Page 16 - Masala Lite Issue 156 December 2023
P. 16
16 SPILL THE CHAI
WHY I CHOSE TO STOP PURCHASING
STARBUCKS PRODUCTS
ANONYMOUS, 25
Business Owner
In a world where every purchase carries
a hidden impact, the decision to boycott
certain products becomes an ethical
statement, a personal stand against
injustice. For me, that choice led me to
forego the familiar comforts of Starbucks
in an effort to distance myself from the
ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long
been a source of tension and suffering,
Community members reveal how they and the international community plays a crucial role in influencing change. Starbucks,
support the causes they are passionate as a global corporate entity, has faced criticism for their business ties that some argue
indirectly support activities contributing to the conflict. For example, Starbucks has
about, in big and small ways. built stores in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are a violation of
international law. Starbucks has also been accused of providing financial support
to the Israeli military, which has been responsible for numerous atrocities against
BY AMORNRAT SIDHU
the Palestinian people. By abstaining from patronising these companies, we can
demonstrate solidarity with those affected by the ongoing strife in Gaza.
I am boycotting Starbucks because I believe that it is important to stand up against
verybody has a cause they are passionate about. In a world where we human rights abuses and hold companies accountable for their actions. I encourage
might not join mass protests or quit our job to hug trees, what are the others to join me in boycotting Starbucks until the company changes its policies and
little actions we take in our everyday life that are for a cause we believe in? respects the rights of the Palestinian people. This boycott serves as a peaceful means
for us to express our stance against actions that might inadvertently contribute to
There is much more emphasis now on the power of small acts, the power of
the perpetuation of violence and human rights violations in Palestine.
individual change and the power of the people. What is a cause you believe in?
How do you protest? Thai-Indian community members chime in on this relevant This boycott serves as a reminder that our daily routines, even as seemingly
question amidst the controversies that plague our world. inconsequential as sipping a cup of coffee, can carry profound consequences, and
we, as consumers, have the power to influence change through the choices we make.
A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING
NATASHA SETHI, 24
Journalist
Educating people. Making lifestyle
changes. Speaking up for a cause. Writing
for a cause. Attending protests. Attending
REDUCING MY CARBON FOOTPRINT demonstrations - these are some of the
ways I incorporate protesting into my
THIDA SACHATHEP, 30 everyday life.
Senior Lecturer and Researcher
I’m a vegetarian because I don’t endorse
Creating positive change in the world the killing of animals to satisfy my
does not always require grand gestures cravings; my diet is a form of protest.
or lifestyle overhauls. The cumulative I’m a journalist because I want to be a
impact of small, consistent actions can voice for the unheard; my career path is a
collectively make a significant difference. form of protest. I opt for locally-produced
In saying that, I believe the concept of products to be more environmentally
protesting should not be limited to sustainable; my purchasing patterns are
traditional forms that society often a form of protest.
associates with activism. Change begins on an individual level,
In my everyday life in Sydney, Australia, I so if we all just do our bit by protesting
focus on making conscious choices that however we can whenever we can, we’re
contribute to the causes I believe in, such making more of a difference than we may realise. From personal choices to professional
as reducing my carbon footprint. (A/N: pursuits, I try to protest however I can, but there’s a lot more that I can and aim to do.
Our carbon footprint is the amount of
methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide
and water vapour we produce through OTHER EVERYDAY ‘PROTESTS’ FROM PEOPLE WITHIN
our activities, purchases and possessions. THE THAI-DESI COMMUNITY
These gases, in combination and alone,
are responsible for the ‘greenhouse effect’
responsible for global warming.) • Not buying from companies such as SHEIN, since accusations and revelations
were revealed of unfair and inhumane work conditions for employees
I opt for sustainable transportation
like the tram and use it for most of my • Making a conscious choice to buy material and stitch outfits to introduce
transport to and from work. We rarely use a more mindful and meaningful wardrobe rather than enable ‘fast fashion’
the car during the week, but sometimes • Switching on the A/C only at night when it is time for bed, no matter how
this is unavoidable due to weather, hot or stuffy it gets
errands we need to run or unreliable
public transportation. In saying that, I • Rarely posting personal events or thoughts, but using Instagram as a
make a conscious choice to pick public platform to highlight the genocide in Palestine and other current world
transportation over using my own vehicle issues
when I can. Additionally, I prefer to use reusable items instead of disposable ones,
like taking my long black coffee from home rather than buying a cardboard cup from THE TAKEAWAY
a cafe. Lastly, we don’t use paper bags, and plastic bags are a big “no no.” When my This is a judgment-free zone. Hypocrisy and imperfections lie within all of
husband and I go grocery shopping or even for just a walk, we will usually take our us. We might not purchase leather bags, but we eat meat, or vice versa. We
own canvas/cloth bags. We never know when we will buy something, so we have might take our own reusable straw to restaurants, but take long showers.
about ten of those bags lying in the trunk of our car, too.
We can’t do it all, but we try to do some. This piece aims to highlight the
While I might not be on the front lines of a protest, I believe that my everyday decisions ‘some’ that we do, and hopefully someone’s else’s ‘some’ will inspire you to
contribute to a more significant movement towards a more sustainable, just and do more. What is your ‘some’ and what more have you been inspired to do?
compassionate world for generations to come.
MASAL A LITE ISSUE 156 - DECEMBER 202 3