KGBlog

i think it's a great idea from the i.c. guys and, along with touching on something i've had on my mind a lot recently, it's made me happy for them. i think this is one of the best things they've done to make tangible action feasible for the masses. they did bracelets...which was nice...but do we really need bracelets? not all that much...even if it is for a good cause.

bracelets...bags...is there really a difference? i know, this is just a bag, but i'm hoping that they are moving in the direction of making things we will all buy at some point anyway (ie: basic articles of clothing or otherwise). in this scenario it makes sense to buy from someone that you know is aware and conscious of the working conditions, compensation, etc., of those in their employ. this doesn't have to be i.c. or some other organization across the map. it could be clothes from the local tailor, food from the farmer at the market, drinks from the artsy (or not so artsy) fair trade coffee shop down the street, or eating at the restaurant that buys from these same sources.

whats that? oh yeah, i know. of course it costs more to live like that, and sometimes a lot more. it's because no one in the chain is being taken advantage of. we've been raised in a mass production society. even within the christian circles that i've moved in for the majority of my life we've been told that cheaper is better, and we've all seen people we respect live like it's truth.

but, cheap means we're being responsible with what we've been given right? not really. finding the cheapest deal, in almost every case, means that somewhere along the line someone isn't being compensated fairly for the labor they have put forth. that's just the nature of the market. here's the thing. if we actually decided to be generous (ie: pay more...and not just for a name brand, but because we can see the source and know that everyone involved in the products journey from start to us is being treated justly) then maybe, just maybe...we wouldn't have to give money to the charitable organization educating and feeding starving kids in __(insert 3rd world location)__ or the one building them houses out of cinderblocks.

wait, what? well, because their mom and dad would actually have a real income...and could take care of their own family...and maybe be given back just a bit of the dignity that we take from them when we buy the sweatshop products they make for 10 cent an hour.

i know that's a lofty goal...and in the meantime, sure, go ahead, give to the charity of your choice...but maybe start changing the way you shop too.

how can i afford these products made with responsibility and quality? simple, simplify. you buy fewer things. you may even find that with less stuff your life is less cluttered, and therefore you spend less time taking care of your things...giving you more time for relationships, community, your long lost hobbies/potential passions, plying your own trade for those investing in you and your product, etc.

thanks for letting me ramble...and asking such good questions. this post was probably mostly to encourage myself on these matters, but maybe we're a little bit alike. so, feel free to get something out of it too if you want...i won't mind.