Question 1

What is ethy all about?

Accepted Answer

We envision a world where shopping doesn’t come at the expense of the environment, people or animals. A small group of people from the UK came together during the global pandemic to leverage the power of technology, scientific and expert knowledge on sustainability and our motivation to change the world. We believe that collaboration and innovation is the key to unlocking the path to sustainability. This is why we created ethy; the reason we exist is to empower businesses and consumers to act for a more sustainable future. We do this by verifying brands through a proof-backed assessment in six core paths towards sustainability. Verified brands can use the awarded ethy ecolabels to communicate their sustainability credentials to the public on their products, shop windows and digitally. For shoppers, we have also created the ethy app, which allows anyone to search and shop by their values and discover ethical and sustainable brands across the UK. Our knowledge hub provides how-to guides and inspiration to make simple changes and easy swaps so everyone can create a more sustainable lifestyle over time. We’re here to make all that as simple and easy as possible for everyone because at the end of the day, sustainability is all about living in harmony with nature.

Question 2

What are ethy ecolabels and Impact Hive?

Accepted Answer

A new way to shop with people, planet and animals in mind! Use them as filters in the ethy search to find brands that you feel good about. Derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and developed with sustainability experts, ethy's trust marks are awarded to brands for their sustainability achievements. Awarded through proof-backed assessment, trust marks ensure brands walk their talk when it comes to sustainability. You can use the ethy ecolabels to find brands that demonstrate positive environmental and social impact at a company, product and service level. Our hexagonal ecolabels are designed to fit together to form an Impact Hive, a brand’s sustainability profile in just one picture. Like a beehive, ecolabels work together to build a stronger path towards a sustainable future. You can see each brand’s Impact Hive on their ethy website and app brand profile pages. Start shopping sustainably here!

Question 3

Where does ethy’s business data come from?

Accepted Answer

All brands that are on ethy have been through a rigorous assessment process, where all companies are required to meet the ethy standards and criteria. Brands that pass the assessment and get awarded with ethy verification then have the opportunity to be shown on the ethy app. This means that all information is verified and backed up with documentation to prove that the required criteria is met. See Our Standards for ethy sustainability assessment standards and criteria. We also conduct detailed primary and secondary research from a wide range of trusted sources and partner with various specialist organisations and advisors who have helped to create our sustainability standards.

Question 4

How frequently are ethy’s sustainability standards revised?

Accepted Answer

ethy’s sustainability framework for brands, methodology and criteria are in constant review and development. The latest significant review and upgrade to the full framework was 01/11/2021-25/04/2022. During this time, the framework was reviewed by several industry-leading organisations and consultants see more on our Partners page. ethy framework has been developed to build on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Those are more broadly defined guidelines for reaching a sustainable future by 2030. ethy’s aim is to translate these goals into an accessible framework for companies and consumers. This framework will serve as a blueprint for which choices and actions are the most impactful to achieve a sustainable future. As we innovate, improve and become more aware collectively about sustainability, the actions we need to and can take evolve too. This is why we review our model with the trust marks regularly to identify areas in which we can introduce new trust marks, and new standards, and improve the criteria and the communication tools. The other way we evolve ethy framework is through collaboration with companies. As we continue to work with a diverse range of industries, we know that the framework may need expanding at times to ensure it works for every business and type of product. If you would like to discuss your business with us please contact us via email: support@ethy.co.uk. We also listen to consumer trends and maintain a keen interest in consumer demand to ensure the ethy framework incorporates exciting and relevant trust marks. The consumer is at the heart of the ethy standards and so it aims to help consumers find what they’re looking for more easily.

Question 5

What’s the ethy app?

Accepted Answer

ethy is a free app that helps you shop with verified sustainable brands and make simple changes towards a more sustainable lifestyle. From zero-waste stores to vegan cafes, thrift shops, charities and social enterprises, find businesses doing good, near you with the ethy app map feature. Explore a wide range of sustainable living guides offering practical tips on how to change your lifestyle to improve your environmental impact. For your daily dose of eco living inspiration see the app’s homepage for ethy’s Daily Picks feature. See more here.

Question 6

How do I download the ethy app?

Accepted Answer

Download here on Google Play for Android. Download here on the App Store for iOS.

Question 7

How can I find sustainable brands and products on ethy?

Accepted Answer

We made it as easy as possible, so everyone could shop sustainably. Just go to the ethy ‘Shop Sustainably’ search and type in a product you’re after or brand name to find verified sustainable businesses and products.

Question 8

How can I recommend a brand to be on the ethy app?

Accepted Answer

Do you know a fantastic sustainable brand that you think would make for a worthy feature on ethy? We would love to hear from you! Please send us an email with information on the business to: support@ethy.co.uk and we will contact them with information on the ethy assessment process. Once the business has been approved and verified, they will be listed on the ethy app.

Question 9

Why are there no brands near me on the map search?

Accepted Answer

ethy is growing fast with more brands joining the movement all the time. However, we may not have reached all areas of the UK just yet with our map feature. Please be patient as we grow and build. We are aiming to cover the whole of the UK very soon. That would be a whole lot of brands having a positive impact! If you know of a business that deserves to be listed on ethy, we would love to hear from you. Please send us an email with information on the business to: support@ethy.co.uk, and we will contact them with information on the ethy assessment process. Once the business has had their sustainability claims verified, they will be listed on the ethy app.

Question 10

How do I change the app notification settings?

Accepted Answer

To change which notifications you want or don't want to receive, simply head over to the ethy app Settings page and click on 'Push notifications'. From here you can decide which notifications you would like to receive from ethy and which you want to turn off. Remember to save your changes once you've updated your preferences.

Question 11

How can I join the ethy team?

Accepted Answer

We're always on the lookout for individuals who share our passion for consumer empowerment. We're currently looking for talented brand ambassadors to help improve our app and raise brand awareness. See more and apply here.

Question 12

ethy has changed, what are the changes and why?

Accepted Answer

If you were an existing app user before 29 April 2022, you may have noticed quite a few other changes as well to the colours, logo, layout on pages and the trust marks (which were called ethyBadges before). ethy’s sustainability verification standards have gone through a significant upgrade. We worked with major sustainability leaders such as Carbon Neutral Britain, WWF and the University of Edinburgh, to improve our criteria and ensure that ethy verified brand’s sustainability claims are proof-backed and verified with most relevant evidence. New brand pages make it even easier to see how each brand is doing their part for people, animals and the planet. Look out for the new ethy trust marks! There are 37 instead of 16 allowing you to see very clearly what areas brands are excelling at and shop according to your values. Newest trust marks include: Clean Beauty, Community Champion, Refillable Products, Committed to 1.5°C, etc.

Question 13

How can I become an ethy ambassador?

Accepted Answer

Apply here. Our ambassadors are the extension of our crew, the insiders, the trusted voices, activists, influencers and leaders of today. When you talk, we listen. Collaboration is what can make ideas come to life and bring about change. We make this change happen together.

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