# Ethical E-tail Do-Good Virtual Marketplaces for Conscientious Online Shoppers. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published May 19, 2012 | Category: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ethical-e-tail ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.8/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Ethical E-tail trend? **Ethical E-tail:** When it comes to shopping, making an eco-friendly or socially beneficial decision isn't always easy. Many physical retailers have introduced new product categories and sections in their shops that focus on environmental or social good, but for the busy individual, getting to these specific products (when life pulls them in different directions) can be difficult. Making the consumption of ethical goods easier is the rise of online marketplaces dedicated to social causes ranging from the planet to Third World poverty. Now, conscientious consumers can shop easily and conveniently from the comfort of their own homes or mobile devices, with the assurance that their purchases are for the betterment of society. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 30, 2011 to May 10, 2012 - Published: May 19, 2012 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Ethical E-tail trend ### Socially-Conscious Shopping The rise of online marketplaces and retailers dedicated to social causes has made it easier for consumers to find and purchase ethical and eco-friendly products from the comfort of their own homes or mobile devices. ### Members-Only and Personalized Platforms Members-only and personalized platforms are reinventing the way in which we shop for sustainable goods, creating a social network with purpose. ### Benevolent Online Shopping The concept of shoptivism promotes socially conscious shopping, allowing customers to make informed decisions and support pressing causes while exploring a variety of high-quality items. ## What the Ethical E-tail trend means for industry ### For E-commerce The rise of socially responsible online marketplaces and retailers is disrupting traditional e-commerce models. ### For Sustainability Socially-conscious shopping is disrupting traditional notions of consumption and transforming sustainability into a key consideration for consumers and businesses alike. ### For Charitable giving Benevolent online shopping and shoptivism are disrupting traditional charitable giving models and allowing consumers to make a difference through their purchases. ## Trend signals for Ethical E-tail Trend score 5.8 out of 10, from popularity 91%, activity 74%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 91% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ethical E-tail trend 7 featured examples from Jul 30, 2011 to May 10, 2012. - [Altruistic Online Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-with-meaning): 'Shop With Meaning' Sells Socially-Responsible Items with a Story (Category: Social Good) Implication: The e-commerce industry can tap into the trend of socially responsible online marketplaces, leveraging the power of online platforms to connect consumers with ethical products and… - [Online Ethical Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/serrv): SERRV Alleviates Poverty by Supporting Artisans from Around the World (Category: Social Good) Implication: Online platforms that cater to the growing demand for fair trade products, providing a platform for artisans and farmers. - [Planet-Loving Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eartheasy): Eartheasy is an Online Shop to Support Sustainable Lifestyles (Category: Social Good) Implication: E-commerce platforms that focus on socially-conscious products can tap into the growing demand for sustainable lifestyle products. - [Ethical Shopping Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnifeco): Magnifeco is an Eco-Fashion Source Featuring All Things Socially Good (Category: Social Good) Implication: The fashion industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating ethical and sustainable practices, as seen in sites like Magnifeco Shopping. - [Social Good Shopping Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/histoire-boutique): 'Histoire' Boutique is an Online Store Devoted to Creating a Just World (Category: Social Good) Implication: The e-commerce industry can leverage social good shopping sites to offer a wide range of products that cater to socially-conscious customers. - [Benevolent Online Shopping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/do-good-buy-us): The Do Good Buy Us Website Allows Consumers to Buy Charitable Products (Category: Social Good) Implication: The growth of socially conscious shopping in e-commerce provides opportunities for businesses to create platforms and marketplaces that connect consumers with charitable products. - [Members-Only Social Boutiques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ethical-ocean-website): The New Ethical Ocean Website Presents a Revamped E-Commerce Company (Category: Social Good) Implication: Exclusive e-commerce sites that specialize in sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly products can disrupt the traditional retail industry and create a new market for c… ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Social Good - [Athlete-Partnership Charity Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-bosa) - [Pet Rescue Food Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/badlands-ranch) - [Life Jacket Technology Advancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-jacket-technology) - [Empowering Community-Run Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smashing-my-limits) All articles: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood)