The Big Issue
We just travelled back from England.
While there, I bought a copy of The Big Issue from a street vendor in Northampton.
The magazine included a supplement ”The Future of Travel’ which included articles on the future of our planet. ‘A six step journey to more sustainable travel’ urged us to
- avoid locations suffering from over-tourism and consider when to travel
- use public transport wherever possible
- book sustainable accommodation
- choose operators who engage rather than exploit local communities
- eat like a local
- avoid mass produced products sold near tourist attractions, often not locally made
The Big Issue also featured articles with these headlines…
It’s very real and it’s a very hard read. Somehow many still think that there’s no poverty in European countries. That there’s no need. But the need is great.
On our return to the Mother City, I found a copy of The Big Issue bought from Sive a couple of months ago, a vendor we have known for several years.
As the crow flies the two towns are almost 10,000 kilometers apart. But the big issues that so many people are facing across the globe are similar in both places; difficulties with housing, employment, feeding their families, a ‘cost of living crisis’ and overall, a lack of confidence in their political leaders to do anything about it.
The versions of places that we have in our minds may have little basis in reality. The streets are not paved with gold anywhere. Many people are struggling in many countries, on every continent in our world.
So while we wait for political leaders to find real answers to address global poverty, what can we do?
Each and every community has projects looking for help, practically or financially. How could you get involved?
Maybe we can be more conscious consumers, buying more ethically and making purchases that have the potential to empower, or make a difference.
And the festive season will be upon us soon. Perhaps we can all think about the need where we are. And instead of the pointless purchases, ‘stocking fillers’, we could give time or help where it’s really needed, giving in more novel ways instead of ‘novelty gifts’.
What are the big issues where you are?
©Maggie M / Mother City Time