Permaculture Out West

Archive for the ‘Ethical Consumer Group’ Category

Check out this article about the better choice for sustainable Xmas trees.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/12/great-xmas-trees-delivered-by-bike.php?campaign=daily_nl

Book for one of Two sessions one at 12.15pm and one at 1.15pm.

Take a supermarket tour with a difference and find out about how the products on your shopping list stack up for the planet. What are the issues that reflect the true cost of the products we buy? What are “best buys” for our health, our communities and our planet? How can you find the most sustainable purchase amongst the options available? As we walk the aisles, we’ll explore practical ways to help you in making more ethical choices and lighten your impact.

Presented by Nick Ray of the Ethical Consumer Group. Limited places of 10 people on each tour. Booking essential. No charge.

Book at our website below.
LOCATION: A central Footscray Meeting point will be advised once you book
CONTACT NAME: Grace Girardi  PHONE: 9688 0357
EMAIL: grace.girardi@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
WEB: http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Form/Forms.asp?Form_id=105

Update. January 2010

New Years resolutions …

A new year – a chance for a fresh start. Even though almost a month has passed, it’s not too late to take on some healthy challenges. The ‘Good Guide’, as US web resource, has put together 5 key resolutions for the new year with the theme ‘Live Well, Do Well’.

Number 1 is to ‘research products’ – find out about the things you buy and delve deeper into the issues that you are concerned about. Use our print guide and database as a starting place. Find out more about the Good Guide’s other four resolutions here.

Join us at…

Sustainable Living festival
Join in the Festival ‘s Main Event at Melbourne’s Federation Square from 19-21 February. Showcasing a huge range of exhibitors, talks, workshops, art, films and performances celebrating and inspiring sustainable communities. > Download Main Event Highlights Guide

Pre-festival events
The Festival has expanded its program with a range of new local events. Visit local sustainability events in your town, suburb or street during the fortnight from 6-21 February. > Download Local Events Highlights Guide.

Find out more at http://festival.slf.org.au

Ethical Consumer Group events

‘Shopping with a Conscience’ City Supermarket Tours
Tuesday 9th & Tuesday 16th February 5.45pm-7.30pm

Talks:
Consumer Power – Making the Change
Saturday 20 February 2pm, Feast Tent

Living Zero Waste – Beyond A Disposable World
Sunday 21 February 2pm, Feast Tent

> Download ECG Events Guide for details

Feast hub
As in previous years, we’ll be based in the Feast Hub on the main event weekend, located next to the Feast Outloud Stage where food related presentations and talks are held. It’s a place to find further resources on issues related to food and everyday consumerables. We’re looking for people to help out in this space over the course of the weekend. Contact Nick if you’re interested. nick@ethical.org.au

News….

Western Australian GM ban lifted
Western Australia has become the third Australian state to allow farmers to plant genetically modified canola crops. The decision brings WA into line with NSW and Victoria, where farmers have grown GM canola commercially since 2008, and leaves only two states, South Australia and Tasmania, with bans on GM crops. more.
(See Genethics for a register of GM-Free Farms, Businesses and Councils, to help you find GM-free products and services.)

Kraft to buy Cadburys
British chocolate firm Cadbury is likely to end the six-month takeover battle by accepting the $21 billion bid from the US food giant Kraft Foods when Cadbury shareholders vote on the proposal on February 2. If succesful, this will create the world’s largest maker of chocolate and sweets. more.

Green & Blacks to expand fairtrade range
28 Jan 2010. Organic chocolate maker Green & Black’s has pledged to switch its entire worldwide food and beverage range to Fairtrade by the end of next year. Green & Black’s chocolate is certifed organic but only it’s Maya Gold has been certifed Fairtrade as well. (Green & Black’s is owned by Cadbury and so it’s unclear whether Kraft will continue with Cadbury’s plans to increase it’s Fairtrade range if the takeover goes ahead). more.

Coming up ….

New print guide
The 2010 edition of ‘The Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping’ will be available in mid February. With updated company information, a more detailed rating system, and two new categories – Alcohol and Office Supplies – it might be just the thing to help you navigate through the issues connected to your everyday purchases. Pre-order from the website.
Shop Ethical! iPhone app
For all you gadget-fiends out there, you’ll be able to check out the guide on your iPhone or iPod-Touch. Available soon.

Ecomarket & Community Hub
The Friends of the Earth Eco Market project, originally focusing on a regular sustainable alternative to supermarket shopping, now includes the setting up of a Community Hub with cafe, food co-operative & grocery store. A weekly Saturday market style operation will start at the South Melbourne location in early to mid 2010. More info on the project is available here

Events ….

Kick Reflex out of Native Forests
27th Feb 2010 – Boycott Woodchipping Campaign Launch. Japanese paper giant Nippon Paper this year purchased the Maryvale Mill, where seven of every ten trees logged in Central Gippsland and the Central Highlands are pulped for the manufacture of paper products, including Reflex paper. These forests are vital habitat for threatened species, water catchments for both local communities and Melbourne, and if left intact, are safe and efficient carbon banks in a time of climate crisis. It is time to protect these forests. Contact lauren.caulfield@foe.org.au or call 9419 8700 for more info.

Carrot Mob in Melbourne
What is “Carrotmob” I hear you say? … “a method of activism that leverages consumer power to make the most socially-responsible business practices also the most profitable choices”. Sounds good. Hows it work? You with a bunch of others turn up to a designated store at a particular time and buy a lot of whatever you want (need). The store has committed to spending a percentage (say 20%) of all the revenue brought in on the day on energy-saving measures or something similar and earth-friendly. It’s pretty simple. Buy things you already buy. Help make the world a better place. The Melbourne mob will be hosting a ‘Carrotmob – Your Vote to Launch It’ event on the 13th Feb. more at http://melbourne.carrotmob.org or on the wider movement http://carrotmob.org
T10 – the Transition Decade – Launch
We now stand on the edge of major ecological tipping points that could manifest over the next decade. At the same time Australians have a long history in demonstrating an ability to overcome enormous challenges when faced with great adversity. Get ready for the Safe Climate Decade 2010 – 2020. The launch of this 10 year campaign to restore a safe climate is on Sunday 14 February at 12pm in the Melbourne Town Hall. More at www.t10.net.au

Quote…

“Man is born free and everywhere is in chain stores” ……………… Graffitti

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See news and print guide updates at http://www.ethical.org.au/news
To view this newsletter online go to www.ethical.org.au/newsletters/jan2010.html

To unsubscribe from our newsletter please visit our website www.ethical.org.au/newsletter/

Fortnightly update. November 2009 #1

Have your say as to what goes on the label …

On the back of the proposed amendment to the Food Standards Code (Truth in Labelling Laws, Senate Bill 2009), the Food Labelling Review Panel is asking for submissions.

Lots of things you could mention. Here’s a few:
the word “Australian” only apply in relation to food that is 100% produced in Australia from Australian products. (in above bill)
label all Genetically Modified foods – currently oils, sugars and starches from GM crops; products from animals fed GM food; GM additives, processing aids and flavourings; and food from street vendors, takeaways and restaurants do not need to be labelled. (more at Madge)
mandatory labeling of palm oil in the ingredients list of all packaged foods which contain any quantity of palm oil or palm oil derivatives. Palm oil is found in 1 in 10 supermarket products and linked to orangutan habitat loss. (more at POAG)
label the method of production of meat, eggs and dairy products, and define and regulate terms such as caged / battery eggs; barn laid eggs; free-range, open-range or range eggs; grain fed; bred free-range; organic and biodynamic.
label nano-ingredients in foods (more at Foe)
See the things that major groups such as Choice, Humane Society International, Ausbuy, Zoos Victoria, and WWF-Australia, and many others including industry groups, have said in their submissions here.

Act now. Send a short email to FoodLabellingReview@health.gov.au – You’ve only got till the 20th November.————————————-

Buy Nothing Day – the global holiday from Consumerism – is upon us again …

On November 28 – Saturday week – you can be one of the tens of millions of people around the world to bring the capitalist consumption machine to a grinding – if only momentary – halt.
Don’t just stop buying for 24 hours, but to shut off your lights, televisions and other nonessential appliances. Park your car, turn off your phones and log off of your computer for the day. Call it a Ramadan-like fast. From sunrise to sunset abstain en masse, not only from holiday shopping, but from all the temptations of our five-planet lifestyles.
More at www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd

And more … so you want to really take on the challenge? .. Buy Nothing Christmas
This Christmas we’ll be swamped with offers, ads and invitations to buy more stuff. But now there’s a way to say enough and join a movement dedicated to reviving the original meaning of Christmas giving. Check out the information kit and celebrate the real way … if you dare?
More at www.buynothingchristmas.org/
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Jive Talk …

Sun 22 Nov, 2pm
No bookings required, Free event

At The Dancing Dog Cafe
The Dog Theatre
42a Albert St Footscray
Melway ref: 42 C5

More

Nick will be talking at Jive Talk during the Big West Festival. Come along and join in the fun.
Jive Talk is a space for people to meet, listen, engage and dream about a better world through social conversation. To hope for our future and expect that when people get their hands dirty and learn the heartbeat of the world that something amazing can happen. ——————

Coming up…

“Shopping with a Conscience” Supermarket Tour
Our next public workshop will be held in February 2010. 6pm – 8.30pm. Cost $25. Light supper provided. Meet at Footscray
Baptist church, 60 Paisley Street, Footscray. Find out more at http://www.ethical.org.au/swac

Ethical Consumer Group ‘meet & movie’ nights
Also resuming next year… stay tuned! Find out more at http://www.ethical.org.au/ecgmovie
(ps. We’ve received some funding to start up an audiovisual library so soon you’ll be able to hire movies to stimulate discussion
amongst your own groups).

Sustainable Living Festival 2010
New 2 week program, 6-21 Februrary 2010, and the main event 19-21 February at Melbourne’s Federation Square.
Now is the time to submit your ideas, exhibits and events. Or join the festival volunteer team – enquiries at info@slf.org.au
Find out more http://festival.slf.org.au
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Get a Guide for your stocking!

They’re going cheap on mass. Contact Pradeepa to find out the bulk deal for our ‘Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping’ pocket book. Great for Christmas presents, end of year office gifts, or raising funds for your church, workplace or community group. Find out more by sending a email to orders@ethical.org.au

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See news updates at http://www.ethical.org.au/news

Fortnightly update. October 2009 #1

Join us for …

Pig Business – What is the true cost of meat?

This UK documentary by Tracy Worcester explores animal welfare conditions in the pig industry and factory farms across Europe. The film reveals that these huge meat factories overcrowd and mistreat the animals, put small farmers out of business, and pollute the water and air, endangering the health of local residents and consumers. Discussion will include conditions in Australia, as recently exposed by environmentalist and campaigner Emma Haswell in one Tasmanian piggery that is a major supplier to Woolworths.

Ethical Consumer Group September meeting – This Thursday – 8th October >> 6.30 – 7.30pm – dinner – byo ‘food and thoughts’ to share >> 8pm – 10.30pm – movie & discussion. Susan’s place, Yarraville, RSVP for further details. Nick Ray 0417 114 492 nick@ethical.org.au The Ethical Consumer Group meets monthly to discuss aspects of living out sustainable alternatives in a consumerist culture.————————————-

Some updates regarding Genetic Engineering …

We’re a silly bunch, introducing genetically engineered (GE) food crops – Canola in December 2008 – when as an island nation we have
potential to export GE-free food crops to the world.

Japan set to reject genetically engineered canola Australia’s canola exports are likely to be significantly impacted by the change of government in Japan. The Democratic Party of Japan has pledged to implement stringent GE labelling laws. http://www.truefood.org.au/newsandevents/?news=65

Hands off our rice! Today, GE rice only exists in field trials. But all that could change tomorrow as agri-chemical companies and some governments around the globe are trying to commercialise it. Keeping rice GE-free is not just about consumer choice. Rice is the world’s most important staple food – with more than half of the global population eating it every day. Sign the petition and see the video http://www.greenpeace.org/rice

Our Right To Know Sign the petition, calling on the Federal government to implement strict labeling of food containing genetically
modified ingredients. http://www.truefood.org.au/OurRightToKnow/

The world’s greatest scam? Want to know more about why Genetic Engineering is a big deal?
See the u-tube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H9WZGKQeYg
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Focus on Diet Soft Drinks…

How sweet it is to be loved by you! The two largest soft drinks producers in Australia, Coca-Cola Amatil and Schweppes Australia, use artificial sweeteners 950 (Ace K) and 951 (aspartame) in all of their diet soft drinks. These are chemical flavour enhancers are used as sugar substitutes.

There are concerns about the safety of all artificial sweeteners, but aspartame (which is 180 to 200 times sweeter than sugar) has probably generated the most controversy. The components – phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol – when processed in the body, break down into formic acid and formaldehyde. These have been associated with retinal eye damage and birth defects.

The “new kid on the block” is Neotame (961), used in most of P&N’s non-diet softdrinks. Neotame is 13,000 sweeter than sugar. While products containing aspartame come with a warning label, legislators are yet to turn their attention to neotame, even though it is many times stronger and appears to be more toxic.

See more at ECG report ‘Artificial Sweeteners in Soft Drinks in Australia”.
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Coming up…

“Shopping with a Conscience” Supermarket Tour
Our next public workshop is on the 29th October. 6pm – 8.30pm. Cost $25. Light supper provided. Meet at Footscray Baptist church,
60 Paisley Street, Footscray. Find out more at http://www.ethical.org.au/swac

Ethical Consumer Group ‘meet & movie’ nights
>> Thursday 12th November screening “The 11th Hour”, Nick’s place, Footscray.
Find out more at http://www.ethical.org.au/ecgmovie

Very Edible Gardens – workshops
Gotta give a plug for these amazing workshops! Get your hands dirty and learn about the real answers to our consumer culture.
Including worshops on Organic gardening (Oct 18), Compost & Worms (Oct 14), Chickens (Nov 11), Soil (Nov 25),
Drought-proofing your Garden (Oct 28), Weeds and Permaculture basics.
Find out more http://www.veryediblegardens.com/vegucation All the best food begins at home!

Sustainable Living Festival 2010
New 2 week program, 6-21 Februrary 2010, and the main event 19-21 February at Melbourne’s Federation Square.
Now is the time to submit your ideas, exhibits and events. Or join the festival volunteer team – enquiries at info@slf.org.au
Find out more http://festival.slf.org.au
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Volunteers needed to man* a stall?

We’re looking for volunteers who are interested in representing the Ethical Consumer Group at festivals and events. We often have requests to have a stall or presence at functions and haven’t up till now had resources to do this. If you’re interested in helping spread the word in this way, let me know. nick@ethical.org.au

* woman/person/dude
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See news updates at http://www.ethical.org.au/news