Self-Determination Challenge Week 1 – Read Labels, Buy Local
21 May 2022 | Veronique | Self-Determination
Let’s face it, the world is pretty messed up right now because it is being run by some not very nice people determined to make our lives as miserable as possible. Well we say to hell with that! We are sovereign, powerful beings who came here to live happy, joyful, creative, healthy, fulfilling, abundant lives. People can free themselves from this global slave system one tiny act at a time.
Because we believe in being proactive, we are challenging our readers to a 12-Week Self-Determination Challenge designed to give a different perspective on life. What have you got to lose? No matter where you live or your circumstances, you can live a different life if you want to and make a difference.
What does self-determination mean?
- Determination of one’s own fate or course of action without compulsion; free will.
- Freedom of the people of a given area to determine their own political status; independence.
- Determination by one’s self or itself; determination by one’s own will or powers, without extraneous impulse or influence.
This Week’s Challenge
This week’s challenge is to read labels every time you go shopping – and to buy at least one thing that comes from your country. Take note of where that product comes from. I went to buy oats yesterday, plain old oats – country of origin? Lithuania! My deodorant comes from Germany! Go and look in your cupboards right now and read those labels; it will really surprise you. Go to your local fresh produce shop and ask them where that produce is coming from.
Why is This Important?
This is about understanding just how interconnected we are as a species. We are so dependent on each other at this point, and that system can be so fragile at times. Crazy weather and lockdowns in a major goods producing country has a knock on effect around the world. And if something is made in your country, is all the equipment used to make and package it made there? Highly unlikely, specially since everything is made in China!
Food shipped from the other side of the planet need to be sprayed with Heaven knows what, to keep fresh while it’s being stored in Heaven knows what, for Heaven knows how long! This is not good for us nor the planet.
It also keeps us permanently disconnected from nature and each other because clever marketing blurs the reality of how the global economy operates. It’s created a throw-away culture that expects instant gratification in all things. This is not sustainable and has created unnecessary waste that has kept many people poor whilst destroying the environment.
It does not have to be like this.
What Will Buying Locally Achieve?
When we are conscious of what we are buying, we can minimize the strain on the system. Buying local benefits your immediate community and reduces the food miles. Less food miles means healthier food and a healthier environment. Buying locally creates a stronger community that can thrive and instills a sense of pride in where you live. It gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your carefully spent money is going to make a difference. Knowing you are making a difference empowers you and makes you feel good. And when you find something locally that has a good shelf life, by two of them while you’re at it. First win is if it comes from your own town, next if it comes from your own province, but if not, at least from your own country.
If you are entrepreneurial in spirit, this will also give you endless ideas for gaps in the market.
Go for it. Then tell us your observations in the comments below.
Check out week 2 and week 3‘s challenges!
Posted in Self-Determination
I bought spinach from a neighbour that grew it in her garden (ok – it was last week, but it still matters). Then I cooked up some creamed spinach and stashed it in the freezer. One of the ingredients (the butter) was bought at the farmer’s market and the cows that made it are just down the drag from us. All this instead of buying ready made and frozen creamed spinach as usual. Cheaper. Healthier. I know where my food comes from. Less packaging. Less food miles. Supporting local community. PS: she sold me some eggs too – from happy looking chickens
Of course it still matters. Every bit helps to create a better world than we had before.
Great idea for the 12 week challenge, I’m game!!
We are fortunate enough to live in an area with thriving citrus, avo and nut farms, so we always buy those items locally. We also try to buy from vendors on the side of the road when we can for fresh produce.
That sounds wonderful!
[…] did you go with Week 1’s read labels and buy local challenge? Time for week […]
We needed some leggings the other and found some on special at PnP clothing. They’re made in SA and as a massive bonus, are made from recycled material!!!
That is super cool! I’m going to look for a pair for me too next time I get to a shop.
[…] week 3! Check out week 1 and week 2 to catch […]
I’m in. This is very exciting. I’ll spread the word.
I’m in too! I have my own free range hens for eggs. I grow some veggies and I buy veggies I don’t have from a local organic farmer.
That’s fantastic Zia! What area are you in?
hello i am a new member love the site will keep checking it out and spread the word.
It’s never late to start and this is us starting this journey.
Our 12 week challenge starts now and thank you for this!