we want to live ethically living ethically is a way to realistically live counter-culturally to our society. In an attempt to reconcile our lives with our values, we at WhoCares? are doing our best to figure out ways of living that don't contribute to the cycle of world poverty.
we are always learning about everyday choices that can have a positive and lasting impact on the poor and the world we live in. We want our lifestyles to contribute in empowering the poor and protecting our natural environment and resources. This can be broken down into these two areas of life: living and spending.
responsible living
- learn and be aware
the best way to begin to make a change is to learn. Become informed on these issues that would otherwise remain small, insignificant and detached from who we are and how we live. there is a difference between letting life happen to you and living - being aware. It's realizing our values being reflected in our lives.
- reduce "to use less"
we live in a society that pushes you to have, to buy, to get the next thing. This is a reminder to be wise in our consumption.
- reuse "to use again"
there is a beauty about making more of what we already have... big and little things. We have much to learn from the developing world in this as they use everything they have because they don't have a choice not to.
- recycle "to be renewed"
there comes the time, when it just has to be thrown away... but let's support the idea of it being made into something new again.
responsible spending
as it was said above, spending with the perspective of responsibility and not just being moved by a "bargain" goes against what seems ingrained in us. From the seller to the buyer it is about getting the most at the least possible cost. However, there are repercussions to our "bargains", a cost that is more important to evaluate than the difference in price of regular coffee versus fair trade coffee.
There is a lot of power in the spending of our money and this is too easily forgotten. In understanding where we put our money, we recognize that it is a loud voice that can make a difference. Being aware of companies, brands and their values in how they run business and make their products is essential. This can also be overwhelming, so we have tried to list realistic sites to help you in making your decisions.
www.betterworldshopper.org - A comprehensive guide for socially and evironmentally responsible consumers. This is an easy and realistic way to get started in making ethically responsible choices that don't cost you a lot, it is simply choosing wear to spend the money you already have.
www.ethicalconsumer.org - Tips on ethical buying and consumer reports on a wide range of goods. Also information on UK and worldwide boycotts.
imagine if we all did . . .
. . . . . .
liNk
There is more to look at than just the price tag when we think about what we wear - let's check into this!
