As a consumer and a member of a democratic society, you hold a lot of power to change the world, particularly for those who don’t have a voice. There are a number of ways you can use this power;
Companies
Many companies exploit humans, animals and the environment to have their products made as cheaply as possible in order to bring themselves in big profits. Log onto www.ethicalconsumer.org for the latest news on un-ethical companies so you know not only to avoid their products, but also to write to them, publicise what they do and encourage others to write or sign a petition. If you know enough people, you could even organise a protest to embarrass that company into changing it’s unethical policy. The more the company is aware it will lose customers due to it’s unethical actions, the more likely it is to change. Most importantly, find out where you can buy alternatives.
Political Campaigning
Sign up to charity action alerts to keep on top of the latest news on animal and human rights. Not only will this keep you up-to-date on which companies to campaign against, but also any political discussions and stories in the media. As soon as an item you care about is discussed within the houses of parliament, don’t miss that opportunity to write to your MP and ask them to represent your opinion in the houses of parliament and ask others in your community to do the same. As for any welfare issues being discussed in the news, this is a great opportunity for you to write to your local newspaper with your view and a few facts to support it along with some information on what others can do if they want to support those being affected by the issue.
Check out the PETA website (www.peta.org) and sign up to their action alerts for animal welfare.
Check out Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org.uk) to sign up to their action alerts for human rights.
Log onto www.writetothem.com and www.theyworkforyou.com to contact your MP and find out about how they are voting on your behalf.
Check out www.schnews.org.uk regularly, for updates on actions you can take to help people, animals and our environment.
Donate To Homeless Shelters
There are people, who, for a number of reasons end up with no home or security and they need to be supported wherever they can be. Food, clothing and bedding are always appreciated at homeless shelters. Many shelters want the food to be packaged and the healthier, the better. Fruit, vegetables, whole wheat bread and pasta and canned food are always good options. If you really want to make an effort and cook a meal, wrapping it in kitchen foil will help it keep warm until you deliver it to the shelter. Although clothing and bedding doesn’t have to be spotless, it will just be chucked away if it’s really dirty. Or, if you have the time, how about becoming a volunteer?
You can find out where your nearest homeless shelters are by logging onto www.shelter.org.uk. There are also food banks placed all over the UK for packaged and canned food to be dropped into.
Contact local pubs, restaurants, cafes or supermarkets and offer to take wrapped up left overs (in good condition) to your local homeless shelter or food bank, on a regular basis.
Donate To Orphanages, Children’s Homes And Hospitals
Any old toys, books, blankets or soft toys in good condition are always appreciated at your local orphanage or children’s hospital.
Donate To Animal Rescue Shelters
Animal shelters can usually use old toys, blankets, food and your time if you’re prepared to walk dogs or look after the other animals there!
Donate Old Tools
Tools For Self Reliance are a charity who work with people in Africa, helping them to grow food for themselves. Log onto www.tfsr.org to find out where your nearest donation bank is for any tools you no longer need.
Cuddle A Cat!
See if you have the time to visit your local animal shelter; whether you want to walk the dogs, cuddle the cats or clean out the guinea pig cages, your help can always be used.
Give The Man Some Soup!
Another organisation that could make good use of your time is your local homeless shelter; whether they need a hand in the soup kitchen or talking to and helping homeless people, your time will always come in useful!
Volunteer With People With Depression
Many of us have suffered with depression at some point in our lives and can remember how debilitating it can be. Mind is a charity who offers lots of sup-port through counselling, activities and group work, for people suffering from depression. Mind is also happy to take on volunteers to talk to people, be-friend people and help with the running of a number of support groups. Log onto www.mind.org.uk for more information and to sign up.
Or, if you have the time, The Samaritans are always looking for volunteers. By joining them and giving your time to listen to someone suffering from severe depression, you could end up saving lives.
Help People With Learning Disabilities
As well as having a social stigma still attached to it, living with a learning disability can make it hard to carry out functions of everyday life such as house-hold chores, finding a job and socialising. Mencap is an organisation whose aim is to work alongside people with learning disabilities to ensure they can live how they choose. Many people have found volunteering with Mencap a very valuable and rewarding experience and it can often lead to paid employment. Log onto www.mencap.org.uk for more information.