A Sustainable Economy - How do you give back?
Yesterday I spoke about how the little changes we all make can come together in a ’snowball effect’. I was speaking mostly about our own sustainable practices at home - saving water, composting, recycling, reducing waste. Today, it occurred to me that there is another way that we can all make a difference to the world - by contributing to a sustainable economy.
What do I mean by that? Well, a massive issue in this world of ours is the unfair distribution of wealth. We in the Western countries own a disproportionate amount of the world’s wealth. I’m sure this is something you already know, but it’s easy to forget it in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Now, I believe that capitalism is the best system out there - but an enlightened capitalism, where we make sure no-one in our society is without food and shelter. The system here in Australia is a reasonable example of this - we have generous welfare payments (perhaps too generous in some instances, like the baby bonus) - and a healthy economy with low unemployment.
The core of the capitalist system is the ability to work/run a business to earn money - which you forfeit some tax on for the administration of the country - but are then free to do with as you will. I have been a fortunate person - I grew up in a comfortable home with working/middle class parents (that’s always a tricky distinction for me - there are so many differing definitions out there), and have never wanted for any necessity.
I was able to get a good education, thanks to HECS (Higher Education Loans Scheme - where the government pays for your university education, and you pay them back with no interest out of your tax once you start working). I now have a decently-paid job and a good lifestyle… and as part of this I choose to give back to those people in the world who are not as fortunate as me.
There are many ways you can do this - for me, I liked the idea of sponsoring a child. So, many years ago now, while I was still studying and not earning a whole heck of a lot, I signed up with CCF (now Childfund.org.au) and started sponsoring a little girl in India called Sandhyarani.
This is only a drop in the ocean, certainly. And there are no doubt many people who scoff and say ‘what difference is that really making?’ Well, they may be right. The small re-distribution of wealth that I’m contributing to is very little in the grand scheme of things - especially when the developing world as a whole has such an enormous economic deficit when compared to OECD countries.
However, this little bit is all I feel I can do at this stage of my life. I don’t have control over government policies, nor am I in control of a huge multi-national corporation. I choose to make this contribution, and like to think it is making a difference to someone out there - someone who is, in some way, better off because of me.
So, I’m curious to know what you do to give back? Do you give to charity, volunteer, or sponsor a child of your own? I’m sure some of you do much more than me!
June 23 2008 03:24 pm | economy
June 26th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Jess, Great article.
I do give back by supporting three disadvantaged kids through school using the Learning for Life program of The Smith Family. I feel that kids being able to finish their education is a great start to being able to look after yourself and hopefully contribute back once your grown.
Another thing that I like to do is buy ‘guilt free’ products as I like to call Fair Trade products. The idea behind it is basically that the growers of cocoa or coffee in are actually paid a fair price for their produce to allow them to keep up their farm and pay fair wages for any labour that is needed.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Mark, that’s fantastic! Education is key - it gives everyone who gets it a good opportunity to make what they want of their lives. And fair trade products are an awesome avenue for this - too. Thank you for sharing