I live in Dublin, one of the most expensive cities in Europe. I am fortunate that I don’t often think about how much things cost. In fact when I go to the supermarket I have no idea, I just buy what we need. That has now changed.
It is nothing to do with cost. I watched a program last week about children working in coco plantations and the conditions they worked in – only to bring us in the Western world chocolate. There was an interview with someone from the chocolate industry – they lied all through the interview and completely expected to be seen as doing the right thing. What crap.
So this week I have bought some chocolate from Oxfam who sell a stock of Fairtrade foodstuffs. It seems that chocolate is only the start. While I was there I bought coffee. I have no idea how much I buy coffee for in Tesco, and I drink a lot of coffee. I don’t drink any less now, but I do drink Fairtrade.
Today I need sugar and I will get that there along with my honey which we use in Tea.
While I was at university I first came across the idea of post-democratic society, an interesting concept. We are not post-capitalism though, any thing but. Therefore it seems like this is the only way forward for the individual to make a difference.
I have my money and I care if large companies like ALL the mainstream chocolate manufacturers use what is effectively slaves. Child slaves. Only with my ignorance, laziness and compliance does this continue, and only with your agreement too.