Vanessa Langley
Jan12th 2009
 The Co-operative
The latest report by Ethical Consumer reveals Marks and Spencer still hold the top spot for ethical policies with the Co-op coming a close second. In a comprehensive study of how the different supermarkets faired in all the areas of major concern to consumers with a environmentally led conscience, not surprisingly Tesco and Asda dragged their heels in last place, along with Somerfield (although their possible acquisitions by the Co-op may alter their status very soon).
Individual Categories
Organics
Waitrose, Booths and Budgens seem to come out best with only Waitrose actually committing to increase their organic range
 Chemicals and Pesticides
The Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield and Waitrose were the only supermarkets with decent policies.
Local produce
Both Tesco and Waitrose have set targets to increase stocks sourced from the local community and in doing so help support small local businesses
Trees
Waitrose and Tesco use FSC certified wood for their garden furniture and tissue. All of Sainsbury’s own brand tissue is FSC certified. Marks and Spencer has only 25% of its total wood usage as FSC certified and 16% recycled but did have clear targets to reach 100% by 2012.
Fish
Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose all have really good fish sourcing policies, with Marks and Sainsburys receiving positive comments.
Fair Trade.
To wheedle out the glory hunters in this field Ethical Consumer only gave top scoring to supermarkets with clear targets to increase their range. The Co-op used to have the highest ranking in this category but has been overtaken by Sainsburys in the quantity of products available.
Animal Welfare.
All supermarkets sell factory farmed meat but M&S, Sainsbury's and Waitrose had the best animal welfare policies. Compassion in World Farming rated the 8 major supermarkets in the following
order in 2007
 1. M&S
2. Waitrose
3. Co-op
4. Sainsbury's
5. Tesco
6. Morrison's
7. Copperfield
8. Asda.
Animal Testing
From this year it it no longer permitted to test cosmetics on animals, this is due largely to the tireless work of organisations like BUAV and Naturewatch, whose supporters have campaigned relentlessly, against animal testing for decades. It is still permissible to test household products on animals and the following supermarkets scored best in their animal testing policies.
The Co-op and Marks and Spencer have both signed up to the BUAV 's humane household and cosmetic products standard. Sainsbury's operate a fixed cut off date policy from 1995 for own brand cosmetics and toiletries. While Waitrose operate a fixed cut-off date of 1990 on its own brand cosmetics and toiletries and 75% of household products since 1994, with an active of working with the different suppliers of remaining 25% to push for compliance.
People
Most of the majors give evidence of improving policies on their supply chain. Not surprisingly the major discounters fair badly in this area by not responding to requests for their policies or displaying them on-line
Local Shops
Friends of the Earth are running their own Shop Local campaign to raise awareness that shopping locally boosts the local economy and provide genuine choice. They support local loyalty schemes like our very own Smart Passport and would encourage consumers and businesses to come on board. More information on this and other sustainable projects can be found at their website
www.foe.co.uk
Also – Brighton & Hove http://buylocal.brighton- hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1196414
Ethical Consumer offer comprehensive reports and reviews of thousands of companies and products worldwide.
To read the whole report or subscribe to Ethical consumer go to www.ethicalconsumer.org
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