Horizons

How to vote with your walletCan you really change the world just by buying certain foods? This question is put to readers of the current issue of Clover, the Organic Trust journal.

The article states that, as voter turnout in many developed countries has fallen in recent years, sales of organic, Fairtrade and local foods are all growing fast. Such food allows shoppers to express their political opinions - from concern for the environment to support for poor farmers - every time they buy groceries. A nutritionist at New York University, Marion Nestle, says: "What I hear as I talk to people is this phenomenal sense of despair about their inability to do anything about climate change or the disparity between the rich and the poor. But when they go into a grocery store, they can do something - they can make decisions about what they are buying and send a very clear message." Ian Bretman of Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International adds: "Before the advent of ethical and organic labels, the usual way to express political views using food was to impose boycotts. But such action makes a political act out of consumption, rather than non-consumption - which is far more likely to produce results." Fairtrade Fortnight runs from Monday until March 11th. See www.fairtrade.ie.

Ecology, the Dominican way

An Tairsearch, the Dominican farm and ecology centre in Wicklow town, has an impressive array of activities lined up for the coming months. Standing high above the town, its red-brick buildings and organic farm are beacons of sustainable enterprise. Its 10-week residential programmes (from March 18th to May 25th and from September 9th until November 16th) on spirituality are innovative in their linking of Christian tradition, an evolving universe and an endangered earth. Visitors can purchase produce from the organic farm at the farm shop and tours of a 10-acre conservation area can be arranged for school children and other groups on request. Tel: 0404-61833, email ecenw@eircom.net See also www.ecocentrewicklow.ie.

Sowing seeds in young minds

The Irish Seed Saver Association is inviting primary schools to take part in guided nature trails and practical activities at their heritage gardens at Capparoe, Scarriff, Co Clare. The trails allow children to explore different habitats, including native woodland and hedgerows and vegetable, herb and flower gardens. The activities also promote healthy eating in schools. Tel: 061-921866 or visit www.irishseedsavers.ie for full details of workshops and events.

Click for a better future

Secondary school students have only three weeks left to get their entries in to the schools photography competition organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre in Northern Ireland. The fourth annual cross-Border competition encourages teenagers to visually explore ways of combating climate change. This year's theme is: what one change will you make to be more energy efficient? The deadline for entries is Friday, March 16th. More information on www.sei.ie or e-mail schools@sei.ie, freephone 1850-376666.