Gifts that don’t cost the Earth

Following on from Monday’s article about gifts that people really want, in a short series during the run-up to the festive season, today we want to focus on gifts that don’t cost the Earth.

Whether you’re giving or receiving, ethical fairtrade and green recycled (or upcycled) gifts won’t cost the Earth and will positively benefit the people who produce them, as well as the planet.

Fairtrade gifts

We’re probably all used to the idea of fairtrade when it comes to foodstuffs and, hopefully, support the principle when we buy our tea, coffee, fruit, rice etc, but what about other fairtrade items; clothing, crafts and household goods, made by individual artisans and cooperatives in other countries.

Some charities offer a range of fairtrade products on their websites and in their Christmas catalogues, so when you’re looking for gifts to give, at Christmas or any other time, think about giving fairtrade gifts – produced on a small scale, that won’t cost the Earth (unlike mass-produced consumer goods).

Check out the online shops at Oxfam, Traidcraft and Save The Children for a great selection of fairtrade gifts and gift ideas. Other charities offer a range of fairtrade products too, as do some commercial suppliers, on- and offline. Try to ensure the producer is fairly paid when buying fairtrade products.

There’s also a new initiative from Ebay called World Of Good which has a growing selection of ‘people positive’ and ‘eco-positive’ gifts and other items, available directly from the producers. (big thanks to UrbanGreenGirl.com for bringing that one to our attention)

The recycled sari bag (above) is one of Oxfam’s Top 10 bestsellers this year, and is available on their website for just £24.46 (new price).

Recycled gifts

Another option when you’re looking for gifts that won’t cost the Earth, are items which are handmade from recycled or reused materials. Usually created by artisans and craftspeople nearer home, items made from recycled or reused materials are often called ‘upcycled’ or ‘repurposed’.

You might find gifts made from recycled and reused materials in ethical shops or stores on your local High Street, or at Craft Fairs, markets and other outlets where craftspeople sell their wares.

You’ll also find them online at places like Etsy, and on even on Ebay if you search for recycled or upcycled crafts. Check out PlanetTrash for some great recycled gift ideas, and Miss Courageous on Etsy for a range of pop jewellery and accessories made from recycled vinyl (records and LPs) – now that’s cool!

Charity shops

If you’ve never thought of buying gifts from charity shops before – think again! Buying gifts from charity shops isn’t being a cheapskate! It’s being eco-friendly! By not buying new you’re reducing production costs and reusing something that might otherwise have ended up in landfill. And you’re supporting a good cause.

You can get some great bargains at charity shops (as my friend Katy will tell you!) and can often pick up brand new stuff that hasn’t been used but was simply unwanted by the previous owner – everything from designer labels to household goods, toys and games, art, books, music and films.

OK, you might have to search out the brand new stuff, in good condition. But, if you wrap it up nicely, the recipient never needs to know you got it from a charity shop… unless you choose to tell them, of course!

Watch out for our final post in this series of gift-giving with a difference, on Friday.

1. Read it. Swap it. MagCycle it!
2. Your own individual and sustainable style
3. Celebrate the Earth! It’s Earth Day

Tagged as: charity shops, christmas, fairtrade, gifts, recycle, reuse