Consumerism
‘Only 3c from a regular $3.50 coffee goes to the coffee farmer who grew the beans.’ (E7)
Would you like to be the coffee farmer?
Consumerism is a part of modern day life on EARTH. It keeps the economy going, everyone participates and to a degree everyone loves it. Whether it’s shoes, drills, books, cars, furniture or chocolate everyone has their vice and they’ve earned it. But our attachment to owning material possessions is becoming a wasteful obsession and national past-time of western societies. Stopped and think about whether you really need it? You could improve our Health, create a better Habitat, save ourselves money, the planet energy resources and at the end of the day, save yourselves throwing away something that was unused or unnecessary – be it food, clothes, cars or anything else.
Beyond being conscience not to go to the shops unless you need something; reduce, reuse and recycle; eat seasonal and local; eat organic and free range; not get super sized and choose quality over quantity. There are other decisions you can make to create a more sustainable healthy future for the planet. Fair trade is getting better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives. The best part is that most of the items are organic and contain vegetable dyes and other Health conscious products. While there are cafes and airlines getting on board with fair trade tea, coffee and chocolates as are many other organisations including Cadbury, there are many other great quality items around including homewares, toys, clothes, accessories, cleaning and personal products which are generally better for our well-being. Check the suggestions below.
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INTERESTED IN MORE? Then check these out…
(for more Books or Websites just click the link)
www.whatcouldibuy.com.au
www.ecofoot.org
www.fta.org.au
www.naturalform.com.au
www.ecoshop.com.au
www.farmersmarkets.org.au
Back2Basics…next time you go to the shops, ensure you have the list of what you need first. Be aware of the products you are buying and if you are unsure think about it a day or two and return if you really need it.
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Looking for ARTICLES & BLOG POSTS? Then check these out…
Shop Ethically, it’s Easy. (July 2010)
