The purpose of the Ecotopia Box is to show consumers theadded value of a sustainable lifestyle in an integrated way and to motivatethem to alter their lifestyle and corresponding consumption patterns. Byfocusing on endusers the Ecotopia Box indirectly also promotes eco-design,clean production and sustainable products. It is hoped that the selectedsamples and reduction coupons will inspire as many people as possible tolead more conscious and earth friendly lifestyles.
About the selection procedure
A technical Workgroup on Product Considerations (PCW) hasdivided products and services into 19 product groups, and discussed differentproducts and companies, taking into account reports from screening organisationssuch as Öko-Test. Considerations for manufacturers included compliancewith environmental management schemes such as EMAS. The Workgroup has alsotaken into account special criteria for SME's. It has looked at the evolutionof the life cycle process as well as fair trade relations with suppliersin third world countries, and has investigated breakthrough examples ofnew economy.
Anticipated results of the Ecotopia Box:
medium term:
longer term:
And the winners are
It has taken the PCW sweat and tears, but after scanningmore than 1.200 products, and negotiations with their manufacturers, some30 products were approved for inclusion in the box. They include:
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Added Value
The Ecotopia Box project is all about added value. Thereare many products that satisfy our needs, but only few of them have realadded value. If you want to contribute to a better world and lead a moreharmonious lifestyle, think of
- Social added value
Is the product you buy made in socially acceptable circumstances?Are people paid enough for their work? Are women and men treated equally?
There are companies that expose their workers to toxicingredients and production processes. In some countries child labour stillexists and women, landless farmers and indigenous people get no chance toorganize themselves. As a consumer, you can avoid goods made from toxicingredients and support fair trade projects.
- Ecological added value
Is the production process harmful for the environment?Is the product itself a burden when it is used or thrown away? Do we reallyNEED it? What about the packaging? How much distance does a commodity haveto travel before it gets to your shop?
Huge areas of forest are being destroyed, while (toxic)waste is being dumped all over the earth, harming our health. Animal andplant species are becoming extinct, maybe taking away with them the curefor a disease like cancer or aids.
Don't think too quickly that your consumption pattern isall right. Join an eco-team, ask your consumer organization for informationor go after it yourself. Demand REAL quality, good labeling, and supportthe companies that DO produce in a clean and ethical way.
Remember that every day, you too can VOTE WITHYOUR MONEY for a better world.
Good luck!
Together we can make adifference and let our money work for a better world!
Because of the different language editions, and becausethe Ecotopia team was still negotiating with some companies, it is possiblethat the content of your Ecotopia Box varies from what is in the list above.Ecotopia reserves the right to leave out, add or change certain items.