Injecting fun into tackling major world problems
As a science student living in the suburbs of east Melbourne, global issues can easily become an abstract and overwhelming concept. The big questions and issues are often pushed to the back of our minds as we deal with our own problems and the stress of everyday life.
I mean how can we improve the poverty line of countries all the way on the other side of the globe? How can the actions in one city help improve the trends of climate change? How can one student’s choices improve the lives of people all over the globe?
The ability for socially and environmentally conscious populations in developed countries to help tackle global issues has become a creative process. Or as the Australian Government terms it, the ‘Idea Boom’.
The Idea Boom is an Australian Government initiative that takes advantage of the current surge of technology and innovation opportunity by encouraging Australians to approach risk taking and mistake-making as a way to grow, learn and develop. Connecting business with innovation, improving STEM education and approaching problem solving in new, unrestricted ways.
Video Source: http://www.innovation.gov.au/video/national-innovation-and-science-agenda-welcome-ideas-boom
There has been an evident shift in the method of attack in creating social change (although not necessarily as a result of this initiative) and here are just a few examples close to home (Melbourne).
Crepes for Change Youth homelessness + Crepe Van
http://crepesforchange.com/
A Melbourne man’s dream to help disadvantaged youth of Melbourne. Crepes for Change is a crepe-van that is making a difference; helping employ disadvantaged youth, providing life skills and opportunity.
As a social enterprise, revenue is generated through the use of the market rather than relying on donations and volunteers. This means that any money that they make is then recycled back into developing more programs and helping more people.
Why we love Crepes for Change: it has a self-sustaining system that provides young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with the skills to work and live in a supportive community. As the saying goes:
"GIVE A MAN A FISH, AND HE'LL LIVE FOR A DAY; TEACH A MAN TO FISH, AND HE'LL LIVE FOR A LIFETIME"
Thankyou water Bottled water + Global Poverty
https://thankyou.co/our-biggest-year-yet/
Thankyou water is a bottled water social enterprise where 100% of profits are contributed to helping end global poverty. The company has now since diversified to a muesli and body care range.
Why we love Thankyou water: who would have thought reinventing bottled water could help provide the international community with safe food, water, sanitation and health facilities? Not many people that’s for sure. We love the way common concepts are being channeled to assisting the lives of others.
Mission Nails Nail Art + Social Change
https://www.instagram.com/missionails/
“Nail art?” you say. Yes you read correct! Mission nails use the precision and beauty of nail art to start conversations surrounding social change.
We live in a desensitized world where the suffering of hunger, homelessness, disease, violence and death of other people can be an unattached event that we hear and forget about. These concepts become unrelatable when access to basic human rights become a concept that’s taken for granted. We believe it is important to start developing creative ways to engage people in order to address these issues.
Who gives a crap Toilet paper + Sanitation
http://au.whogivesacrap.org/
Ok yes this combination is a lot more logical but I’m sure you can agree the name would capture attention. Who Gives a Crap sells toilet paper. Sounds pretty mundane right? But hold up- they also provide toilet humour and contribute 50% of profits towards Wateraid to help improve sanitation worldwide.
http://au.whogivesacrap.org/
The hard hitting facts that drive this team is that there are 2.5 billion people across the world who don’t have access to a toilet. To put that into perspective, that is about 40% of the global population!
There are many more purchasing decisions other than fashion that can help create a better world, and here at Conscious Wardrobe we support every single one of them!
Youtubers Videography+ social issues
Youtubers are the modern celebrity who throughout the decade past have taken over the internet. Youtubers use their charisma and creativity to publish videos for anyone anywhere to watch. Viewers are able to relate to these people and build a relationship of trust.
The most inspirational youtubers are those who use their following to help others. Take Tyler Oakley as an example. Tyler has used his birthdays to fundraise for ‘The Trevor Project’ a suicide and crisis prevention hotline.
Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X09MYZaizjk&feature=youtu.be
It goes to show, no matter who you are or where you’re from; if you have a voice don’t take it for granted. Use it to promote the values you want to see in this world.
Last but not least...
Conscious Wardrobe Fashion + human rights and environmental sustainability
We want Australia to be able to dress in style without sacrificing the lives of others and the environment we live in. We combine fashion and self- expression with human rights and the environment; empowering Australians to live their best life, conscious of the world around them and the footprint they leave behind.
It’s never been easier to find engaging ways to help others! We are living in an age of innovation and change. Join us and learn how to embrace and use this to influence your decisions, impact and conscience.
I shall leave you with a quote to inspire the change you can create:
“In my moments of doubt, I’ve told myself firmly ‘If not me, who? If not now, when?” –Emma Watson
