In the final part of this week’s series about gifts that make a difference, we’re focussing on gifts that save the planet.
In the previous articles; gifts that people really want and gifts that don’t cost the Earth, the emphasis was on gift-giving that benefits others and reduces our impact on the environment, but there are gifts you can give – and receive – which will actually help heal the planet and repair some of the damage we’ve done.
These are gifts that will appeal to eco-minded and humanitarian family members and friends, or gifts you can ask people to get for you.
Conservation
Perhaps the most important eco-friendly gift you can give or receive is support for a conservation project. A one-off donation or regular commitment will help the charity continue the great work they do and fund new or existing conservation projects.
There’s a variety of conservation charities you can support – big and small – from conservation of individual species (such as gorillas, rhinos and tigers) to conservation of habitats (such as rainforests, oceans, woodlands and local areas of special interest or value to wildlife).
And if a major conservation project is not your thing, or that of the person the gift is for, how about something more tangible like planting a tree – you can pay to have a tree (or more) planted and get a card or certificate of dedication from the Woodland Trust, in the UK, and Nature Conservancy, worldwide.
Other charities
Although supporting conservation projects is a great way to save the planet, there are other charities that do work of a humantarian nature, which are every bit as important.
Charities such as Oxfam, ActionAid, WaterAid, Amnesty International and Medecins Sans Frontieres operate vital humanitarian projects that reduce suffering and save lives, in areas of geniune need around the world.
Making a gift of a donation to a humanitarian cause is a positive act that helps improve the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves. What better gift to give or receive in this season of goodwill.
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Twitter: @GlobalPatriot
Imagine if everyone spent their “gift” money on a non-profit charity dedicated to saving the planet, what kind of difference would that make?
When times are hard financially, charities suffer. I hope people will remember that at xmas and give generously. Haven’t WE already got everything we need? Please support charities in the season of goodwill.
Supporting conservation charities really does help save the planet and is the best gift you can give or get. My fave, that I ask family & friends to support by donating instead of buying me something, is the Rainforest Foundation (www.rainforestfoundationuk.org).
Thanks for your sharing your views. Let’s hope more people do it!