Categories: parish-life, radio, news-documentaries
Date: 12 August 2007 04:33:45
A programme I heard on Radio Netherlands when I was driving home from church dealt with the issues of where gold comes from and what impact its mining and production has on communities and the environment. I am a late-comer in terms of fair-trade chocolate and coffee, and other fair-trade products: I must confess precious metals and jewels really never came into my consciousness: no doubt because I'm not into jewellery, expensive or otherwise, but also because, honestly, I haven't given it a thought.
The programme was informative: very informative. Apparently gold mining is one of the dirtiest industries in the world ["One gold ring produces around 18 tonnes of waste" was quoted -- yikes!], and often has a devastating impact on local communities due to environmental degradation. I may check chocolate to see where it comes from and for a 'Fair Trade' sticker, but when I bought a cross-necklace, where it came from was the something that didn't even enter my mind.
But it should. In fact, all purchases should invoke such questions I imagine. Very interesting.
As was church. I joined the choir for Matins -- I thought the congregation should be spared hearing my voice during the Liturgy. We had a presentation afterwards on the future direction of our parish. Please remember us in your prayers as we look to the future.