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Sales of ethical goods and services have increased despite the recession, growing to more than £47bn last year. Since the onset of the economic downturn five years ago, the value of ethical markets from Fairtrade products and green energy to free-range and sustainable food has grown from £35.5bn to £47.2bn, according to a report produced by the Co-operative Bank.

"Your complete guide to shopping for ethical clothes and accessories, from Fairtrade babygrows and vegan nightwear to fashion made in the UK"

Food prices: 'Bread, coffee and fresh fruit have become a bit of a luxury' Affordability is now the key factor for grocery shoppers, with ethical considerations least important

"A quarter of UK consumers said they would buy Fairtrade products, organic foods and green cleaning products even if it cost them more money"

Improving supply chains

"t has been announced today that the UK and China have agreed a £45m pig semen export deal. That's a figure not to be sniffed at. Selling our pigs' semen to the world's biggest pig producer would be a boost to British exports and good for our country's economy. What isn't touched on in coverage of the deal is the welfare aspect. What conditions will the resulting pigs be kept in, in China? It raises the ethical discussion that comes up time and time again: just because we can do something, does that mean we should?"

Read this. It is a great summary of a range of issues

A shocking Peta video of a Chinese angora farm, showing live rabbits having their fur ripped off, has prompted retailers to halt orders of angora wool. So is it possible to farm these rabbits commercially and be kind to them?