Buy Fair Trade
Changing small elements of our lifestyles is one of the simplest ways to be part of a movement to affect social change. Over the past few years we have seen the effects of consumer pressure for fairer traded products, with more and more products with a fair trade mark appearing on our shelves. By buying these products we can be sure that our purchases are assisting sustainable development and good farming practices. If you have the time, contact your local supermarket or wherever you do most of your shopping and ask for more fair-trade products on the shelves. Don’t forget about your power as a consumer: if your supermarket doesn’t respond to your request take your business elsewhere and explain to your friends and family why you are doing so. To find out more about fair trade and to get involved in promoting it visit Fair Trade Mark Ireland or Fair Trade International.
Buy Local
Buying local goods supports the local economy while saving on food miles. There is also greater assurance that the goods will be ethical. Local goods usually cut down on unnecessary packaging and are likely to be fresher than foods that have travelled halfway around the globe to get to our supermarkets. Supporting local markets can increase the sense of locality and community without supporting the negative impact of globalisation.
Banking
Many banks and building societies in Ireland are now offering ethical investment funds for the conscientious saver. Through these funds, you can be assured that your savings are not invested by banks in ways that undermine sustainable development and human rights. Though the financial returns may not be as high as other kinds of funds, ethical investment is a small price to pay for peace of mind! If your bank does not support ethical investments then consider transferring your money elsewhere.
Environment
Ireland is the fifth most polluting country in the world in per capita terms(1). Our treatment of the environment has a direct impact on people all across the world. Although climate change has been mainly caused by the actions and inactions of countries in the West, such as Ireland, the impact of climate change is most felt by developing countries, through famine and floods. Small changes are making a big difference to Ireland’s carbon footprint. Reduce, re-use, recycle is one of the simplest mantras to stop climate change.
Reduce: energy, waste, water, household chemicals
Re-use: and repair before you replace or find a new owner for your old stuff- freetradeireland.ie
Recycle: use the county council recycling bins at home and at work.
Transport is also a huge issue. Wherever possible, use sustainable means of transport such as walking, cycling or public transport. Wherever possible avoid driving with only one person in the car or flying as these are the biggest carbon contributors for transport.
To find out more about the relationship between our treatment of the environment in the Global North and the impact on the Global South, go to www.eldis.org/climate.
To campaign against climate change, go to StopClimateChaos.ie for more information about a greener, sustainable future.
You can calculate your carbon footprint and get some handy tips on how to reduce it by visiting Change.ie
To learn more about how to live a sustainable life visit Cultivate.
(1) http://www.stopclimatechaos.ie/calltoaction/irelandsrecord1.html