“a word after a word
after a word is power”
- Margaret Atwood
Ethical Communications
As our environmental and humanitarian crises escalate on all fronts, more of us are asking serious questions about where to draw the line. Some of us are seeking work that supports a triple bottom line: planet, people, and then profit. These words, published by It's Nice That, explains it best:-
'As creative professionals, we have the power of persuasion in our hands, and with that power comes a responsibility. By regularly persuading people to buy into unsustainable products and ideas, we are complicit - either knowingly or unknowingly - in the climate emergency.' Read the full article here.
With this in mind, my work (as a voice artist, writer, creative producer, and wellbeing coach) is anchored to my ethical policy.
I Won’t Knowingly Put In A Word For…
Fossil Fuels, Nuclear, and Ecological Violence
This obviously isn't a clear cut issue. Yet, examples of corporate complicity by big fossil fuel brands in oppressive regimes, human rights abuses and destruction of our environment suggest there's a moral issue with our dependence on this resource. Meanwhile, the devastating effects of the decades-old Chernobyl disaster are still being felt. So, I won't directly promote nuclear energy while I remain unconvinced of its safety. We are also now faced with new ecological damage from our insatiable energy and tech appetite, evidenced by green colonialism, large-scale renewable projects, and AI data centres. With this in mind, I wish to promote responsible, sustainable, low-impact energy alternatives to practices and projects that destroy our natural world.
Planet Unfriendly Banks and Building Societies
I prefer not to promote banks which invest in destructive industries like fossil fuels (eg Canadian tar sands) and arms production. On the other hand, I will support those which promote a clear, progressive ethical policy.
Planet Unfriendly Beauty, Household and Food Products
There are so many fantastic brands out there and I especially love to voice for those promoting earth friendly, free range and organic, ethical vegan alternatives, and cruelty free products or services.
I also choose to be a voice for brands and businesses offering refills, recycled plastic or sustainable alternatives to plastic: vegware (where proper composting facilities exist), infinitely recyclable aluminium, glass, and sustainably sourced paper.
Plastic Pandemic
It's worth noting that in 55 years, only 9% of plastic has been recycled. Also, while plastic producers claim the situation is improving, we do not currently have the infrastructure to provide a significant solution. After minimal use, most plastics still pour into landfill - some of ours is shipped abroad - where it breaks down, pollutes the air, and leaches into our oceans. So, I won't promote items that are excessively packaged in single-use or disposable plastic, if there is an available alternative, and/or the product is a luxury item. Learn more about the plastic pandemic at Greenpeace.
Militarism and Arms Industry
War. What is it good for....? You probably know the song. Aside from tricky moral debates, I feel uncomfortable with military recruitment ads which attract potential new recruits by highlighting exciting career incentives - travel, new skills, salary - without giving serious attention to the devastating realities and repercussions of war. I also don't wish to promote militarism or the arms trade and wherever possible, aim to support pro-peace, practical, diplomatic activism.
The Last Word...
Thankfully, step by step, the list of amazing ethical products, services and organisations is growing - along with support for individuals and agencies who are speaking up for our oceans, planet, and humanity.
Meanwhile, I'll continue to question my ethical policy based on new research or information. Thank you again for visiting!
Disclaimer: Nobody's perfect but together we can create a ripple effect...