Ethical Living Guide Part 1: Learn

 

We talk a lot about ethical living and consumption, but you might be wondering what that looks like and why is it so important. It’s all about being conscious of what you buy and consume and the impact your choices have on humans around the world. Today, we’ll walk through part 1 of an ethical living guide.

For example, has your coffee and chocolate been produced by farmers who are being treated properly and paid fairly? Are your clothes sewn by women in factories who work 16 hour days yet don’t earn enough to provide for their family?

The good news is, there are increasing ways to learn the answers to these questions. Sometimes it just takes some research or a little bit of advocacy.

We are excited to share with you some great tips and resources for ethical living in a 4-part series.

This first part focuses on what you can do to LEARN about ethical living. Educating yourself will help you have a great framework for understanding the issues related to modern slavery and our complicity in it in the West.

LEARN ABOUT SLAVERY IN AUSTRALIA & AROUND THE WORLD

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First, it is important to learn about what slavery looks like locally in Australia. You may not realise it, but the Global Slavery Index estimated in 2018 that there were 15,000 modern slaves within Australia. But that does not include our national complicity worth billions of dollars in imported goods in global industries that are notorious for modern slavery.

Find out more:

You can do further research what slavery looks like globally and follow topics of human trafficking, modern slavery and supply chains in the news. For example, if you follow us on social media you will be kept up to date with the latest industry news.

LEARN IF YOUR PRODUCTS ARE ETHICAL

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One of the ways in which you can learn about ethical living is to make choices that are aligned with your values. If you get to know which brands are making an effort to reduce and eliminate slavery from their supply chains, you can feel confident and proud

Some great resources include:

You can also read in more detail about researching and selecting ethical products, like choosing fairtrade and buying clothing and electronics specifically.

LEARN THROUGH EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Documentaries and films are a great way to capture people’s hearts and minds on an issue. As knowledge and interest in modern slavery has become more and more widespread, educational resources have become more common. There are some great tools out there available for your, your friends, your students and your church.

Watch a film:

Read a book: 

LEARN WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT JUSTICE

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For those who are, like us, faith-based, another great way to learn more about trafficking and slavery is to understand biblical justice. We are founded on it and it is a great motivation and foundation for your journey towards ethical living.

We have curated a few prayer and bible resources which you can use personally or with your Christian group.

  • Bible Verses about justice: download here.

  • How to pray for justice: download here.

We hope this is at least enough to get you started on your journey to ethical living! It’s not a comprehensive list by any stretch, but perhaps it’s enough to kickstart your passion to live holistically in pursuit of justice for all. If you have any suggestions or additions to this list, we would love to hear from you!

 
campaignsKatharine Richardsonethical, advocacy