Age of extinction. Non-ethical businesses: How to avoid them and why it matters

Enslaving and non-ethical businesses: A culture of destruction 

We live in a globalized world where our consumption choices have far-reaching impacts on the environment, animals and people. Many of the products we buy and use every day are linked to non-ethical businesses that exploit natural resources, harm wildlife, violate human rights and contribute to climate change. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common examples of non-ethical businesses and how we can avoid them by making more informed and responsible decisions.

Coffee: Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but it also has a dark side. Coffee production often involves deforestation, water pollution, soil erosion, pesticide use and low wages for farmers. To avoid supporting non-ethical coffee businesses, look for labels that certify fair trade, organic, shade-grown or bird-friendly coffee. These labels indicate that the coffee was produced in a way that respects the environment and the workers.

Avocado: Avocado is a delicious and nutritious fruit that has become very popular in recent years. However, avocado production also has negative impacts on the environment and local communities. Avocado cultivation requires a lot of water, which can lead to water scarcity and conflicts in dry regions. Avocado farms also encroach on natural habitats, displacing wildlife and indigenous people. To avoid supporting non-ethical avocado businesses, buy local or organic avocados when possible, or reduce your consumption of this fruit.

Caju: Caju is a tropical nut that is used to make snacks, desserts and beverages. Caju production is associated with several ethical issues, such as child labor, low wages, health risks and environmental damage. Caju processing involves removing a toxic shell that can cause severe burns and respiratory problems for workers. Caju farming also contributes to deforestation and soil degradation. To avoid supporting non-ethical caju businesses, look for labels that certify fair trade, organic or ethical caju. These labels ensure that the caju was produced in a way that protects the workers and the environment.

Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for various purposes, such as agriculture, logging, mining or urban development. Deforestation has devastating consequences for biodiversity, climate change, water cycles and human well-being. Deforestation destroys the habitats of millions of species, releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, disrupts rainfall patterns and increases soil erosion and flooding. To avoid supporting non-ethical deforestation businesses, choose products that are made from recycled or sustainable materials, such as paper, wood or palm oil. You can also support organizations that work to protect forests and restore degraded lands.

Palm oil: Palm oil is a vegetable oil that is used in many food products, cosmetics and biofuels. Palm oil production is one of the main drivers of deforestation in tropical regions, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. Palm oil plantations destroy the habitats of endangered species, such as orangutans, tigers and elephants. Palm oil production also causes social conflicts, human rights violations and land grabbing. To avoid supporting non-ethical palm oil businesses, check the labels of the products you buy and look for alternatives that do not contain palm oil or that use certified sustainable palm oil.

Atlantic cod: Atlantic cod is a fish species that is widely consumed in Europe and North America. Atlantic cod has been overfished for decades, leading to a dramatic decline in its population and ecosystem. Overfishing of Atlantic cod threatens not only the fish itself, but also other marine species that depend on it for food or habitat. Overfishing also affects the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities. To avoid supporting non-ethical Atlantic cod businesses, buy fish from sustainable sources that are certified by organizations such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council). You can also reduce your consumption of fish or choose other types of fish that are more abundant and less vulnerable.

Companion pets: The companion pet industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that profits from the breeding and sale of animals for companionship. While many people love their pets and treat them well, there are also many unscrupulous breeders and pet stores that put profits ahead of animal welfare. These businesses may keep animals in inhumane conditions, breed them for unhealthy or undesirable traits, or sell them to people who are not qualified to care for them.

Animal leather: The production of animal leather is a major industry that requires the slaughter of millions of animals each year. The conditions in which these animals are raised and slaughtered are often cruel and inhumane. They may be kept in cramped and filthy conditions, denied adequate food and water, and subjected to painful mutilations.

Experimentation: Animal experimentation is the use of animals in scientific research. While some animal experimentation is necessary to develop new medical treatments and improve human health, there is also a great deal of unnecessary and cruel animal testing carried out each year. This includes testing cosmetics, household products, and other products that could be tested using other methods.

Extensive agriculture: Extensive agriculture is a type of farming that involves the use of large-scale industrial methods to produce crops and livestock. This type of agriculture can have a devastating impact on animal welfare and the environment. For example, factory farms often keep animals in cramped and filthy conditions, and they use large amounts of antibiotics and other chemicals that can harm animals and the environment.

There are many businesses in the world that operate in a way that is unethical or harmful to animals, humans, and the environment. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most common examples:

Animal Welfare

Puppy mills: Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale. They often keep dogs in cramped and filthy conditions, and they may deny them adequate food, water, and veterinary care.

Pet stores that source from puppy mills: Many pet stores sell puppies from puppy mills. By buying a puppy from a pet store, consumers are supporting the cruel and inhumane puppy mill industry.

Backyard breeders: Backyard breeders are amateur breeders who often lack the knowledge and experience to properly breed and care for dogs. They may breed dogs with genetic health problems, and they may not provide their dogs with adequate socialization or veterinary care.

Factory farms that raise animals for leather: Factory farms that raise animals for leather often keep animals in cramped and filthy conditions. They may also subject them to painful mutilations, such as debeaking and tail docking, without anesthesia.

Leather tanneries that use cruel and inhumane methods: Some leather tanneries use cruel and inhumane methods to process animal skins. For example, they may use live animals for target practice, or they may beat animals to death.

Experimentation: Animal experimentation is the use of animals in scientific research. While some animal experimentation is necessary to develop new medical treatments and improve human health, there is also a great deal of unnecessary and cruel animal testing carried out each year. This includes testing cosmetics, household products, and other products that could be tested using other methods.

Fur trade: The fur trade is the killing of animals for their fur. Animals trapped for fur are often subjected to cruel and inhumane methods, such as being caught in steel-jaw traps that crush or mutilate their limbs.

Hunting industry: The hunting industry is the killing of animals for sport. Hunters often use cruel and inhumane methods, such as high-powered rifles and bows and arrows.

Entertainment industry: The entertainment industry includes circuses, zoos, and animal racing. These businesses often keep animals in cramped and unnatural conditions, and they may force them to perform dangerous and unnatural tricks.

Human Rights

Companies that use child labor or forced labor: Some companies use child labor or forced labor in their supply chains. This is a serious human rights violation.

Companies that pollute the environment: Some companies pollute the environment with their waste products. This can harm human health and the environment.

Companies that engage in unethical business practices: Some companies engage in unethical business practices, such as price gouging, deceptive advertising, and predatory lending. These practices can harm consumers and damage the economy.

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. There are many other businesses that could be considered unethical, depending on their practices and values.

What Consumers Can Do

Consumers can help to reduce the demand for non-ethical businesses by choosing to buy from ethical businesses that treat animals and people with respect. There are many ways to find ethical businesses, such as looking for products with cruelty-free and vegan labels, or shopping at local businesses that source their products from sustainable farms.

Consumers can also support organizations that are working to protect animal welfare and human rights. By taking these steps, they can help to make the world a better place for animals, humans, and the environment.