Have you ever wondered if the clothes you buy are harmful to the planet or workers? This week, I discovered a great app that helps answer that question: Good On You. 

This app rates brands based on their environmental, social, and ethical practices. It uses three criteria to evaluate a brand, namely: 

  • people (fair labor practices)
  • planet (environmental impact), and 
  • animals (animal welfare). 

It also offers educational resources, such as articles and guides, to help users learn more about sustainable fashion. Overall, it helps its users make informed purchasing decisions.I’ve tried it myself, and although the information on local brands are limited, I think the app’s still super helpful—especially for those in middle-income communities.

The app’s mission ties directly into the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. It’s a small but powerful step toward reducing waste and promoting sustainability. 

However, solutions like Good On You may not be suitable for all kinds of consumers. For those living in low-income and rural communities, buying “ethical” products can feel like a luxury rather than a practical option.

Many sustainable initiatives, such as zero-waste stores or ethical fashion brands, are designed for urban areas with higher disposable incomes and greater access to resources. For families struggling to meet basic needs, the idea of ethical consumption may not resonate. 

So, how can we make sustainable living more inclusive and accessible?

Here are five steps we can take today to make a difference, no matter your budget or location:

  1. Buy second-hand as much as possible. Thrift stores (ukay-ukay), online marketplaces, and clothing swaps are great ways to reduce waste and save money.
  2. Support local businesses. Choose local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who often have smaller environmental footprints.
  3. Use reusable products. Swap single-use items for reusable alternatives like eco-bags, water bottles, and containers.
  4. Repair and upcycle. Learn skills like sewing, mending, and repairing to extend the lifespan of our everyday items.
  5. Advocate for change. Join collective efforts that push for corporate responsibility.

Ultimately, ethical consumption isn’t just about buying the “right” products but about making mindful choices and advocating for systemic change. As the environmental activist Anne-Marie Bonneau famously said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

(Note: This is an output for a course I’m taking. If I missed anything, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.)