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 governments and issues around trade justice and ethical consumption. It was founded in 1989 by Rob Harrison and Jane Turner and has been publishing the bi-monthly Ethical Consumer Magazine since. Its office is in Manchester.

History

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

Company research and ratings

Ethical Consumer researches the social, ethical and environmental records of companies, 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 by sector including: Banking Sector, Energy Industry, Fashion, Food & drink, Home & Garden, Supermarkets, Technology and Transport. Some of the causes it supports are more contentious, such as the BDS movement. It produces reports on products and companies, and lists current boycotts. It also produces the annual UK Ethical Consumer Markets Report in conjunction (2019) with The Co-operative Bank.

Campaigning

Ethical Consumer runs consumer oriented campaigns, including a boycott against Amazon.com, Inc. for its use of tax avoidance.

Consultancy work

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