• The Boston Globe, Friday, December 23, 2011 10:15 AM

When part of the purchase price of a gift benefits charity, or if it was manufactured in a free-trade zone, or reduces the buyer’s carbon footprint, it's moving off the shelf. The ranks of such cause-conscious shoppers are growing, retail analysts say. They are looking for more than good prices and quality - seeking gifts that are made locally or sold by small businesses, made under sustainable or environmentally friendly conditions, and that benefit someone besides the recipient.

The movement is being driven by heightened shopper awareness, wariness of conspicuous consumption, and the popularity of websites promoting informed giving. Nonprofits, schools, and charities can list items they want to auction on BiddingForGood’s site, for instance. The company says 91% of sales proceeds go to the organizations.

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