Planet Angel - Live an Ordinary Life in an Extraordinary Way

Summer is most definitely drawing to a close, so that must mean it’s that time of year again. Yes, Christmas.  Before you turn away in dismay that I’m talking about the festive season so early, spare a moment as this may well change someone’s life.

I’m talking about ethical Christmas presents...

Last year my friends and I decided not to buy each other Christmas presents, but instead all chip in to save acres of rainforest. To save an acre for a year cost £20, much more beneficial to the world than more socks and soaps. www.rainforestfoundationuk.org/

Of course, just because we live in the Western world and enjoy an affluent lifestyle, doesn’t mean we should be guilt tripped into not giving or receiving presents. If there are things we really want to give or receive then great, why not? But, for those people who you feel you should give a present to, but don’t really know what to get, maybe you could consider an alternative ethical Christmas present?

A good place to start is the Good Giving guide, a free booklet packed with ideas for ethical presents, both for benefit in the UK and abroad. If someone is musical, why not get them a forest full of trees used to make bagpipes and clarinets? Or a beer lover, invest in a brewery for £20. For the plumber in your life, you can buy a pump for an entire African village for £175. You could contribute to a co-op making local soap in Africa for £25. Or how about the gift of sight? £27 to restore sight for one child has got to be worth it. Or if you’re feeling a bit cheeky, how about some prize bull semen to strengthen cattle herds,  weakened by conflict. A snip at only £10. Yes, really! Have a look at www.goodgifts.org/ for more details.

If you live in a city and want to be part of beautifying it, and help climate change at the same time, why not check out Trees For Cities. They work with local communities on tree planting projects, making your city a tangibly greener and leafier place. For £20 you can gift a tree and for £175 you can dedicate a tree with a plaque, maybe a beautiful reminder for someone? Their website is www.treesforcities.org/.

However, for me, my favourite would have to be Send A Cow, it’s a charity I’ve supported for the last 3 years now. This one pulled my heart strings because of the long lasting practical difference it makes. SAC has been going now for nearly 20 years, giving livestock to poverty stricken farmers in Africa, and making a real, sustainable difference.
A lot of other charities have now followed suit in the giving animals theme, Oxfam, Cafod and Kids For Kids to name a few, but for me, SAC is the clear winner with full time staff in the countries affected and strict procedures in place to help the farmers and families in need.

However, it’s not just livestock that can be bought. Orchards, water tanks, donkeys, bee hives and training can all be given as gifts. If you are interested, please see their website for more details and take a little time to read the inspiring case studies. www.sendacow.org.uk/

If I’ve got you really in the ethical festive mood, there are even more steps you can take! The electrical shop Maplin are now stocking outdoor solar Christmas tree lights www.maplin.co.uk/, and have a look at www.soilassociation.org/christmas for sustainable Christmas trees. Remember to get a locally sourced, free range turkey, and carbon offset your Christmas Day! www.carbonneutral.com/

Other ethical presents

Fair Trade - www.fairtrade.org.uk/
Adaopt an animal from WWF - https://shop.wwf.org.uk/wwf_animal_adoptions
Buy share in a UK forest - www.woodsforall.org/
Buy a stone for a school - www.build-a-school.org/
Ethical clothes - www.peopletree.co.uk/
Change The World For A Fiver - www.wearewhatwedo.org/
Gifts For Global Good – www.yourtomorrow.co.uk/