ECO-CONGREGATION GREEN SHEET NO.5 SHOPPING. Back to Green Sheet index

‘EVERY PURCHASE YOU MAKE HAS EITHER A DIRECT OR AN INDIRECT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. WHEN YOU EXERCISE YOUR POWER BY CHOOSING WHERE AND WHAT TO BUY,AND WHERE AND WHAT NOT TO BUY, YOU HELP CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER’ The Ecologist.

THE DISAPPEARING BAG TRICK.*

Around 8 billion plastic bags care given away in Britain every year, and as they are difficult and costly to recycle, many of them land up on landfill or as litter. When you go shopping, take a bag with you, or re-use your shopping bag at home. Sainsbury’s have launched the first fully biodegradable shopping bag made from starch, which breaks down harmlessly within a month. If you shop at Sainsbury’s, ask them when they’ll be introducing them at your local store. Only through lots of public support will the bags become widely used.

BUY LOCALLY.*

The resources wasted and the pollution created by shifting goods all over the world are well known, not to mention the negative aspects of detriment to the local biodiversity by encouraging farming mono- cultures, and the closures of independent grocers, butchers, bakers and fishmongers. Investigate box schemes, farmers markets, food co-ops and buy local to protect our local food systems.

SHAREHOLDER ACTIONS*.

The Nestle boycott persuaded the company to change its marketing of formula baby milk in the developing world. Boycotting products has a long history: in 1971 Britons boycotted Barclays bank over its investment policy in South Africa. If you buy ONE share in a company you will be entitled to go to their AGM and question directors on their policies, and even force a vote on the issue. Successful shareholder actions have forced companies to change their policies on their impact on the environment, human rights issues and executive pay.

WHO ARE THE REAL FASHION VICTIMS?*

In some clothing sweatshops staff may work up to 60 hours per week in conditions which are rarely safe, where wages are unreasonably low, where children under 15 may be employed and unions almost certainly banned. In these countries a single pair of trainers sold in the UK can cost more than the monthly wage of the person who made it. Visit www.sweatshop.org for a list of ‘dirty’ and ‘clean’ companies whose products you should consider whether or not to purchase.

* information courtesy of GO MAD go make a difference 2 ,over 500 ways to save the planet!

THOUGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS.

SOME ETHICAL IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.

We are all aware of the many catalogues that fall through our doors at this time of year try to make use of the charity supported ones especially so you know that the purchase of your gift for a loved one will also go some way to supporting others less fortunate than yourself.

Send A Cow.

This is a Christian organisation, started 17 years ago by farmers: practical people who know that livestock rearing is a challenging task requiring knowledge and skill. You can buy a cow, hens, bees, trees, fish ponds, and many other life saving and changing presents, all going to those in genuine need. Gifts start at £5 for a days training in various skills, allowing people to take control of their lives, or a shared fishing net for 4 farmers, to £2000 for a whole farmyard! If you buy any of these gifts for your friends they will receive a photograph of the gift in action and a thank – you card and the knowledge that their gift will go on giving! Tel:0845 660 4670 for a catalogue, or look on www.sendacow.org.uk

International Tree Foundation.

Since 1924, the ITF have planted more than a million trees in the UK and provided funds for projects overseas, helping communities across the globe reverse deforestation and improve the environment. The family tree scheme allows you to help create new woodland at 25 sites around the country. You can buy gift tokens from £10 and donors of £250 or more can have an area of woodland designated by a special name – the perfect way to celebrate weddings or other family event. Tel. 01342 712536. www.internationaltreefoundation.org.

Traidcraft

We have a Traidcraft stand at St.Bridget’s church every 2^nd Sunday in the month. It is a public limited company and anyone regarding it as a charity is misunderstanding the ethics behind the organisation. By purchasing Traidcraft products you are PROMOTING FAIR TRADE IN THE THIRD WORLD AND ENABLING PRODUCERS TO GET A FAIR PRICE FOR THEIR PRODUCT AND THEIR EMPLOYEES A FAIR WAGE. If everyone in the UK bought one jar of fair trade coffee a month, 2.5 million people (farmers and their families) would benefit. It is through companies like Traidcraft that major multinationals such as Nestlé are bowing to the increasing consumer demand for fair trade in their operations and a tribute to the effectiveness of the campaigning and lobbying done over the years. However, Nestlé’s fairly traded coffee is only a tiny proportion of its total product range. Traidcraft is a member of the Fairtrade Foundation and will support the Foundation in this role by careful scrutiny of Nestlé’s fair trade activities, seeking to ensure that and divergences from standards are quickly and rigorously addressed.*

*A copy of the letter from which details have been taken for this article is in the eco-congregation file.

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