Or at least spending it locally…
Inequality is a massive issue when it comes to climate change and social unrest. The wealthy, through their powerful media channels, are great at scapegoating the lower echelons of society. The truth is that the wealthiest are most likely to have the highest carbon footprint, through greater energy costs, a casual approach to flying and the purchase of more stuff.
At the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards, American singer Billie Eilish put the following question to the room full of people, that included billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and George Lucas. “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?” She continued with, “If you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it,”
Billie Eilish puts her money where her mouth is, and revealed she would be donating $11.5 million from her latest tour to various organisations and charities.
Very few of us would consider ourselves super-wealthy, but by comparison to most of the world’s population we are. Most of us also have more stuff than we need.
Christmas is a great time to redress this balance. Instead of more stuff, buy presents for people that benefit others, such as a twinned toilet or a goat for an African village. Or buy homemade items, and support small producers locally. Redistribute surplus stuff by giving it away; regift, pass on to a charity shop.
Can you afford to be more generous than you currently are? What could you do to help others less fortunate? If you have no money, could you gift time? Visit someone who may be lonely, or help out at a local charity. Giving is often better than receiving, and the reward of feeling kind is a gift in itself.
