12 Green Gift Ideas
Here is some inspiration to think out of the box this year when it comes to gift giving….give something that is locally made with love, light on the planet, will keep giving back to you or will invest in the ongoing work of those making a difference on the ground.
Here is the Eco Atlas guide to green gifting 2015….
1. Gift a Tree
Skip the crowded malls, get back to basics, and celebrate your loved ones with the gift of trees! Greenpop will plant them on your behalf in Africa’s southernmost indigenous forest and you will immediately receive a personalised e-card which you can forward on to your gift recipient. Claim your tree here.
2. A Toy Made with Love
The Toy Project is an empowerment project which provides unemployed women with the skills and opportunity to make beautifully handmade toys from local fabrics. Find out where to get them.
3. Food Growing Inspiration
The brand new Moonbloom planting guide with give all those aspiring to grow their own food at home the inspiration and guidance they need to plant successfully according to scientific moon calendar. what to plant when for success. Find out where to get one here.
4. Local Luxurious Body Products
There are so many locally made, wonderful body products that are plant based, free of all the nasties and only tested on human bunnies, have a look at Sassui, Wema Bodycare and others featured on Eco Atlas.
5. Sandals with Soul
Sols Sandals are a uniquely Capetonian footwear product; hand crafted from re-used tyres, high-quality organic hemp and soft, springy cork – for comfort and style that leaves a smaller footprint than any other sandal. Look here.
6. A Wonderbag Slow Cooker
Great for load shedding, great for the planet and pretty too, these slow cookers will have your supper ready and hot when you get home from work. Get one here.
7. An Owl Box
What better gift to give than a home for an owl, and they will keep giving back to you by keeping your mice and rats in check, because using poisons is a no-no both for owls and the planet. Find out more here.
8. Ethical Home Linen
AnnMack Eco carefully researches all of her locally made products for the home from silk duvets that are kind to the silkworms to gorgeous Basotho blankets and she’ll deliver nationwide. Start shopping here.
9. Faithful to Nature Shopping
The Faithful to Nature online shop is unique because of the effort they go to to vet and research all their products, so it is conscience free shopping, knowing that the products are kind to you, your family, and the planet. And they have so much on offer! Shop here.
10. Cooking with the Sun
Cook your bread, make a stew, boil a kettle with the power of the sun, it’s quick, easy and cheaper than electricity! Have a look at Sunfire Solutions for some great cooking options.
11. The Candylwood Store
Mouth watering artisan chocolates, candles, essential oils and both new and second books, what more could you ask for for thoughtful gifts. They will be posted wherever you need them. Have a browse.
12. Make a Difference
Give a gift that will keep on giving and become a patron or supporter of one of these fantastic organisations that are building a better world for all of us. contact them directly to find out how.
Happy gifting, sharing the love and that look people get on their faces when they receive something meaningful and thoughtful. Remember there are also lots of creative ways to wrap your presents that don’t involve creating more waste. And the most heartfelt gift of all is one that you make yourself, we have inspiration for that too!
Listen to the live radio interview with Rhian Berning on Algoa FM, click here.
