Greetings, friends!
I decided it was time for a makeover. Not the physical kind but, rather, a makeover in daily living. An attempt to de-compartmentalize my life and make my daily choices reflect my values. "Why now?" you might ask. Well, let me explain.
A little background
I'm a 28 year old graduate student pursuing a Master's in International Human Rights at the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Before that, I was a program assistant at the DC-based Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights and before that I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso (you can check out my prolific blogging on that experience here).
In addition to my graduate studies, I currently serve as Associate Director of the Human Trafficking Clinic at the Korbel School, an organization comprised of graduate research associates engaged in community education and original research that aims to contribute to the movement to combat human trafficking. I also work at Banana Republic, which will undoubtedly be the subject of a few blog posts.
So, back to the "why now?". Well, in engaging in the in-depth study of facets of global human trafficking and forced labor, one rather obvious recurring theme is that of purchasing power and consumer choices. This isn't revelatory, I know. It's always been a consideration, to some degree, in choices I've made...or a characteristic of choice that I've tacitly refused to apply to certain decisions. In short, being the person that I am, given the experiences that have shaped my values, there is no good reason not to engage in a wholehearted, comprehensive effort to become a more responsible consumer and thus a better global citizen. No more excuses. No more commitments to myself to be better at some future date. The time is now. Carpe flippin' diem.
How this endeavor is going to work
Here's my plan. Each week I'll take on a product I consume regularly. I'll learn about it, investigate the labor/production/supply issues associated with it, research possible options, and make a concrete commitment to alter my consumption. That's it. In the meantime, I'll explore elements of supply chain integrity, fair labor, environmental degradation and impact, corporate social responsibility, fair trade, etc. In the process, I hope to share what I learn, what I find challenging, what tools exist that aid in my efforts, and what hindrances I come across.
Your feedback is encouraged. Let the journey begin.
I decided it was time for a makeover. Not the physical kind but, rather, a makeover in daily living. An attempt to de-compartmentalize my life and make my daily choices reflect my values. "Why now?" you might ask. Well, let me explain.
A little background
I'm a 28 year old graduate student pursuing a Master's in International Human Rights at the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Before that, I was a program assistant at the DC-based Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights and before that I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso (you can check out my prolific blogging on that experience here).
In addition to my graduate studies, I currently serve as Associate Director of the Human Trafficking Clinic at the Korbel School, an organization comprised of graduate research associates engaged in community education and original research that aims to contribute to the movement to combat human trafficking. I also work at Banana Republic, which will undoubtedly be the subject of a few blog posts.
So, back to the "why now?". Well, in engaging in the in-depth study of facets of global human trafficking and forced labor, one rather obvious recurring theme is that of purchasing power and consumer choices. This isn't revelatory, I know. It's always been a consideration, to some degree, in choices I've made...or a characteristic of choice that I've tacitly refused to apply to certain decisions. In short, being the person that I am, given the experiences that have shaped my values, there is no good reason not to engage in a wholehearted, comprehensive effort to become a more responsible consumer and thus a better global citizen. No more excuses. No more commitments to myself to be better at some future date. The time is now. Carpe flippin' diem.
How this endeavor is going to work
Here's my plan. Each week I'll take on a product I consume regularly. I'll learn about it, investigate the labor/production/supply issues associated with it, research possible options, and make a concrete commitment to alter my consumption. That's it. In the meantime, I'll explore elements of supply chain integrity, fair labor, environmental degradation and impact, corporate social responsibility, fair trade, etc. In the process, I hope to share what I learn, what I find challenging, what tools exist that aid in my efforts, and what hindrances I come across.
Your feedback is encouraged. Let the journey begin.
What does your conscience say?
You must become who it is that you are.
Friedrich Nietzsche
You must become who it is that you are.
Friedrich Nietzsche
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