LOAF meal and Ethical Investments talk

On 4 November we arranged a LOAF meal to raise funds for Christian Ecology Link and A Rocha. We were hoping an autumn meal would make provision of local food especially easy - perhaps we'll aim for a greater challenge next year. We printed off Christian Ecology Link's LOAF 'tablemats' for each table:
Locally Produced
Organically Grown
Animal Friendly
Fairly Traded

The service happened to be led by our mission partners from Nepal so it was a good time for thinking about global responsibilities. We were able to show A Rocha's 45 second video so people knew where their money would be going. Our meal consisted of fairtrade organic rice from the True Food Co-op with a variety of vegetarian toppings (mushroom stroganoff, veg curry, chilli, roast veg and something beautiful with coconut in that didn't seem to have a name). The ingredients for these came mostly from the True Food Co-op or the Farmers' Market . The latter fortunately took place just the day before - it was lovely bumping into each other there, adding to the friendly atmosphere the market always has. Many people brought puddings made with apples and pears from their own gardens to which we added the richest, most gorgeous Jersey cream and yoghurt from the Farmers' Market. While eating we were able to watch the Pathfinders' fabulous Christian Aid video on climate change.

Before people sat down to eat, Geoff gave a presentation about ethical investment - this took longer than we'd expected due to the animated audience participation. Below is a list of the websites he suggested to help us find out more.

www.ethical-company-organisation.org Good Shopping Guide website
www.gooshing.org The research website referred to in the Good Shopping Guide, good for lots of info
www.ethicalconsumer.co.uk Website for bi-monthly magazine
www.eiris.org Ethical Investment Research Institute – lots of background info and facts
www.uksif.org UK Social Investment Forum – good source of info and fund data
www.ethicalinvestment.org.uk Ethical Investment Association
www.moneyfacts.co.uk/ethical Fund data website with ethical sector for easy finding of information
www.socialfunds.com Useful website for background info and news on Socially Responsible Investments, but it is a US site
www.unbiased.co.uk Find an Independent Financial Adviser (remember to tick the “Ethical” box to narrow down your search).
www.jupiteronline.co.uk/PI/OurProducts/SRIGreen/ - Very useful section on the Jupiter website dedicated to Socially Responsible Investments issues and funds