Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Importance of Choice

Came across this interview with Prof. Peter Singer in the German Retail Blog (of Lebensmittel Zeitung), which I wanted to share with you. Reading it, I felt it was quite a provocative interview - the interviewer trying to challenge Prof. Singer's views on ethics and Prof. Singer, in turn, challenging the audience to think differently. 

Reason for highlighting this interview here: there are a couple of thoughts in there I'd like to reproduce here, which also relates to what Kalakosh stands for.
"At the end of the day, you have a choice and can vote with your pocket. That determines what is going to be produced. Producers will only provide such food, if you keep buying it."
Lifestyle is about daily choices we make - some big, some small; some easy, some not so easy. As consumers, we are spoilt for choices - though I feel that we too often forget to exercise those choices consciously or conscientiously. Now, as I learn more and more, I realize what I have missed. 

Which brings me to the second thought from the interview:
"I very much doubt whether you will ever be that [a saint], but the important thing is not to say, “Well, I can’t be a saint, so I shall just throw up my hands in despair and won’t bother trying.” Instead, you should say to yourself: “Look, I can improve!” 
As consumers, despite the choices we have, it is easy to succumb to our favourite brands or to peer pressure or to the price tag - I am probably the best example of that. But I am learning that we can all make a difference - through any action, big or small. One doesn't need to be a saint.

So, after a bit of a philosophical post, I leave you with your thoughts ... remember, every decision you make counts!

post-script: if you are considering giving up meat as I am at this point, you might also wish to refer to our earlier post on the relative cost of consuming various food products in terms of carbon emissions.

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