There's many ways to be a 'producer' rather than a 'consumer' ... and to contribute to the world in a meaningful way. Here are some individuals from organisations that are leading the charge for change.
> click the pic for main talk, and links below for more
Green Collect is a Melbourne-based social enterprise specialising the the collection of hard-to-recycle items. Electronic waste, excess office supplies, and unwanted clothing (amongst other things) are reused, remade (upcycled) or recycled. Green Collect operates two retail stores and offers training and employment to people facing multiple barriers to work, providing a flexible and inclusive workplace.
Green Collect » Guardian article (2016) » The Project (2012) »Rob Kalin the founder of Etsy talks to the World Economic Forum about a handmade marketplace, local living economies and what makes an innovator. He shares the vision of the global Etsy community, and in a more recent candid radio interview below, how leaving the company has affected him.
Etsy » Radio interview (2015) »iFixit is a wiki-based site that teaches people how to fix almost anything. Anyone can create a repair manual for a device, and anyone can also edit the existing set of manuals to improve them. The site empowers individuals to share their technical knowledge with the rest of the world. Kyle shares 'why' repair is good for the world and good for us as well!
iFixit » Kyle Talks » 2016 Tear-down finds » Micro-Soldering Mom »Secondhand doesn't mean second best! The incredible global movement of Fashion Revolution is calling for greater transparency in the fashion industry - asking the question "Who made my clothes?". Part of this is #haulternative or "Thrift haul". Instead of the traditional fashion haul (shopping then posting a video of what you’ve bought), you refresh your wardrobe by buying pre-loved from secondhand stores.
Thrift Haul! - Livoila » More on #haulternative » Fashion Revolution »2016 has seen the death of many celebrities and famous people. One who has not been mentioned frequently, but whose life's work may be the most meaningful contribution to our society at this time is Bill Mollisson, one of the co-creators of permaculture, an agricultural system that works with, rather than against, nature, on the basis that the natural world holds the key to stable and productive systems. More
“In nature there is no such thing as waste. In nature nothing is wasted; everything is recycled..” ― David Suzuki
“The greatest change we need to make is from consumption to production, even if on a small scale, in our own gardens. If only 10% of us do this, there is enough for everyone. Hence the futility of revolutionaries who have no gardens, who depend on the very system they attack, and who produce words and bullets, not food and shelter.” ― Bill Mollison
Permaculture songs by Formidable Vegetable Sound System