Before the 1950s consumers had little protection in the world marketplace. On March 15, 1962, President John F. Kennedy put forth the "Consumer Bill of Rights" to help consumers recognize their rights and responsibilities. March 15 is now declared as World Consumer Rights Day! The six basic consumer rights are:

1. The right to choose.
2. The right to safety.
3. The right to be heard.
4. The right to be informed.
5. The right to a healthy environment.
6. The right to satisfaction of basic needs.

The right to choose. Within reason, consumers have the right to be guaranteed that a selection of quality products and services are accessible for them to purchase at reasonable prices. It means that a consumer should have the opportunity to select the goods or services that they want to purchase.

The right to safety. Consumers have the right to expect protection from hazardous products and services bought in the marketplace, particularly if used correctly for their intended purpose. Consumers have protection from the sale and distribution of hazardous goods and services.

The right to be heard and the right to voice. Consumers have the right to equal and fair consideration in government policy-making situations, as well as apt treatment in administrative courts or legal communities. In other words, consumers have a right to dispute when there are problems or concerns. They have the right to speak up, to be heard, and to expect positive results. With this right, both business and government are expected to reply to consumers.

The right to be informed. Consumers have the right to receive sufficient information about products on which to base buying decisions. Dependable sources exist to inform consumers about products or services.

The right to environmental health. Consumers should be protected from the overwhelming effects of air, earth, and water pollution that may result from the performance of daily marketplace operations. Consumers have the right to live and work in an environment that does not threaten the well-being of present and future generations.

The right to satisfaction of basic needs. Consumers have the right to basic goods and services which assure survival. This includes sufficient food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation.

Consumers are fortunate to have rights; however, they come with responsibilities. For example, it is a consumer's responsibility to use products for their proposed purpose and to properly store and dispose of goods. Consumers should be concerned with securing, protecting, and asserting their rights in the marketplace while trading and transacting business to attain fair value for goods and services. Meanwhile, consumers should not have to fear for the safety of the item they purchase, or contend with false and deceptive advertising. Consumers have the responsibility to seek, to evaluate and to use accessible information on products and services to make sound buying decisions. In the marketplace, consumers expect businesses to offer a selection of goods and services at reasonable prices. However, it is up to the consumer to rationally choose products and services at affordable prices and to express any concerns to government or businesses if these products or services do not meet their expectations. Consumers want clean air and water, safe and responsible waste disposal, the conservation of natural resources, and effective conservation measures. In other words, consumers want respect for the earth and the overall environment where the loveliness of nature can be enjoyed and appreciated by all.