Breakfast reading and slavery

Hi,

I know it's early. As I sit here in my cosy 2 bed flat across from the ocean, eating breakfast and reading The Guardian on my phone, I came across this:
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jun/20/thailand-qatar-downgraded-human-trafficking-report

Two quotes stood out for me:
1) "He added that consumers should also bear some responsibility for combating the trafficking business, estimated to be worth £100bn a year. "It is for each of us to make sure the goods we buy are free from forced labour." John Kerry, US Secretary of State.
2) "In both countries, workers die because of the way they are treated.
Kerry called for blunter language to describe the problem estimated to face 20 million people worldwide. "It is not 'a form of slavery', it is 'slavery'," he said." (John Kerry, US Secretary of State referring to Qatar and Thailand.)

To be honest I do not know anything about the 'Trafficking in Persons' Report (TIP), as I have not heard about it before. But I intend to find out more. Much more.

This report is specifically referring to slavery in the fisheries and building labour industries BUT the problem is much more widespread.

It's so easy to read reports like this and feel like shit, thinking to yourself "The problem is so large! What can I do?"

Well, a lot actually. Ask questions about the things that you buy. Where did it come from? Who made it? How was it made? Were the workers treated fairly all along the supply chain? (Hot tip: the longer the supply chain, the less likely this is... although that is not a hard and fast rule.)

WE are responsible for the things that we buy. And WE CAN CHANGE this situation!

I've got to go now. I've jumped on the computer quickly to type this out before I head off to my weekend job. I'm in a lucky position. I know that and am so very grateful. But I feel like my good fortune of being born into the environment that I find myself in comes loaded with responsibility. Big responsibility. The responsibility to do what I can and work within our worldwide community to create better circumstances. Healthy and fair. Supportive, empowering, strengthening. Considering my connection to others and the earth in all of my actions and purchases.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, as we have the freedom to do so.
x Yaz