Is there such a thing as an ethical consumer? : CSR from a purchasing perspective

Ethics has become a cliché, Enron an everyday word and corporate governance an international obsession. Companies are being forced, quite rightly, by investors and the public to produce transparent financial reports, adhere to stringent employment laws and take a responsible approach to society in general. However whilst we, as consumers, are crying out across the globe for ethics, ethics and more ethics, do we actually practice what we preach? Do we know the good companies from the bad and, if so, are we prepared to choose one brand over another for the sole reason of ethics, regardless of cost, quality or convenience?