Well, at least that's what I'm trying to do. Working in fashion, I'm part of a ginormous machine that churns out a vast amount of energy per millisecond and I will always stand by my values and determination in order to show people fashion can be ethical and environmentally friendly. It may take a while, but I'll do it.
For now though, I need to sort myself out. It's all well and good telling people that they should buy ethically and think about the labour involved in garment manufacture, and to buy environmentally and think about the chemicals, fabric and energy used in manufacture of garments too, without assessing my own consumerism.
This challenge (and a blocked bank card) has made me think about my spending and where I buy food from. I already know certain things are bad (I don't buy from any Arcadia store or Primark because they haven't signed the Ethical Trading Initiative *and their clothes are horrible* which although won't make a huge difference, it means I can stick by things when I'm really passionate about them). I do buy Fair Trade and Organic where possible, even in clothing but as I'm still a student, it can be difficult. The rules as it were that I've set myself try to abide by the fact that we should buy food in season, we should buy Fair Trade, we should use less packaging and we should just buy less unnecessary things. I know it'll be difficult but it couldn't be called a challenge if it wasn't. There are things that I already do but I've put them in my list anyway just so I make it clear to myself (and to you) that it's important to stick to what good you do already even if you change so much more.
I hope you find it intriguing anyway and plan your own challenge. I won't give you a reward, but just understanding that you don't need certain things I would say is reward enough. Especially if it saves you money.
1. Carry on using shopper totes instead of plastic bags (reuse any I do *have* to get)
2. Buy from local markets instead of from the supermarkets
3. Make meals based on what's in season - eat more vegetables!!
4. Carry on getting the bus, tube and walking (walking more if it's closer - enjoy the Autumn air!)
5. Turn off all appliances when not in use and keep on pushing the office to do the same
6. Don't use my spare time to look online for new shoes! Instead tidy up, read or if I really have to, watch a film
7. Now that I have my sewing stuff back, get on making handmade crafts to sell and show how easy it is to make Christmas presents instead of forking out hundreds of pounds on new gadgets - join the quirky craft revolution!
8. Sell on Ebay, give to charity or even better CUSTOMISE clothes I already have instead of eventually buying new ones
9. Spend my spare time attending the theatre, galleries and gigs that are on offer for FREE instead of sitting indoors with lights and computer on for hours on end
10. Continue recycling and make sure others know how to recycle properly (including telling backing up why recycling in the first place is beneficial)
There is most probably more but my big things anyway are to buy from markets and shop for clothes less.
For more information on Oxfam's campaigns, please visit www.oxfam.org.uk or get in touch with them to find out what you can do to get involved (Oxjam, Outreach in your area, Trailwalker, Festivals or coming up on the 5th December 'The Wave' in London, a last call on politicians to make a fair and adequate deal for the people in developing nations at the Copenhagen Climate Conference).
Climate change costs lives. Let's sort it. Here and Now.
