I often stop for Big Issue sellers, but I rarely take away the magazine – after they have given me change and the magazine I usually give them both back. But that’s why I missed these excellent words from Ali Schofield in mid-September (in a larger (very good) article mostly about badgers).
‘It’s not the only issue in our countryside where science is being ignored at taxpayers’ and wildlife’s expense. In order to create the high numbers of red grouse expected at a driven grouse shoot, gamekeepers burn the heather to stimulate growth of young shoots for the grouse to feed on. A recent study concluded that this heather burning degrades peatland carbon stores, known as “the Amazon of the UK”, polluting rivers and contributing to climate change. Our water treatment bills rise because of it and rural communities like Hebden Bridge – below a grouse moor under investigation by the EU for its intensive moorland management – are flooded again and again.’
Now there is a way to send a strong message to Defra minister, Therese Coffey, that she should act on these matters – please sign Gavin Gamble’s e-petition to ban driven grouse shooting.
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I wondered why you gave the magazine back – they are selling something, after all, not asking for charity.
Also, the Big Issue in the North is an excellent magazine – the editor seems animal-environmental- friendly and there are often articles (and letters) on such subjects – the fur trade, pinioning of birds, badgers, hunting, even grouse and hen harriers.
Marian – well the reason I’ve always given it back is that I rarely get around to reading it and it means that the seller can sell it twice! That seems like a good deal for them.
I agree with Marian that if you buy something you must absolutely take it and not give it back. That way you give dignity and not charity. If you do not intend to read the magazine then do not buy it.
The Big Issue website is very clear on this:
“…each seller is a micro-entrepreneur who is working, not begging. Therefore it is vitally important that buyers take their copy of the magazine when they pay for it.”
Alan – I do take it – then I give it back! No seller has ever looked anything other than pleased by this.
I see – and that could save them the £1.25 (?) purchase cost if/when they re-sell it.
AlanTwo – indeed. If the mag does cost them £1.25 then instead of making a profit of £1.25 from it they make a profit of £3.75 (and I usually give then £3 if that’s what I have in my pocket and don’t take the change so that makes it £4.25 (and everybody who does the same as me adds another 32.50 to that sum)). I am pretty sure I’m doing a better job for Big Issue sellers than the hundreds of people walking past!
Mark – I don’t think anyone here was doubting the integrity of your actions. This was just a small query over the very best way to provide help to the seller.