Guide du Consomm'Acteur

Committed to Promoting More Ethical Daily Consumption

To change the world one step at a time by modifying our consumption patterns was the idea behind the Guide du consomm’acteur, a tool designed by and for students to guide those who wish to adopt a more ethical approach to the way they live and shop. With a first edition of 5,000 copies distributed on campus as well as an on-line version (www.scrute.ca), the Guide aims to encourage people to think about the way they consume and more importantly to make them aware of the impact of their daily actions.

“And what if we begin with our own consumption?” began by asking Angélique Lavoie, a volunteer student who participated in the project. “How about we start by looking at our own daily habits? They may seem trivial but the impact, multiplied by the population, is considerable. The Guide helps us to adopt a more ethical approach to consumption because we can see the potential results.” “The idea of ethical consumption is constantly gaining ground and must be embraced by all citizens. In this respect, the students involved in the Guide project show exemplary citizenship and have impressive imagination!” points out Dario Lezzoni, the director of Équita.

In concrete terms, the tool developed by fifteen or so students at the Université de Montréal is divided into five sections that provide information on the buying alternatives at our disposal. For example, the Dans mon assiette section talks about organic, fair-trade and local products, the section entitled En route provides alternative modes of transport for short and long distances and the À la maison section gives tips for reducing energy consumption at home and different options to help slim down our garbage cans.

“The Guide does not dictate how we should act and live, nor does it impose a specific lifestyle,” added the spokeswoman. “It seeks to stimulate discussion on ethical consumption and above all to encourage people to think about their own consumption patterns.”

Moreover, the Guide du consomm’acteur gives its readers the help and resources they need in order to take action. It provides an exhaustive list of Montréal companies, shops and organizations that offer ethical products or services. These organisations are required to meet a series of criteria relating to the principle of ethical consumption in order to be listed in the Guide. Among the criteria are the environmental impact of the consumer products they sell and their origin as well as respect for human rights. “At a time when there is increasing interest in all issues regarding the environment, this is a compilation of concrete actions within reach of ordinary citizens, actions they can take now in their daily lives,” asserts Serge Mongeau, author of the book La simplicité volontaire, plus que jamais.

With its 1001 addresses as well as tips on ethical consumption, the Guide du consomm’acteur has already made a substantial difference and the odds are that the new and improved second edition will accomplish just as much!

Guide du Consomm'Acteur