Ethical Consumer Research Association Ltd (ECRA) is a British not-for-profit publisher, research, political, and campaign organisation which publishes information on the social, ethical and environmental behaviour of companies and issues around trade justice and ethical consumption.^[1] It was founded in 1989 by Rob Harrison and Jane Turner^[2][3][4] and has been publishing the bi-monthly Ethical Consumer Magazine since.^[1] Its office is in Manchester.^[1]

History

Ethical Consumer was formed in Hulme, Manchester, UK, in 1989. Between 1989 and 2009 it was a worker co-operative,^[1] then in 2009 became a not-for-profit multi-stakeholder co-operative consisting of worker members and investor/subscriber members.^[5] It is an industrial and provident society.^[6]

Company research and ratings

Ethical Consumer researches the social, ethical and environmental records of companies,^[1] using media reporting, NGO reports, corporate communications and primary research.

Consumer publishing

It publishes a bi-monthly print magazine, Ethical Consumer Magazine, sold via subscription, shops and newsstands, and a consumer website which is partly subscription based. This includes analysis of company and product ethics^[1][7] by sector including: Banking Sector, Energy Industry, Fashion, Food & drink, Home & Garden, Supermarkets, Technology and Transport.

It produces reports on products and companies, and lists current boycotts.^[1]

It also produces the annual UK Ethical Consumer Markets Report^[8] in conjunction (2019) with The Co-operative Bank. This is an annual review of the facts and figures around ethical consumption in the UK.

Campaigning

Ethical Consumer runs consumer oriented campaigns, including a boycott against Amazon.com, Inc. for its use of tax avoidance.^{[9][10][11][12]}

Consultancy work

Ethical Consumer also undertakes consultancy, research and ethical company screenings,^[13] primarily for NGOs and third sector clients.