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~ the monthly gather ~

Finance: what's the big deal?

Hey there, gatherer. Is your money bankrolling climate change?

UK banks put £220 billion into fossil fuel projects between 2016 and 2020. Shocking, right? The worse offenders: Barclays and HSBC. How does yours do? Look it up on Banktrack and then make the switch for a greener future (for better options, Ethical Consumer's a good place to start). Read to the bottom for more on how - it's super easy and has a BIG impact.

And what about your pension? The UK pension pot's close to three trillion pounds. Now’s the time to align your money with your values. You could be investing in green transport, health care, clean energy and human rights - all the good stuff - instead of fossil fuels, deforestation and arms (yikes). Got a workplace pension? Usually, you’re put in a default scheme. Ask if there’s a sustainable option you can switch to (if there isn't, ask why not!).

And we need to go further. The IPCC talked about degrowth for the first time, in its February report. We're producing and consuming way more than our planet can sustain. We've got to shift our goals from endless growth and profit, to improved social and ecological wellbeing. What can you do? - take action everyday by choosing to spend, invest or save your money better. And pressure those contributing most to climate chaos.

We love to hear about the changes you're making. So if you'll switch your bank or pension, hit reply and tell us.

Team Gather x

Low-impact living: our top tips this month

We love this quote by Anna Lappé: "Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." It's SO true. Money talks, after all.

What do you think about before you buy something? Sometimes it can feel like a minefield. And it's hard to know what's the best option. So, here are four things we think about before we buy. 
Is it sustainable? Think about the materials and the process. What do the company say about the lifecycle of their products, their waste, their energy use?
Is it ethical? Check out any info on the company's supply chain. What are the working conditions and are workers paid a living wage? (For UK companies, this is helpful.)
Is there another way to get it? Could you borrow it, or buy it secondhand instead? Or, if you do need to have your own: is it high-quality and will last a long time?
What'll happen to it at the end of its life? Could you reuse, repurpose, gift, sell, compost, recycle it? If it’ll eventually end up in the bin - do you REALLY need it?

Spotlight on... our ethical suppliers

How do you know a brand's putting people and planet first? Here are some ideas: look for B Corp certification, 1% for the Planet membership and social enterprises.

Why do we love B Corps? Because it's all about business being a force for good. (Here's one we're sure you'll know: Patagonia.) At Gather, Rubies in the Rubble - supplier of our delish ketchup, sweetened with surplus pears - is B Corp certified. As are Brew Tea Co., where we get our lovely loose leaf teas. So you can enjoy your cuppa knowing it's got top-notch social and planet-friendly creds.

1% for the Planet businesses give 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes. They choose a non-profit to support, and work with them directly. Lots of our suppliers help the planet this way. We've got handy, leak-free lunch boxes and snack pots from Elephant Box. And we're super excited about our new chocolate bars from Chocolate Tree, in four fab flavours. Choose between peppermint, super nuts, raspberry and sea salt and caramel. Mmmmm.

Think of a certified social enterprise as a UK-grown B Corp (the latter originated in the US). Like B Corps, they put people and planet over profit. Did you know Gather's one? That means we've been set up with an environmental mission - and when we make a profit, at least half of it'll go towards that mission. Our honey's from Bee Naturals, another Peckham social enterprise. So not only is it yummy, buying a jar supports local, small-scale rewilding projects. (And it's true that local honey's good for hayfever.) Old Spike's one, too - so when you buy your coffee beans from us, you're helping to tackle homelessness. What's not to like?

'The white man stole the weather', Mothers of Invention podcast. How women around the world are hitting the pockets of big investors, from boycotts to divestment.

'Less is More: how degrowth will save the world.' Do you want an economy that's more caring, fair and fun? Jason Hickel's convinced us degrowth is the way to get there.  


'What does sustainable finance mean?', Swiss Learning Exchange. This five minute video's a super accessible starting point. 

@positivemoney_uk envisage an economy that works for people, communities and planet. Check out their resources and ways to get involved.
Wanna take action?

~ all about you ~

We'd love to know: what've you been learning - or unlearning?
Any local eco-related happenings you'd like us to shout about? 
And how can we help you on your journey to a low-impact life?

 
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121 Bellenden Road
London SE15 4QY

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