Shopping guide #2 Ethical shopping ideas

Thanks so much for having a look at this, my second guide for Christmas shopping.
These guides are really just supposed to be food for thought.
The idea for all this came from the universal feeling of stress and dread that this time of year can bring, especially when it comes to traipsing round a Westfield in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
Do we really need more stuff?
Is the reason you cant think of what to buy friends and family because they don't need anything?

Here are a few ethical ideas for gifts for the man, woman and child who already have everything.
xxx

1. WWF. http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions.aspx
These affordable gifts are seriously divine.
When you adopt an endangered animal, which you can select from a long list, you have supported the cause to help protect these animals and their environments. You also receive a plush toy of the animal, an adoption certificate, a gift bag and a photograph. So beautiful, and still gives children something to unwrap.

 

2. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia http://store.hamlin.org.au/

If you don't already know the story of the incredible Australian surgeon Katherine Hamlin, check out this site, you'll soon be converted to this wonderful cause. You can purchase gifts for the hospital such as sheets and blankets, you can support the midwife training project, or you can purchase items such as jewellery, coffee, scarves, books and handmade home wares. It's impossible to overstate the worthiness of this incredible organisation.

 

3. Oxfam Unwrapped https://unwrapped.oxfam.org.au/?utm_source=howhelp

This is a deadly one.

Essentially you can feel great about the gift you're giving through Oxfam to people in developing countries by giving them what they ACTUALLY NEED. You can give a goat to a village, a chicken to a family, clean water to a school, even cow pooh to farmers. Basically you are making the gift on behalf of your friend or family member and you give them a gorgeous card telling them how insanely meaningful their gift was. And pretty much no packaging. Win - win - win.

 

 

4. The Green Pavillion http://www.thegreenpavilion.com.au/categories/ECO%252dCHIC-BAGS/

How snazzy are these bags?

They're made from recycled rice sacks and recycled newspapers. They also have recycled tyre bags!

All ethically traded and weather proofed to stand up to the job. All products are traceable back to the villages they were made in, which ensures your first world dollars get back to the producers of the goods.

 

 

5. Oxfam Calenders http://www.oxfamshop.org.au/bookscardswrap/16712444

Everyone needs a Calender. I've heard some of you even use them.

Oxfam's range are particularly beautiful. There is a stunning Aboriginal art Calender as well as other photography beauties. Most of your favourite charities will have their own Calender. They make a fab, practical and affordable gift that helps.



















So these are just a few ideas of how we might all do something different, give a rad gift and feel really good about it too.

xxxx