eBay launches ethical shopping website

In a move that could shake up the future of consumerism, ethical shopping has gone mainstream.

Capitalising on the ethical shopping trend sweeping the world, eBay has launched a new trading website for environmentally friendly products made using natural, organic, or recycled materials.

In addition to offering environmental goods, worldofgood.com allows users to buy products made in the majority world, allowing producers to earn a fair price for their work without profits being eroded by a middle man.

Both sellers and products are vetted for ethical and environmental standards using third parties such as the Co-op America Foundation, the Rainforest Alliance, and Aid to Artisans.

Products on worldofgood.com are all sold at a fixed price, and a specially designed labeling system informs shoppers of the impact of their purchases, including economic empowerment, energy conservation, and the protection of animal species.

Additional labels inform consumers whether products are made using recycled, organic or sustainable material.

The site also features blogs and discussions, allowing consumers to communicate directly with majority world traders and sellers, many of whom hand-make products themselves.

Announcing the site, eBay said ‘socially responsible shopping just got bigger and better’.

The company added that the site will have a ‘positive impact on people and the planet.’