Do you ever think about how much stuff you buy each month, and whether or not you actually need it?

A new competition run by an island-based global and environmental charity is asking for your thoughts on how to perfectly illustrate the effects that over-consumption and being a responsible consumer.

The One World Centre is running an art competition to design works of art based around highlighting over-consumerism and encouraging people to be more aware of the things they buy and also the things they throw away.

Wendy Shimmin, One World Centre coordinator, said that the competition is linked to the list of sustainable development goals, set by the UN in 2015.

’In the past we have approached schools to help run competitions, but at the moment they are pretty snowed under catching up with things, so we thought we’d branch out and ask adults as well. ’After all, being sustainable isn’t just something that should be directed to young people. It affects us all.

’We are linking the competition to the 17 development goals, set by the UN, of which one is responsible consumption and production, and that applies to the UK and ourselves.

’But, although it does sound like a serious subject, you can have some fun with it too.’

There are two categories for the competition, aimed at people aged both under and over 18.

Over 18s are encouraged to create a work of art in any medium to illustrate sustainable consumerism, and can either be in a local context or drawing on the global nature of trade and consumption as well. Under 18s are being asked to design a poster no bigger than A3 in size.

’Whether you are over 18 or under, we want you to consider what you buy, where you bought it from, who made it, what are you going to do with it when you’ve finished with it and did you really need it in the first place,’ said Wendy.

’Fair Trade comes into, as well as human rights and climate change.’

The deadline to enter the competition is July 23, with the winning entries selected by a panel including One World Centre trustees and a representative from the Isle of Man Arts Council.

For more information about entering the competition, contact Wendy at [email protected]