Changing the way we consume electricity
Until now, people consumed whatever electricity they needed and then received a bill for it. Apart from the bill, there was little way of them knowing what their consumption actually was. Now however, new technology and gadgets are hitting the...
EU-US consumer groups want to change trade deals: split ‘tariffs’ from ‘rules’
If you work in policy communications, you’ll be familiar with the amount of technical terms and acronyms that come with conferences full of experts. You’ll know how difficult it can be to make things understandable and to cut out the...
Let’s Move Away from a Fossilised Vision of the Consumer Benefits of Trade
Last week, US and EU consumer groups joined in the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue met in Washington DC for their annual meeting. In this guest blog, Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection and Privacy, Consumer Federation of America, shares her impressions....
Want to build an international investment court that won’t go up in flames? Fix the underlying system!
Whether or not you are a trade aficionado or aficionada, you have likely noticed the glaring headlines about free trade deals between the European Union and Canada or the United States. A root cause of the controversy around these deals...
Fluorinated substances: the best packaging for your fast food?
The food that I serve my three children is likely to contain unwanted substances due to contaminated soil, air or water. It’s sad, but it’s a fact. What I struggle to understand is why problematic substances are intentionally added to...
The biggest ever collective switching campaign for energy in the Czech Republic
Problems for consumers in the energy market abound. Czech households often pay more for electricity and gas than they should. Door-to-door sales is a common and aggressive practice which often relies on bully tactics to get customers into disadvantageous contracts....
The food industry is too sweet on sugar
We Europeans eat too much sugar. The problem is not the sugar that is naturally present in milk and fruits but the one that manufacturers add to food and drinks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by lunch time...
The (not so) magic friend to a healthier life
The holiday season is over. Goodbye yummy roasts, creamy puddings and chocolates. Hello green tea, porridge and nuts. This might resonate if you’re among the many people who make New Year’s resolutions. The point of this blog is not to...
Consumers deserve better security in electronic payments
It is a lesson from history that fraud always moves to the least secure form of payment available. The first credit card was launched in 1950 in the US. To authorise a payment, the consumer simply had to present it...
There’s no right season to market unhealthy food to children
You are surely used to see chocolate or candy ads flourishing in supermarkets or online. That’s no surprise as Saint Nicholas’ Day just kicked off the candy-laden season, with Christmas next in line. If adults are tempted, children are even...