One of the so-called criticisms of petitioning or campaigning is that one invests "negetive energy" in opposing something unjust. I've heard some people comment that they would rather be pouring energy into initiatives that promote positive outcomes than always opposing, lobbying, campaigning and fighting against the status quo. I also know that some activists are prone to burn out because of the mindset that they have to adopt: it is hard work constantly having to oppose.

Personally, I believe that both forms of action are effective and very necessary. I think we have a duty to support companies and organisations that offer positive alternatives but that we also need to do more than voting with our wallets and so should take part in campaigns, protests and on the ground action too. So we can support organic but should also oppose GM and we can support renewable energy and also oppose nuclear. Some things just are mutually exclusive.

Not only do the three civil society organisations involved in the GM Potato Protest vigilantly look out for applications to bring GM food to market, campaign against legislation (by having to take government to court - an expensive exercise), and tirelessly get their petitions signed - they are also involved in positive outreach! For example: They attend community meetings, small clubs or faith groups after hours to make the case against GM food as well as promote the alternative - organic food. They are also involved in rural farming programs and research.

Biowatch has initiated a seed saving program in rural communities which is a very positive project that you can support over here.

Biowatch believes that "saving traditional seeds and protecting and promoting small scale farming is one of the most important ways of ensuring future food security and biodiversity." Genetically modified food engineered in labs by multinational corporations, on the other hand, seeks to make us dependant on a few companies for our food and reduces the diversity of edible plant varieties. GM engineering of food is the pinnacle of the industrial food complex.

According to Biowatch, "a traditional seed bank is the heart of a rural community, and the most effective form of small-scale agricultural sustainability. This is where farmers meet, share experiences, save, swap, select and distribute seed amongst each other. The general rule is that if you want to withdraw seed from the seed bank, you must also deposit seed into the seed bank."

The Biowatch campaign is novel in that as you sign up and donate towards the project a picture of a seed saving shed in a rural setting is uncovered for you to see. Looking at the seed shed picture and what is uncovered there is a lot of room for donations, so why not invest in something positive! 10x10 pixels can be revealed for R25, online, using your credit card and only takes five minutes.