Eco versus brand name products

In Urmston, one of the major issues affecting the ward is the new development of the centre and the impending arrival of a new supermarket. Some of us are aware that significant quantities of supermarket goods eg fresh fruit and vegetables, are flown in from foreign countries, creating what is called a ‘high carbon footprint’ to all of these goods. In other words, the environment is affected by their transportation, even though the goods themselves are relatively cheap. This relative cheapness seems strange considering the distance which some goods travel to reach us, but can of course, be related to the availability of cheap local labour eg in Africa. However, the global ‘Fair Trade’ movement attempts to assess those local conditions around the world to ensure that no exploitation of labour, nor use of unethical practices, is taking place. Many foreign goods now carry the label of ‘Fair Trade,’ and this label now attracts many UK shoppers wanting an ethical reassurance.

Another issue concerning the new store is that it will attract hundreds of cars daily, thus causing a minor environmental problem, so whereas there is an obvious ‘social’ attraction to the new store, this is again offset by a price to pay.

Because supermarkets play such a major part of our lives, it is difficult to expect people to change their habits overnight, but the approach which AfSL takes is to ask people simply to look at each issue in a different way, by, for example asking them to see some value in changing their personal shopping habits slightly.

Alan Mason, the Local Project Manager for Urmston will be testing out various “alternatives” (ie eco-friendly options) for detergent, washing machine and washing-up liquids, and will put his conclusions in a short report which he will distribute to neighbours and friends.