Hello,

2010-05-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you for checking out this page. So yes, I'm a bit of an idealist! I don't actually hug trees but believe in trying to respect and protect people & planet. As a voice over artist this occasionally creates a moral dilemma. Should I voice for a product, service or company which gives me genuine ethical concerns? I appreciate that we don't all agree on what counts as a big issue but that niggling question led to this personal ethical philosophy....

Vicky Watt - Voice Artist
www.vickywatt.co.uk

CHARITIES, NON - PROFITS & ETHICAL INITIATIVES

I believe in celebrating and promoting inspiring, progressive, ethical initiatives. Please find below a list of my favourite charities and non-profits. I love to support these organisations and may even be able to offer complimentary voice overs . Either way, after expenses, I'll donate back at least 50% of any agreed fee. If you're creating environmental or humanitarian campaigns with these charities or other ethical initiatives, I'd love to work with you...

Water Aid
Marine Conservation Society
Greenpeace
Friends of The Earth
Oxfam
Barnardos
Save The Children
BBC Children In Need
The British Red Cross
Amnesty
Peace Direct
* MacMillan Cancer Care
* Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

* While I respect the work of many health & medical charities, I prefer to give financial support to those that I know are making a positive impact without testing on animals. The organisations mentioned above are two of my favourites.

I WON'T KNOWINGLY GIVE A VOICE TO...

Military Advertising & Arms Trade
War. What is it good for? You probably know the song. Aside from the usual debates, I prefer not to voice military recruitment ads which highlight exciting career incentives (travel, new skills) without giving serious attention to the harsh realities of war. I also don't wish to promote weapons production and wherever possible, aim to support peaceful, practical, diplomatic activism.

Nuclear
The search for clean energy fuels huge debate. What's certain is that the devastating effects of the decades-old Chernobyl disaster are still being felt. So, I won't directly promote nuclear energy while I remain unconvinced of its safety.

Fossil Fuels
The examples of corporate complicity by big industry names in oppressive regimes, conflicts, human rights abuse and destruction of our environment suggests there's an issue with our dependence on this resource. It seems preferable to promote responsible, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

Earth Un-friendly Banks & Building Societies
I don't wish to promote banks which I known invest in destructive industries like fossil fuels (eg Canadian tar sands) and arms production. On the other hand, I LOVE those which promote a clear, progressive ethical policy - eg The Cooperative Bank, Triodos, The Charity Bank, The Ecology Building Society.

Earth Un-friendly Beauty, Household, Meat & Food Products
It's impossible to keep track of all brands but apparently some are still testing on animals, using polluting chemicals and intensive animal farming methods. Also, some brands are using excessive plastic packaging - especially for single-use/disposable products. I prefer to voice for brands promoting a progressive sustainability policy or ethical selling point - earth friendly ingredients, free range/organic meat, refills, recycled paper/plastic or sustainable alternatives.

Bottled Water (Plastic)
It's the new plastic bag! Bottled water (in plastic bottles) has become the epitome of unnecessary, disposable culture. We Want Tap and The Story of Bottled Water helped to sway my opinion in favour of fresh, still water - straight from the tap! On the other hand, water-based drinks (eg sparkling) are sometimes a convenient alternative to juice and some brands are charities. So, I will only promote bottled water with an ethical selling point, which is available in glass bottles or other sustainable alternatives to plastic.

The Plastic Trash Vortex...
What's the big issue with plastic? Some reports say there's an area the size of Texas, of floating plastic in the pacific ocean. It sounds dramatic but the reality is worse. Find out more here. Despite recycling initiatives, evidence of plastic pollution can be seen on beaches all over our own coastline. It never fully biodegrades, it breaks down into tiny toxic particles and then finds its way back into our food chain. So, I prefer to choose and promote aluminium, glass and alternatives to plastic, wherever possible.

PS. Thankfully, step by step, the list of amazing ethical products, services and organisations is growing. Meanwhile, I'll continue to question my ethical policy based on new research or information. Also, I've included on the links list a few websites which you might find interesting or thought provoking. Thanks again for visiting!

Disclaimer:
Nobody's perfect. :)

About Vicky...

Vicky Watt is a leading Scottish female voiceover artist. For more information, please go to her main page at www.vickywatt.co.uk. She is also featured at www.voiceovers.co.uk.

Ethical Voice

Hello,