We are also on a tight budget here, so its a bit of both here. There are some things like eggs that I like to get freerange.

I am also very aware of what we have in our cupboards/fridge so I dont waste products (I used to throw out so much food esp fruit and veggies). Meal planning is great when it comes to this.

Dp and I have just moved to a rural area which has a farmers marker once a month, and the first time we went we stocked up on fruit and veg, only to find out later that its actually NOT local produce and they buy it all in like the supermarkets do!! I was so annoyed.

We now have a compost and our veggie garden, use bicarb and vinegar these days, and we will be getting chooks soon.. yippe cant wait

We do what works for us and our family, ideally I would like to be even more ethical in my choices but its not possible at the moment.