How to Read an Ethics Score

Every product on Cart Culture comes with an ethics score — a number out of 10 that tells you, at a glance, how responsibly a product was made. Here's how to read it.

The Three Pillars

Each score is built on three criteria:

Sustainability — Where does it come from? How is it made? Does the production process minimise environmental harm?

Transparency — Can we trace the supply chain? Does the brand openly share information about sourcing, labour, and materials?

Durability — Is this product built to last, or designed to be replaced? Longevity is one of the most underrated forms of sustainability.

The Three Tiers

8–10 — Ethical & Sustainable
These products meet a high standard across all three pillars. Responsible sourcing, transparent supply chains, and built for the long term.

5–7 — Mixed Impact
A considered compromise. These products balance affordability with sustainability — they may excel in one area while falling short in another. We include them because perfect shouldn't be the enemy of better.

1–4 — Budget Choice
Accessible options with lower ethical ratings. We include these with full transparency — you'll always know why the score is what it is, and what the trade-offs are.

Why This Matters

Most stores hide the story behind their products. We believe you deserve to know what you're buying and why it's here. The ethics score isn't a judgment — it's information. Use it to make the choice that's right for you.