With the concerns surrounding climate change increasing day to day, many firms, households and consumers are searching for ways to reduce our negative impact on the environment and to reduce our carbon footprint. With this in mind, the argument becomes in favour of local produce and somewhat against imported fair-trade. Thus, this raises the question: can they not both exist together?

Many of the products that we buy are only grown in developing countries and therefore it is logical to buy these Fairtrade products. For example, us Brits, we do love our tea! And tea, where does it come from? The majority of tea plantations are found in Asia, South America and Africa; places where the climate is suited to growing tea. Thus, in this case it makes sense to transport and ship over Fairtrade goods rather than growing and producing local goods. It can even be said that in some instances the level of carbon emissions is lower from transporting Fairtrade goods than producing local. In addition, the number of jobs created in tea plantations provides a boost to the local economy and their carbon footprint is reduced as they can afford to buy local food.

Buying local, however, does have its benefits and is often preferred for certain types of food. Our desire to buy local is often a result of our increasing concern over food quality and the need to trust what we buy. With local foods, it is possible to go to the Farmers market and meet the farmer and learn more about where the food comes from. This is increasingly being for advertised international foods through TV adverts and marketing, however the ease with which it occurs with local foods is unparalleled.

At the end of the day, some goods are just better suited to being produced abroad and others that we love are better made locally. A harmonious result is that balance of both types of goods in our shopping basket.

Some thoughts on going green… sorry I can be more detailed…

Lighting

This has been very well received on the whole. And the newly painted bar area makes a good blank canvas. Things aren’t quite perfect yet – we’re still experimenting with colour combinations, and not being able to mix and match the faders means that interim states eg. Dusk may not be well lit… But very positive reactions overall. The bar now looks like a bar and it quite literally drawing people off the street.

Price and Sacrifice

Implementing organic/ecological bar stock inevitably meant prices went up. Too high for some stock eg. £2 for a soft drink in a can. Indeed, taking into consideration our location and audience, we realised the prices had gone too high, too soon. In light of this, some prices have been lowered. The addition of Freedom organic beer has meant sales for Efes – our cheaper ‘local’ option – increased. However, having choice has proved a good thing; once given the information about our new stock being organic many customers are curious to try. Indeed, I have not come across any cynicism; people are much more ecologically conscious/curious.

Box office

The Box office has not faced any big changes yet. Implementing reusable paper clips as opposed to staples has been a small step. We should obviously look to using recycled paper for our tickets, if we can and advertising that fact. Indeed, we need to advertise the greening process even more I think – it’s not that obvious to a lot of people.

Audience feedback

It’s been great to hear what our audiences think – more questionnaires and interrogation.

Personal Repercussions

Going green at the Arcola has made me think more about what I do outside work – ie. Not wasting water, turning lights off more. Etc. An inevitable knock on effect must surely influence our customers too. At the same time, nothing must be forced upon people/ Choice – as now being reflected in the bar – is everything…

Lauretta