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"Shopping is no longer just about passive consumption, it’s about actively solving problems" better thinking

Deepdale Earth Day Event, Norfolk, 22Apr08

An exhibition of environmental technologies and advice

Deepdale Backpackers and Camping, Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale, north Norfolk coast

10am to 4pm

FREE to attend
in association with

"Deepdale Backpackers and Camping at Deepdale Farm on the beautiful north Norfolk coast, an eco friendly backpackers hostel and campsite.

On Earth Day 2008, 22nd April, Deepdale Backpackers and Camping will be hosting a whole range of eco friendly organisations for an Earth Day exhibition about the environment, including environmental technology installers, advisors, pressure groups and other related organisations.

Whether you are looking for solar panels, wood chip boiler, LED lights, ground source heat pump, wind turbine, need some advice about how to green up your home or business, want to know more about organics or just fancy a look around Deepdale's eco-friendly facilities, you are more than welcome.

It doesn't matter if you are already interested in the environment, want to become more eco friendly or you're a sceptic.

Who should visit this exhibition:
Businesses looking to green up their organisation
Companies wanting to save money on services
Architects and builders wanting to learn about more eco friendly building materials and techniques
Farmers looking to diversify and needing some inspiration
and of course
Individuals who would like to make their homes more energy efficient
Plans are still being confirmed, so check back soon for more information."

Climate Change Meeting, 22Apr08

From: Friends Of The Earth

"We're about to turn the tide on climate change - Be there to make it happen"

Public Meeting, Central London
Tuesday 22nd April 2008, 7:30pm
Friends House, 173 Euston Road London NW1 2BJ

Speakers
Hilary Benn Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Peter Ainsworth Conservative Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary
Steve Webb Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Energy, Food and Rural Affairs
Tony Juniper Director of Friends of the Earth and representative of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition

Chair
Anne McElvoy Executive Editor Evening Standard

"Since Friends of the Earth launched The Big Ask in May 2005, supported by Stop Climate Chaos, over half a million people have contacted their MP demanding a tough law to tackle climate change. The Government listened.

In March 2007 it introduced a draft Climate Change Bill, which will set legally binding targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This Bill is now in its final stages in Parliament and is set to become law by the summer. It could be a world beater.

But the Bill is not yet tough enough. This meeting is your last chance to tell the Minister in charge of the Bill and opposition speakers on the environment in person that they must deliver a strong law.

Don't let the Government off the hook. You can influence its position simply by showing up. Put 22 April in your diary. Be there. Make sure your voice is heard."

The Story Of Stuff

In case you missed this in our last free range studios post here is a link to the awesome movie featuring Annie Leonard. Annie explains how we are slaves to the system of consumerism and how this system is damaging to us as individuals (emotionally, physically and mentally) as well as to our environment and the planet as a whole.

The solutions are simple on the one hand - stop consuming! And complex on the other - we have to change the system on so many levels. However, the task is not impossible if we work together and the results could be amazing - let's give it a go!

Guardian Tread Lightly

Ecologically minded Kiwis looking for a place to network with like-minded individuals and organisations log into Be The Change where an exchange of eco ideas is encouraged as part of New Zealanders' commitment to combating climate change.

In a similar vein The Guardian has launched its Tread Lightly campaign encouraging UK readers to lighten our environmental footprint and make a valid difference in reducing UK CO2 emissions. As with Be The Change, Tread Lightly members can make pledges to fulfil a variety of actions, taking small steps towards making a big positive change.

Whilst each individual change alone may struggle to make a huge global difference, the weekly reminder is a great way to keep our own carbon footprints at the top end of our priority lists. Hopefully, as we get into the habit of making small changes on a regular basis and discover how easy it is to live sustainably and what difference our changes can make, we will be encouraged to campaign for change on a larger scale.

This week's pledge: "Eat less Meat - I pledge to swap one meat-based meal, made with mostly imported ingredients, for a vegetarian meal, made with local ingredients, this week."

Join the Tread Lightly community and be part of the change...

Read more & sign up here

Gaza Ceasefire Petition

From: Avaaz, Email, 4Mar08

"Gaza and Israel are on the brink of all-out war - before it’s too late, let’s raise a massive global outcry for a ceasefire to stop the violence and protect civilians: Sign the Emergency Petition

The Gaza-Israel crisis is out of control. It's come to this: bloody full-scale invasion, or a cease-fire.1 With rockets raining down on both sides, Israel launched a ground assault into the Gaza Strip this weekend. Over a hundred combatants and civilians from both sides lie dead.2 The next 48 hours are crucial -- Israel's cabinet will discuss a larger invasion Wednesday. But Hamas floated a Gaza ceasefire months ago, and 64% of Israelis support the idea.3

Both sides know they are in a battle for global legitimacy, and international opinion counts. We need a massive global outcry for a cease-fire now -- sign the emergency petition below, then forward this message to friends and family. We will deliver our petition to senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders this week, as well as in a major billboard campaign...

1. Invasion or ceasefire – Guardian news report on the Israeli debate
2. The Times of London news report - both sides claiming success, 110 dead
Missiles now reaching the Israeli city of Ashkelon
3. 64% of Israelis support ceasefire talks with Hamas"

Read more here

Bethnal Green Station Memorial

Did you know that Sunday marked the 65th anniversary of one of the largest UK civilian casualty incident of WWII at Bethnal Green tube station? No? Perhaps you are wondering what incident I am speaking of? Don't worry, until 5 minutes ago, I wasn't aware this terrible tragedy had even taken place either. Sadly, we are not alone in our collective ignorance as the tragic events of 3rd March 1943 were covered up at first and have largely gone unnoticed thus far.


"On 3 March 1943 a crowd of people entered Bethnal Green tube station which was used at the time as an air-raid shelter. After an anti-aircraft battery a few hundred yards away in Victoria Park launched a salvo of a new type of anti-aircraft rockets the crowd surged forward. Someone tripped on the stairs causing many others to fall. 300 people were crushed into the stairwell within a few seconds, 173 of them died and over 90 were injured. The worst civilian disaster of the 2nd World War."

In view of this 65th anniversary, survivors and residents of Bethnal Green are hoping to raise funds for a more fitting memorial than the small plaque which was rather tardily erected decades later at the station entrance. The proposed memorial called Stairway To Heaven was designed by two local architects and users of Bethnal Green tube station, Harry Paticas and Jens Borstelmann.

Read the full story here
Thanks to Diamond Geezer

Roberto Perez in Aotearoa Mar08

From: The Big Clean Up, eConnect, 28Feb08

The Cuban Experience: Sustainable Solutions to Peak Oil & Climate Change

"Roberto Perez is a trained biologist and works as a permaculture and environmental educator for the Foundation for Nature and Humanity, Cuba's major environment organisation based in Havana.

Roberto featured in the award-winning documentary film, The Power of Community, which showcases the transformation of Cuban culture and society into an agrarian organic one.

An inspiring, articulate presenter, Roberto has traveled extensively sharing his experiences and expertise in designing and implementing effective strategies for transitioning to a more self-reliant and sustainable society through the application of smart design.

Roberto will be in greater Auckland in March sharing his expert knowledge and experience, offering viable solutions and clear steps forward towards designing for long term resiliency in the face of Climate Change and Peak Oil."

Thurs 6 March - Auckland City 7 - 9 pm
Public screening: The Power of Community + Q & A session
University of Auckland (Engineering Building #1401)

Fri 7 March - Orewa 6 - 9 pm
The Power of Community: A public celebration of Cuba's success
+ panel discussion for regional sustainability
Centrestage, Centreway Road

Sat 8 March - Waiheke Island
11 am: Public talk at the community market
2:30 pm: Theatre Panel Discussion on Sustainability

More info here(pdf)

The War On Democracy

The War On Democracy is a film by John Pilger documenting the truths about what we call 'democracy' today. It particularly focuses on Latin America where truly democratic populations have been crushed time and time again by the pseudo democratic regime of northern America.

"In his second inauguration address, president Bush pledged to 'bring democracy to the world'. In his speech he mentioned the words 'democracy' and 'liberty' 21 times. Most of the world, it is fair to say, will have recoiled, many in fear. Bush's speech was significant because it finally stripped noble concepts like 'democracy' of their true meaning - government, for, by and of the people.

This film explores the theme of disenchantment with democracy, concentrating on those parts of the world where people have struggled with blood, sweat and tears to plant democracy, only to see it brutally crushed.

...Pilger travelled through Venezuela with its president, Hugo Chavez, the only leader of an oil-producing nation who has used its resources democratically - for the education and health of its people. Despite being toppled from his presidency in 2002 by rich and powerful interests backed by the US, he was brought back to power by the sheer weight of Venezuelan people power. The film has a positive element; great power is not invincible.

The film tells a universal story, analysing and revealing, through vivid testimony, the story of great power behind its venerable myths. It allows us to understand the true mature of the so-called war on terror."



DVD Release this month: UK/Aus/US
NZ Release Date: 6th March 2008 at Academy Cinemas Auckland
More info here

With thanks to The Big Idea

Observer Ethical Awards 2008

The very prestigious Observer Ethical Awards are back for the third year running. In association with Ecover, the awards celebrate both individuals and organisations who have contributed to making the UK a more ethical place for all of us.

The Observer's Ethical Journalist Lucy Siegle reports
"What started as a vague notion of highlighting efforts to progress social and environmental justice in the UK, seems to have somehow become a dynamic, growing, three-year-old fixture on the eco social calendar. It is equally thrilling and terrifying..."

Help reward your favourite ethical organisations and representatives by casting your votes here. To help you decide, the categories are listed below:

Best Local Retailer
This is your chance to reward your local heroes - the retailers who are fighting to give you a choice on the high street

Best Supermarket or Online Retailer Initiative
Which supermarket or online retailer has come up with the best initiative this year to change for the good?

Campaigner of the Year
Who has impressed you most in the fight to make Britain and the world a more ethical place?

Politician of the Year
The next General Election may well be won or lost on ethical issues. Let us know who convinces you that they genuinely care

Ecover Ethical Kids Award
Please submit your nomination for the judges to consider. This year, the category will be open to individuals or school groups who are under 16 on January 1st 2008. Ecover will be providing £2,000 a year for 3 years to go towards the winners' sustainable project

The Jupiter Big Idea Award
Have you come up with a green initiative that will have a big impact on your community? The winner of this Award will receive £2000 to develop their project or idea. There will also be awards of £500 for two runners up

Conservation Project of the Year
Who has gone the extra mile to protect the environment in the UK or internationally? The winner of this category will receive £1,000 towards their conservation project

Do It Yourself Award
Please send us details of your DIY ethical projects, or perhaps you’d like to nominate a neighbour or colleague? The winner of this category will receive £1,000 towards their DIY initiative.

Ethical Business of the Year
This new category will reward the steps made by large or small businesses to deliver goods or services in a truly ethical manner. Readers can either nominate their favourite Ethical Business, or if you are an Ethical Business you can nominate yourself

Fashion Product or Accessory of the Year
This category recognises an innovative fashion item. Last year, Terra Plana walked off with the prize - who is going to be stepping in to their shoes this time around? Readers can either nominate their favourite fashion products, or if you are a fashion designer you can nominate your own work

The winners of the first four categories will be determined by public votes. The last six categories will be judged by an expert panel, but they would appreciate your suggestions.

Get voting!

A Convenient Truth - Jack Guest

Inspired by and in response to Al Gore's much hyped and popular Inconvenient Truth, an extra-ordinary young film-maker from South London, UK has made a film which rather than pointing out the obvious disasters awaiting us if we ignore climate change, highlights some of the positive changes we can make to avoid such calamity. Jack Guest has rather wittily entitled his project A Convenient Truth and judging by the preview trailer it is more than worth a watch.

"In Autumn 2006, Jack Guest and a small film crew travelled to Sweden. They spent three weeks visiting the people and projects that are leading the way in positive solutions to climate change. The idea behind the film was simple. Everybody knows that the threat posed by climate change is tremendous. Everybody knows that to avoid terrible consequences our societies must change, fast.
But what many people don’t know is what this change will look like. Nor how it will affect their lives. The Convenient Truth is that solutions for a stable climate do exist, and that they can enrich, rather than restrict, our lives. The problem of climate change can be an opportunity for us all, the world can get better, and we can even keep the saunas."

Preview Trailer:


View the feature length preview here and
check out the excerpt There And Back Again here

More info here

Thoughtful Tuesday - Valentine

Valentine's Day has been and gone but I recently spotted this interesting note (below) on St Valentine in the Trade Aid newsletter:

"Did you know that St Valentine fought for Justice?
St Valentine was a Roman priest who campaigned against the torture of prisoners and also deliberately subverted Roman law by marrying soldiers who the emperor had forbidden to marry. He fought for basic human rights and for the prioritisation of love over war. He was eventually executed for his actions. Valentine's Day commemorates his struggle for justice."

According to Wikipedia there are several St Valentine martyrs after whom the day we celebrate (in a perhaps disproportionate way) may be linked to. More on St Valentine here and here. More from Trade Aid below:

"Trade Aid is raising awareness about environmental justice for our global community in 2008.

Trade Aid has exciting plans in place to celebrate this theme during our biggest celebrations of the year; 3 - 18 May 2008. Whether you are a student, teacher, artist, foodie, muso or just interested in learning stuff visit Traid Aid"

Solar Energy Links

Want to reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint? Thinking about getting off the grid and converting to solar energy but not sure how? Here are some links to useful information and solar energy services in the UK:

Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)
3 St Peter's Court, Bedminster Parade, Bristol, BS3 4AQ - map
Tel: 0117 934 1400 / Fax: 0117 934 1410 / Email: info@cse.org.uk
"CSE seeks sustainable energy solutions that engage people and communities to meet real needs for both environmentally sound and affordable energy services. We work with individuals and organisations from public, private and voluntary sectors on a wide range of initiatives at local, regional and national level."

Solar Fusion Ltd
Suite 1 Kingsland House, 512 Wimborne Road East, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9NG
Tel: 0800 8766995 / Fax: 01202 870098 / Email: info@solarfusionltd.co.uk
"Solar Fusion is a government accredited solar energy company specialising in the installation of the very latest solar hot water heating systems and solar photovoltaic electricity systems. With a firm commitment to good customer service, quality products and clean energy, Solar Fusion provides the most cost effective and easy to install solar energy systems that will reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint."

Energy Centre For Sustainable Communities
Unit 327, 30 Great Guildford Street, London, SE1 0HS
Tel: 020 7922 1662 / Fax: 020 7928 8153 / Email: info@ecsc.org.uk
"ecsc was founded in 1982, to advance the knowledge and application of energy efficiency and renewable energy. ecsc 's first work was for the GLC on the barriers preventing the take up of energy efficiency. ecsc's main work now is the development and organisation of projects, aimed at householders of all income levels, large businesses, public sector establishments and local authorities. ecsc is also involved in many forms of renewable energy."

Action Aid Uk - Who Pays?

This new campaign from ActionAid UK aims to stop the abuse of producers in less 'developed' countries by the big UK supermarkets - you know the ones, persistantly selling at ridiculously low prices that may seem great for us as consumers, until we think about what effect that has on the suppliers!

Cheap goods often carry a hefty ethical price tag!

The Who Pays Report [pdf] explores the supply chain of various products from grower and supplier to the supermarket shelves. It reveals some of the most abusive cases of low prices keeping millions of people (particularly women) in poverty with little or no means of escaping from the situation or being able to adequately support their families.

ActionAid needs our help to force government into creating a healthy, ethical and long-term sustainable relationship between overseas workers and the UK supermarkets they supply. This essentially means you and I as the supermarkets only survive if we continue to shop there.

The ActionAid, Who Pays? Loyalty scheme allows us to earn points whilst campaigning with ActionAid. Find out more about the scheme here and watch the intro video below:



Further info: Who Pays? / ActionAid UK

P.S. If you need another non-plastic shopping bag this 100% organic, fairtrade cotton number might be just the thing. It's made in India by Assisi Garments and produced by the ever lovely, ethical & ecological PeopleTree. Buy yours here - wear with pride!

Inspiration Thursday - Life Lessons

Yes, I know it's not Thursday but let's not get tied down by semantics when there are important lessons to learn!

The following post is from ZenHabits and offers some great advice that we could all do with whichever stage of life we're at. It's never too late for some positive change...

From: ZenHabits, 17Feb08
20 Things I Wish I Had Known When Starting Out in Life

"I’m nearly 35 years old, and I’ve made my share of mistakes in my life. I’m not a big believer in regrets … and I have learned tremendously from every single mistake… and my life is pretty great.

However, there are a few things I wish I had known when I was graduating from high school and starting out as an adult in life.

Would I change things? I’m not so sure. I might never have gotten into a mountain of debt, but then I wouldn’t have learned the amazing satisfaction of getting out of it. I might have made better career choices, but then I wouldn’t have all the work experience that makes me the blogger and writer that I am today."

read more digg story

Ecobuild, Earls Court, 26-28 Feb08

Ecobuild - Europe's biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment

Next week sees Earls Court in London host this awesome event which will be jam packed with exhibitors, conferences and inspiring talks on green construction and environments. If you're lucky enough to be in London then, go check it out - and let us know how it goes.

Exhibitors: showcase of sustainable construction products - more than 500 exhibitors and thousands of products and services

Seminars: 'green building' information programme - over 75 free seminars

Attractions: practical, hands-on experience and expert advice

The Arena: thought provoking, challenging and entertaining events

Conference: Innovate & Green - conference for sustainability and innovation in design, construction and the built environment

River Cottage Canteen: fabulous organic food using delicious seasonal produce

Open Hours:
Tuesday 26th February 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 27th February 10am - 6pm
Thursday 28th February 10am - 4pm
Travel to Earls Court by public transport

Highlights:
Livingstone v Johnson Ecobuild debate - 28Feb
Build A Cooler London - Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London and rival mayoral candidate Boris Johnson debate proposals for London’s response to climate change

Green Dragons’ Den Final - 26 Feb
10 green entrepreneurs discovered in Ecobuild’s annual Award for Innovation in Sustainable Design & Construction will be judged by Tim Smit of the Eden Project and his panel resulting in just 3 chosen finalists. Join them live at Ecobuild when they will present their products and business plans to the ‘green dragons’. Over £10,000 of funding and business support await the lucky winner

Change Your Perspective talks in the Arena
Janet Street-Porter - Buildings To Inspire
Boris Johnson - Greening London
Wayne Hemingway - How Low Can You Go? (zero carbon design)
Tim Smit CBE - The Possibility Of Radical Change
John Ketley - The Real Cost Of Climate Change
David Strachan - Peak Oil, Peak Gas: A crisis for the built environment
and many more here

Click here for more information on Ecobuild and how to book your place

St Kilda Fights Back

They may have lost in the battle against the council vote to save their beloved waterfront from the chains of an unecessary commercial development but the people of St Kilda are fighting back! The unstoppable unChain St Kilda group supported by their community and a growing circle of friends have big plans to protect the precious Crown Land in their backyard.

Fundraising Ideas Wanted
In order to legally appeal the council decision unChain St Kilda will need to raise a substantial amount of money to contest the resources of their opponants, so are undertaking fundraising initiatives and seeking ideas for generating the necessary finances. If you think you can help in this area please contact unChain St Kilda here: volunteer@unchainstkilda.org

Other ways to support the cause include:

Parliamentary Petition
A petition will be presented before parliament by MPs Sue Pennicuik and Andrea Coote next week. UnChain St Kilda ask supporters to sign and return petitions (paper only, no email or online allowed) before Tuesday 26Feb.
"Mail them to us at PO Box 6547, Melbourne, Vic, 8008 or drop them in to the Village Belle Newsagency at 161 Acland St. There are two versions of the petition to choose from - download them here [PDF] and here [PDF], and pass around to your friends, family and neighbours for signing."

Buy A Piece of Inconic Art
Purchase a copy of Mirka Mora's painting which was used on the march promotion postcard [PDF]. A limited edition of 100 reproductions of Mirka's 1970 painting - St Kilda Pier - will be produced as a fundraiser.
"Each reproduction will be A2 size, numbered and signed by Mirka. Perfect to hang on the wall or as a present. Only $500 each - simply email unchainstkilda@gmail.com with "Mirka Mora Order" in the subject line. Cheques to be made payable to unChain St Kilda Inc and mailed to PO Box 6547, Melbourne, Vic, 8008."

Ask for Circus Oz in St Kilda
"Circus Oz, located in Port Melbourne, celebrated 30 years last week - and is looking for a new, bigger home. To keep the internationally renowned troupe in Port Phillip, BBC was asked to consider Circus Oz as a tenant. But they decided that the 15m high space needed by Circus Oz would be better allocated to retail, offices and nightclubs... on Crown land.Write a note or SMS to your councillor or MP to reignite this opportunity!"

Ask the Right Questions
"We’ve challenged the Q&A on the Council’s website as PR spin and have forwarded forty genuine questions [PDF] that need an answer. If you too are interested in getting some real answers, write to your councillor and/or the Mayor. Ask for a response."

Pledge for Palais Revival
"So far we’ve attracted $1.5 million to decouple the Theatre from the development. All it takes is a few savvy investors to see what a good deal this is - $20 million for a 99-year lease to run a commercial theatre and venue. It's not even $20 million, as people have already pledged their own funds towards it. Not such a crazy idea either, as this Age article shows."

Read more here

Thoughtful Tuesday - Money

To kick of our new feature of Thoughtful Tuesday dedicated to inspiring open mindedness and provoking positive evolutionary, outside of the corporate fuelled box concepts, we bring you this video from Paul Grignon called Money As Debt.

In an entertaining 47 minutes, the movie demonstates how the way we use money today, or rather the way we are used by it and its creators, came about. It also reveals how we can change the current system, reliant on our debt, to a fairer more sustainable practice.



With thanks to United Diversity

One Million Peace Signs

One Million Peace Signs is a new website and blog aimed at encouraging readers worldwide to share pictures of people and places related to peace, focusing particularly on images of the traditional peace symbol.

The site authors explain:
"Snowed in on Jan. 1, 2008 in the Middle-of-Nowhere Wyoming, we decided that collecting One Million Signs of Peace for a website would be a fine New Year's Resolution. Crazy? Probably. Possible? We think so! Since then, people from all over the world have sent us their Peace Sign Photos, Peace observations, and "go for it" encouragement..."

As well as posting pictures (currently via Facebook and flickr), visitors are invited to add peace promoting events and personal peace heroes. There is also a page containing information and links about the history of the peace symbol. A thoroughly inspiring read...


Check the website here, the flickr group here and facebook group here.

Ethical Careers - Mark Thomas

Whilst browsing the net for a means of income when I return to the UK next month, I came across this article by renowned political comedian Mark Thomas on the Ethical Careers site and was so impressed I decided to post the whole thing - enjoy!
From: EthicalCareers.org

You will be doing harm by Mark Thomas

"One of the strangest things about being a comedian is that my mum and dad still don’t think I have a proper job. By which they mean I don’t have a "career" that everyone can recognise, that has a bit of prestige to it; that definitely has a pension plan.

A "proper job" has a uniform, or someone at least gets to tell you what to wear; it has set hours, lunch breaks and a career ladder to climb. A "proper job" has internal politics and a stunning array of workmates you can slag off to your partner at the end of the day. And bore them stupid.

A "proper job" is one you have to commute to. A "proper job" is something to be avoided. A "proper job" is bad for your health. That’s why I haven’t got one.

Who does "proper jobs"?
But if you are going to do one of those jobs, perhaps you should know how much of a bastard you might be expected to be to do it.

I know you are saying: “Mark, just because people work for multinationals, it doesn’t make them bad people, does it?” Well, yes. It could do. Let me give you an example.

A friend of mine is a comedian and his name is Simon Bligh. A while ago he was asked to do a benefit show to raise money for one of the big cancer charities. Being the nice guy that he is, he agreed then put it out of mind until a few days before. But when Simon turned up, he discovered this comedy evening, to raise money to fight cancer, was organised by British Aerospace (now BAE Systems), one of the world’s biggest arms companies.

A moral dilemma
Indeed, not only were BAE organising the benefit, it was being held in their plant, probably not far away from where missiles were filled with deadly explosives. Truly a moral dilemma, and not one dissimilar to something many people reading The Ethical Careers Guide may be faced with.

Should Simon walk away from the fundraiser, because he morally objected to the dirty business of arms sales, or should he think of all that lovely cash he would raise to help combat cancer? Moreover, should he bring BAE lots of positive publicity into the bargain?

Retribution
“So, I did the gig,” said Simon in innocent Liverpudlian tones. “I went on, and just called them all a bunch of bastards. Raised a load of cash, then came back on stage with a BAE chap to hand over one of those big cheques. So I got another chance to call them a bunch of bastards.”

Afterwards, when Simon got backstage, one of the head honchos at the arms firm followed him, completely red in the face. “You’ll never work for British Aerospace again!”

What did Simon do? “I called him a bastard too. Then went home. The cancer charity got its cash, I got thrown out of an arms company. Fair enough.”

Good people doing bad work
The ironic thing was that these BAE staff, who spend their lives making weapons, also wanted to do something good in the world. In fact, they were probably all polite and well mannered. Kind to animals, that sort of thing. Many in the arms business have families and children, they go to church or mosques. Some of them will train hard to run marathons for local hospices, and we will cheer them as they run past dressed up as Liquorice Allsorts.

They’re not bad people. But the work they do is. BAE provided the Hawk jets to Indonesia that were used to repress the people of East Timor. BAE has paid bribes to government officials throughout the Middle East, undermining democracy and accountability. They have armed dictators and undemocratic regimes, keeping them in power. (Ironic since it was BAE bombs falling over Iraq, in Bush and Blair’s war to overthrow a dictatorial, undemocratic regime).

The choice is yours
Like my mate Simon, we all have a choice in what job we take. It doesn’t matter if you’re a good person or a bad person, if you work for arms companies, multinational oil conglomerates and most big pharmaceutical firms, you will be doing harm. And that doesn’t sound like an ethical career to me.

But the choice is yours. I hope ethicalcareers.org helps you make your mind up which way to go."

More on Ethical Careers
More on Mark Thomas

P.S. If you're current (UK) job isn't giving you the moral satisfaction you deserve or you are simply looking to change career path anytime soon here are some places to start looking:

Ethical Careers - info, guide & virtual careers fair
Charity People - charity sector jobs & careers advice
Environment Job - jobs, courses & events in the environmental sector
Harris Hill - recruitment specialist for charity jobs & non profit jobs
VolResource - information for voluntary & community organisations

Roses in February??

From: The Nag, Feb08

Waste Request from FOE

From: Friends of the Earth, Waste Action Campaign, 8Feb08

"How we handle our waste makes a big difference to the planet.

The EU is revising Europe’s main waste law, the Waste Framework Directive. Friends of the Earth wants the law to include:

* New recycling targets and measures
* Target to prevent waste
* No promotion of incineration

Last February the European Parliament backed our demands when they voted on proposed changes to the law. But at the Environment Council's vote in June, Environment Ministers did not even try to reach agreement on recycling and prevention targets.

We must now put pressure on the European Commission to support these European targets in the 2nd reading stage of the revision process. This will maximise the chance that we get them into the final law.

Please ask Stavros Dimas, the European Commissioner for Environment, to support these climate-friendly approaches in the new waste law."

Send email here & more info here

New Consumer News

"Best Refund Excuse Wins a Subscription
We're all guilty of it! Gemma Taylor investigates whether taking things back to the shop actually reduces landfill waste. Tell us what you think, and share your shameful stories...

The T-shirt Which Makes You Happy
Apparently all you need to do is wear it to have more energy, feel happier, become more chilled out, have better concentration and be more creative.

Fighting the Banana Wars!
Read an extract from Fighting the Banana Wars and Other Fairtrade Battles by Harriet Lamb (Rider Books, 10.99)


On NCTV: Fairtrade Woman 2008
She's back! Fairtrade woman is going to eat nothing but Fairtrade food for 2 weeks (in celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight) - here's the first part of her video diary

New Consumer's Fairtrade site
In anticipation of Fairtrade Fortnight, we've created a dedicated mini-site devoted solely to Fairtrade news"


More from New Consumer here

Decision Time for St Kilda, Melbourne

If you are in Melbourne this Thursday, please support the UnChain StKilda campaign to stop this development from getting out of control and destroying the landscape and community feel of the area.

If you are not in the area, then please sign the petition or send an email to the councillors (see details below) to let them know you care about this issue and want to keep St Kilda in its current beautiful state.

Perhaps you have never been to St. Kilda or Melbourne or even Australia so think this particular issue doesn't affect you. However, the situation in St. Kilda is reflective of commercial development the world over where financial gain for the developers seems to outweigh and callously disregard the needs of the local community and conservation of environmental and cultural heritage.

Please take a moment to read about the specific issues here and consider how you might feel if this was your back yard.



From: UnChain StKilda, 5Feb08
"ST KILDA TRIANGLE - one last push to tumble the triangle

If media reports are correct, councillors are wavering - and so they will need your encouragement to go that extra step to reject the revised development plan. As we approach decision day on Thursday, one last effort on your part will make a difference: Leave a message of support - today or Wednesday. You can leave a message for councillors at the central email address councillors@portphillip.vic.gov.au or contact them individually. You can also leave phone messages for them at the Councillors’ central office, 03 9209 6705."

More on What You Can Do

Decision Day - Thursday 7th February 2008
"Join the St Kilda community, the famous and the infamous this at the Palais Theatre at 5pm, for an entertaining March on City Hall in time for the 6pm Council meeting. If you can't get to the Palais by 5pm, make sure you are at St Kilda Town Hall by 6pm."

Positive Thinking

From the ever inspiring Ayd Instone, this post and comments on Ideas Circus explains how re-naming our tasks and projects with a focus on the positive rather than the negative can have a huge impact on achieving our aims as well as garnering support to do so. He relates this concept particularly to charities hence the title 'Stop the ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign'.

"Could we do the same 'positive reversal' to other charities to help them achieve their real goals?

The point here is that these are suggestions that might help. I am not declaring war on charities. The aim of all charities should be to fix whatever problem they are focusing on so that they are no longer needed (I would have thought). So here are a few ideas that might help. Some clearly aren't as catchy, but others have such a positive vibe I can't believe no-ones suggested them before...

Anti-Nazi League = Pro Tolerance League
Women Against Violence Against Women = Women For Respect For Women
RSPCA = Royal Society for the Promotion of Kindness to Animals
NSPCC - Royal Society for the Promotion of Kindness to Children
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) = Royal Society for the Assurance of Safety (RoSAS)
Breast Cancer Research = Breast Wellness Research
Oxfam = Oxfed
Children in Need = Children in Joy"

Read the full post here

Monbiot on Population Growth

Contradicting recent scares regarding population growth and it's effects on our environment George Monbiot demonstrates in this interesting article published in the Guardian (29Jan08) that it is not growth itself that is causing our planet to suffer under the strain but rather it is the way the population chooses to live - our current unsustainable lifestyles.

"...economic growth this century could be 32 times as big an environmental issue as population growth. And, if governments, banks and businesses have their way, it never stops. By 2115, the cumulative total rises to 3200%, by 2138 to 6400%. As resources are finite, this is of course impossible, but it is not hard to see that rising economic activity - not human numbers - is the immediate and overwhelming threat.

Those who emphasise the dangers of population growth maintain that times have changed: they are not concerned only with population growth in the poor world, but primarily with growth in the rich world, where people consume much more. The Optimum Population Trust (OPT) maintains that the “global environmental impact of an inhabitant of Bangladesh … will increase by a factor of 16 if he or she emigrates to the USA”(8). This is surely not quite true, as recent immigrants tend to be poorer than the native population, but the general point stands: population growth in the rich world, largely driven by immigration, is more environmentally damaging than population growth in the poor world. In the US and the UK, their ecological impact has become another stick with which immigrants can be beaten...

...however, population growth is not the most immediate issue: another sector is expanding much faster. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation expects that global meat production will double by 2050 (growing, in other words, at two and a half times the rate of human numbers)(18). The supply of meat has already tripled since 1980: farm animals now take up 70% of all agricultural land (19) and eat one third of the world’s grain(20). In the rich nations we consume three times as much meat and four times as much milk per capita as the people of the poor world(21). While human population growth is one of the factors that could contribute to a global food deficit, it is not the most urgent."

Read the full article here

St Kilda Update - Urgent Appeal

Following on from previous post, please help stop the unecessary, destructive commercial development at St Kilda, Melbourne.

"Believe it or not, Councillors are dismissing the 6,000+ written Triangle objections they've received as "not that many". Let's show them just how many people out there oppose the St Kilda Triangle development...

Thursday 7th February:

5pm - March from Palais
Gather at the Palais Theatre for the march to St Kilda Town Hall. Feel free to make the march as colourful as you like - you may also want to wear St Kilda colours of black, red and white. Celebrity guests will also be attending and performing. Let's make the march as entertaining as possible :-)

6pm - Council Meeting at Town Hall
If you can’t make it to the march, come to the St Kilda Town Hall at 6pm, corner of Brighton Road and Carlisle Street, St Kilda."

Sign the petition:
Online - www.unchainstkilda.org/petition.html
Mobile - SMS your full name, home address and email address to our petition line - 0404 248 114
Hard Copy - Download and print the hard copy, sign and circulate to your friends and mail back to unChain St Kilda, PO Box 6547, Melbourne 8008, to arrive by Wed 6th Feb

thehinitiative

"thehinitiative (pronounced 'The H Initiative') was founded in late-2006 by Li Ling Ng, when a finance career could not hold back any further Li Ling's passion for fashion, design, business and doing good. Life's too short!

thehinitiative is a New Zealand streetwear fashion label playing Robin Hood. We all know that we love spending ourselves but we still want to help out somehow! However, it just seems a little more appealing to buy that latest stylish top than to pop that same amount into a collection bucket.

So, why not kill two birds with one stone: LOOK GREAT, DO GOOD.

Get a t-shirt, look great in it, and we will make sure that a portion of what we get goes to charity and good causes. Simple as that."

Read more here

One Life Live, 29Feb - 2Mar08, London

From: WhyOrganic, Newsflash

One Life Live (29 Feb - 2 March, Olympia, London), the event for people who know we only have One Life and want to make it count.

Have you ever longed to achieve a more green and ethical lifestyle? According to the new Life Change Survey, commissioned by One Life Live, you’re certainly not alone. Over 72% of people in the UK now recognise that achieving a more sustainable lifestyle on a personal, as well as glob