What is a Consumer?

A consumer is someone who buys or uses things (goods) or services. A consumer is also someone who uses the earth's resources such as water, land, oil, trees and the air.

- GOODS are things we use like food.
- SERVICES are things that other people do for us.

EVERYONE IS A CONSUMER

What are the basic rights of consumers?

1. THE RIGHT TO SAFETY

The right to be protected from goods and services that may harm your health or life.

2. THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED

The right to be given the facts and information you need to make your own choices and to be protected from dishonest or misleading advertising and labels.

3. THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

The right to choose between a range of goods, at competitive prices and of satisfactory quality.

4. THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD

The right to have your interests as a consumer represented in government policy.

5. THE RIGHT TO BASIC NEEDS

The right to have access to basic goods and services, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation.

6. THE RIGHT TO REDRESS

The right to a fair settlement of consumer disputes, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

7. THE RIGHT TO CONSUMER EDUCATION
The right to get the skills you need to make informed and confident choices about goods and services and to be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

8. THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

The right to live and work in an environment which does not threaten the well being of present or future generations.