Update. November 2010

Christmas is upon us!

Well, not quite.... but getting closer. What will you stuff in your stockings this year? Lots of stuff ? Good stuff? The right stuff? I-have-no-idea-where-it-comes-from stuff?

It's a good time to start preparing for the potentially foreboding season of cheer and goodwill.

Check out our 'Top 10 gift ideas for an Ethical Christmas'. Excuse the shameless promotion.

Or better still at www.buynothingchristmas.org you can checkout their 'buy nothing catalogue' where you can 'come discover what you already have'.

Updated, and almost here ...

The Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping 2011 edition will be hot off the eco-printing press in about a week. Just ready for Christmas stockings. You can pre-order from our new look Shop webpage. We also have a bunch of new products on offer including Christmas hampers. Our remaining stock of 2010 Guides are available at half price.

Our Shop Ethical! iPhone app 2011 edition is also coming, with a new content, a brand new look and some exciting features that people have requested. Giving you instant access to over 2,800 products with related company information - another layer on from the print guide to help you make an informed decision whenever you shop .Available on the iTunes App Store. The 2010 edition is avilable for $1.19 for a limited time.

No Impact November

The 7 day challenge where we explore alternatives ways of living with an emphasis on consuming less, sharing more and moving to a life with less oil dependency. Our specific challenge week will be from Thursday 11th to 18th November. Our preparation evening is this Thursday 4th November. RSVP nick@ethical.org.au or checkout the website for updates and blogs No Impact November.

Meal & Movie nights

Our regular night out East has moved from 3rd Friday of the month to 3rd Wednesday of the month. And our West meeting will incorporate our celebratory meal to kick-off the start of our Challenge week.>> Dinner 6.30 - 7.30pm - byo 'food and thoughts' to share >> movie 8pm - 10.30pm.

Out West - Thursday 14 October - No Impact November Challenge - Neesh & Shaun's place, Yarraville. Celebratory meal & also showing short movie exerts of other people's challenges >> RSVP to Nick nick@ethical.org.au or 0417 114 492

Out East - Wednesday 17th November, What would Jesus Buy? - Wendy's place, Blackburn. Reverend Billy & The Church of Stop Shopping choir give a humours dose of evangelical activism. >> RSVP to Wendy - qblhome @ hotmail.com or ph: 9878 7897

>> Find out more about Meal & Movie nights. Let us know if you'd like to host a regular night in your local area.

News ....

Tim Tams free from child labour
29th Oct 2010 — Arnott’s announced that it will source ethical cocoa that has not been made with the use of child labour for all of its chocolate-based products, including the iconic Tim Tam biscuit, after being the target of a public campaign by World Vision earlier this year (2010). More

ACCC mergers and takeovers
There’s three deals awaiting ACCC approval. 1>> Metcash/IGA wants to buy South African owned Franklins Supermarkets 2>> Asahi Breweries (Japan) wants to buy P&N Beverages (If this goes ahead there will be very few Australian-owned fruit juice or soft drinks brands left in the supermarket). 3>> Aspen Pharmacare (South Africa) wants to buy Herron Pharmaceuticals.

What to plant....

With lots of rain and lots of sun, now is the time to get your seed and seedlings in the ground. Here's a few ideas. Tomatos, beans, corn, cucumber, lettuce, pumpkin, silverbeet, sunflowers. See more at www.gardenate.com

Buy Nothing Day

On Satruday November 27th have a global holiday from consumerism! Don't just stop buying for 24 hours, but shut off your lights, televisions and other nonessential appliances. Park your car, turn off your phones. Call it a Ramadan-like fast. From sunrise to sunset abstain en masse, not only from shopping, but from all the temptations of our five-planet lifestyles. And if you're feeling rather mischevious, join us for some crazy but cool stunts on the day. (contact nick).
More at www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd

Upcoming workshops ...

  • Tuesday 16th November, 6pm – 8.30pm >>'Stockpile love not landfill this Christmas', Balwyn
  • Saturday 20th November, 10.30am - 1.00pm >> Altona Library Supermarket tour
  • Saturday 27 November >> Buy Nothing Day - stunts & fun!

Find out more or register online here .

 

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To view this newsletter online go to www.ethical.org.au/newsletters/nov2010.htm