Think Green Live Clean

Conscious consumers take note! The global campaign, Free2Work, is helping shoppers avoid unethical products with the new iPhone app reference guide that rates products and companies based on their policies regarding products made with forced, trafficked or child labor. The app, named one of the “11 Great Apps for 2011,” is the only smart phone tool that provides customers such insight, via the A through F rating scale, as they shop.

Free2Work is a “strategic tool to bring justice to people in labor bondage and empower individuals to be conscious consumers.” In addition to the company’s letter grade, the Free2Work app also provides information on the steps the company is taking to actively prevent exploitation from occurring. Is that not enough? Well, if you find yourself frustrated that your favorite brand is not up to par, then let the app put you in contact with your company of interest, so that feedback can be provided on where improvements should be made.

Today, there are so many industries that are at risk for forced, trafficked and/or child labor. The UN estimates 158 million children ages 5-14 are engaged in child labor. As consumers we become immediately connected to this type of exploitation and abuse – and  need to know how our products are made. Now, the very moment you decide to make a purchase, you can have all the information you need in the palm of your hand. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Spend your money wisely and start supporting companies that have ethical practices and fight slavery in their supply chains. Download the app and happy shopping!

Free2Work is available as a free download on iTunes.