(Ethical) shop 'til ya drop
21 April 2008
Ok, let's be honest. Making decisions about what we buy can be tough. It's difficult to resist that new pair of shoes, that swanky new gadget, or that plasma TV with a screen the size of a wall - even though you probably don't need the thing in the first place.
Problem is, as we all probably know deep down but find it difficult to admit, there are moral and environmental implications tied to every purchase.
The dilemma. What do we do when we're thinking about buying stuff? Spend hours researching? Try to work out whether that t-shirt was made in a factory where workers get decent wages, are entitled to join trade unions, and where working practices are monitored by an independent NGO?
Argh! It's ethics overload!
Luckily, help is at hand. (Well, at least if you can get to Bristol, that is).
Staff at Oxfam's South West office have been beavering away the last few weeks helping to put on Ethical Expo 08, the consumer show with a difference.
Organised alongside friends from Christian Aid and the Fairtrade Foundation, Ethical Expo - which will take will take place at Castle Park in central Bristol on 9 and 10 May - will give visitors the chance to discover and explore how what we buy and how we live our lives has an impact on people and the environment.
It's all about how your purse (or wallet, if that's more your style) can be used to do positive things.
It's free entry too, so with more than 60 trade stalls, a food hall, workshops, and even an ethical fashion show, you'd be daft not to go along.
At the Oxfam stall we'll 're-working' clothes into fab fashion creations with local outfit Urban Threads.
Alternatively, if you can't make it, but you're still interested in finding out how to consume more ethically, there's still time to take part in our Swap It parties, which are taking place around the country this week.
If you've not come across them on Oxfam's website already, a 'Swap It' is a party based on a simple concept: people bring stuff, swap stuff, and then take the surplus to their Oxfam shop.
And with almost 250 people signed up to host a Swap It this weekend, our planet can (at least temporarily) let out a little sigh of relief.
Comments
me and anise and our friend billie were in the fashion show.
The best outfits (by far) were the urban threads ones (by Mandy Perryman and Jackie Reeves). the whole dressing gown, blue nighty thing really wasnt good.
apart from that it was all good.
=D
lauren and anise and billie (who is in costa rica)
x x x
anise and lauren | June 4, 2008 2:05 PM
Hi Chris,
yes that's pretty much the thinking behind the event - encouraging people to consider how excessive consumption has an impact. That's why we put "(Ethical)" in the title.
At the Oxfam stall we'll be 're-working' clothes to encourage people to re-use what they've got and not just throwing away.
Richard, Oxfam GB | May 6, 2008 6:32 PM
"shop 'til ya drop" ????
Surley, to be ethical, is to consume LESS ie. shop less, shop wisely.
Chris Bouvier | May 6, 2008 2:34 PM
hey guys...
i think its great for everything that oxfam do! id love to be involved as i already am in another charity helping young girls in India.
everyone needs help even if its just with looking after little things help is needed great and small and i think what oxfam are trying to do is help so there isnt any trouble so they need out help. please help them...x
joana begam | May 6, 2008 11:58 AM
Hey guys,
i'm the forntman for the band littleFISH, and we'd dig to get involved anyway we can. I also just received an email regarding the crisis in Zimbabwe due to the elections and and complete disregard for human life.
They desperately need clothing and food. is there anything we can do with you?
Marc Maurel | April 28, 2008 9:56 AM
Dear Gordon Brown, I believe that everyone should have a chance to go to school in life, so all the people that can't go to school should have a chance. please take this message to your MP's.
Hannah | April 25, 2008 9:47 PM
hey Cindy, great to hear that you're interested!
Have you had a look at the section on our website with them on? It's online here - oxfam.org.uk/swapit
The best place with all the info you need is in out Swap It party guide, which has got hints, tips and info for putting a party together - Swap it party details
Your party doesn't have to be a big affair, it's just about inviting a few friends round to swap things with each other - clothes, CDs, even furniture if you want - to try and cut down on the amount of new stuff we're buying.
A lot of Swap It parties are happening tomorrow, but you can just organise one at any time.
Richard, Oxfam GB | April 24, 2008 1:35 PM
I would like to know more about hosting a Swap It party.
Cindy Zudys | April 24, 2008 8:55 AM
Love to pop over to your 'swap it' fun weekend - all good wishes for a successful time
keryn morton | April 24, 2008 7:37 AM
Por la vida.
Por los seres humanos, que necesitan de todo nuestro apoyo.
Antonio da Silva Ortega | April 22, 2008 2:19 PM