A fascinating article on how consumerism and owning too much stuff is literally bad for our health. Read it here.
It's based on Oliver James' (author of Affluenza) new book 'the Selfish Capitalist'. Whatever conclusions you reach, it doesn't look good!

The BBC reported here that more people will spend Christmas day surfing online for deals than will attend the Church of England. Two quotes stood out:

"The desire to shop doesn't go away and the web fills a niche when stores close."

"Sitting in front of elderly relatives playing charades is one way to spend your Christmas Day, surfing for deals is another. We know that Boxing Day is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and people are keen to get started on the sales."

Surely there has to be another way? At Breathe we certainly think so....

The British government announced a review into the affects of advertising on children (9th December) looking to see if there are links between the 10,000 adverts seen a year and anxiety, dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and drinking in children.

You can read the report here and connected stories here

 

BBC news reported (9th December 2007) that the British government have announced plans to massively increase off-shore wind farms so that by 2020, 7000 wind turbines will provide enough electricity to power every house in the UK.

You can read the transcript of the interview with John Hutton MP here or the interview with the opposite number from the Conservatives, Alan Duncan here.

Either way, it's a bold move and a step in the right direction for a renewable low carbon energy solution.

The BBC Magazine has an interesting article on the battle between Buy Nothing Day and the dominant consumer mindset. It starts with a great quote that gives insight into the values of consumers...it gives them identity.

"I genuinely enjoy shopping. I admire things. I like looking at the difference between products. I like going into shops and choosing things. Having a good long talk with the shop assistant - so long as they know their stuff. And then getting home and taking whatever it is out of the nice packaging," says Maryann from west London. It's "a lot to do with who I am... The whole process gives me real pleasure."

This BBC magazine article has an interesting vision (or should that be nightmare?) for the family. Read. Digest. Discuss. Pray.

On December 5th the UK Coop Forum Conference asks, 'is ethical consumerism on the brink of entering the mainstream? And if so, how can the carbon agenda be reconciled with social justice? Can we sqaure low-price shopping with ethical considerations? Will our demand for local sourcing have a negative impact on developing countries?'  See this link for more details

The Independent has an interesting article from a woman who decided to buy no new clothes for a year. Sounds like she used to buy masses. Read it here