Gifts

Buying an ethical green gift is surprisingly easy and can be the most inspiring and memorable present a person can both give and receive. Instead of buying dad yet another pair of slippers and mum her usual array of toiletries, why not pay for a night at the theatre, a concert or the ballet? If someone you know is an animal lover, why not sponsor an animal facing extinction such as the orang-utan or panda bear? However, if you want something you can wrap and give to someone that is still ethical, see our list of local shops that stock fair trade and recycled items at the bottom of this page.

Oxfam Unwrapped do an excellent range of imaginative gifts, such as buying a goat for a family in a developing country, or supplying drinking water for an entire village. Not only are you cutting down on fast moving consumables, thus lowering your carbon footprint, you are also helping others less fortunate than us to develop and ultimately, survive.

Another great idea for a gift is to plant a tree for someone, try www.tree2mydoor.com based in Manchester. They can deliver trees to your door or they can dedicate a tree to someone to support conservation projects all over the country. Another alternative is to make a donation to a charity. For example, the World Land Trust can save an acre of rainforest ensuring the survival of many endangered species for as little as £25. What says "Happy Birthday" more than saving the planet!?

Flowers are always a popular gift but many are transported from all over the world before they end up on our windowsills, or they are drenched in harmful pesticides. Instead buy locally produced and organic flowers One site is www.tofc.co.uk they deliver organic flowers all over the UK.

Alternatively help flower growers in the developing world work for a better life with John Lewis’ Fairtrade flower delivery.