62% 18% 66% Bought energy-efficient light bulbs Bought an energy efficient appliance (e.g. fridge, washing machine) Bought 'green energy' from your electricity supplier Decided to travel in a more energy efficient way (public transport, car-pooling, walking, cycling etc.) Decided to travel a shorter distance (e.g. on a holiday/vacation) Reduced energy consumption in your home by turning things off more Decided to buy a product produced locally rather than one that has come from far away

14. Recognition and Use of Labels Targeting Third World Development (e.g. FairTrade)

26. Marks & Spencer – Plan A – Healthy Eating “ Today, over half of all British adults are either overweight or obese, while obesity in children has trebled since the 1980s and is still rising. In fact, there are concerns that children born in the 2000s will be the first generation to have a lower life expectancy than their parents.” – M&S website

36. SustainAbility – top 20 business leaders in sustainability reporting Source: http://www.sustainability.com/downloads_public/insight_reports/Tomorrows_Value_Exec_Summary.pdf