Offsetting Our Actions: Can Giving Make Up for Doing?

Please note that this event is also advertised elsewhere and will happen even if only a small number of people sign up via Meetup.

Food for Thought is a series of events, where we discuss philosophical and practical questions of EA in small groups over food and drink: We are exploring effective altruism one bite at a time. EA newcomers are welcome; studying the suggested material is encouraged but not required, please RSVP.

## Topic

This time we will discuss two common ways of doing good: donating and making personal changes. In Effective Altruism, there’s a strong emphasis on supporting high-impact charities and effective giving, while veganism and other lifestyle shifts are also widespread. Some argue that donating to reduce harm is just as effective, and often easier, than reducing harm through personal actions. But are these approaches truly equivalent? And how can we do the most good?

Recommended reading

• A very short post about possible moral problems of offsetting
• For those with a bit more time on their hands an account of an (unsuccessful) kidney donation

## Where/How/What

We are back in Monbijou Park for a picnic! Bring your picnic blanket (if you have any) and some snacks to share and kross your fingers for good weather :)

## What to bring

1. Something to drink and something to eat/snack for yourself.
2. If you find the time to prepare or buy extra food: something vegan to share which can be eaten without plates/cutlery would be much appreciated (this can be something very low effort but if you don’t have the time to prepare anything, feel free to drop by nevertheless).
3. If you have one: please bring a picnic blanket.
4. If you have some: String of lights/fairy lights with batteries, so that it'll still be cozy after the sun goes down.