Does my conscience look big in this? The case for Green giving

Kylie Johnson ceramic decoration(from www.biome.com.au)

By Gina Cacho

When we purchase a gift we often give little thought to the environmental footprint it carries and perhaps even less to where its final resting place may be. Yes that floating stubby holder seemed the perfect gift for Dad at the time, but weeks later, after the excitement of being able to keep your drink cool while lounging in the pool wears off, this gift along with millions of others is likely to spend a long and toxic afterlife in one of our burgeoning landfill sites.

The act of giving can create great joy for both the giver and receiver, but in an age where every action must be considered with reference to its environmental impact; the way we give and receive is in dire need of an eco-makeover.

Before you scream with indignation, that this ‘green revolution’ has been seeping slyly into every aspect of every day life and that gifts should be sacrosanct from green do-gooders, consider this: According to the Australian Conservation Foundation study ‘The Hidden Cost of Christmas’ in the 2004 Christmas period, Australians spent $1500 million on household appliances which produced approximately 780 000 tonnes of greenhouse gases even before they were plugged in. That is the equivalent of putting 156 000 extra cars on the road for a year.

The good news? Green gifts are just about the sexiest thing around town these days, and there are plenty of options, that the planet and its people, will just love.

Here are my top tips for green giving (and receiving);

ASK for LESS

Having a special occasion party and already have everything you need? Fear that four toasters, two kettles and four knife sets won’t add to your minimalist kitchen? Consider suggesting that guests may like to donate to a charity of their choice in lieu of gifts. This can be tactfully worded on the invite so those individuals who have something special in mind for you can still be humoured.

Give a GIFT THAT GIVES

If goats for a village in Nepal, organic farming lessons for a community in India or school supplies for children in Cambodia sounds like your thing, visit www.usefulgifts.org and check out ‘Arguably, the World's Most Useful Gift Catalogue’ You can purchase all number of great things and gifts start at only $5 and come with a beautiful gift card, describing the gift. Membership or donations to environmental, humanitarian and service organizations are also positive presents.

GIVE YOUR GIFTS AWAY

The good etiquette police may not be happy with this, but if you get something you just won’t use, give it away immediately to a charity or op shop that will be able to use it. After all there is nothing more polite than saving the planet.

Love the wrapping?...Then USE IT AGAIN

It is estimated that each year 70,000 ha of native Australian forests are cleared for woodchips used in the production of paper products. Most wrapping paper and cards are made from virgin wood, so re-use them along with ribbons. If you are short on used wrapping paper, try magazines, an organic cotton tea towel, a merino wool scarf or pictures from your children’s colouring books to cover the gift. If you must buy new cards or wrapping opt for 100% recycled, locally produced products.

If friends have a GIFT REGISTRY ask if they mind if you buy an eco-friendly version of the gift they have requested.

Give a LIVE gift – a tree, a certified organic seed or plant is a truly GREEN gift in every sense of the word

.

Choose RECYCLED – you can now find everything from clothing to handbags made from recycled materials, great for that special gift with a green edge.

Opt for FAIR Gifts - Giving is about feeling good and helping out, so by choosing gifts that are fairly traded, your gift is also giving back to the producers and their families in developing countries.

MAKE YOUR OWN gifts – beeswax candles, organic cookies and handmade cards all make great gifts and taking time out to craft them yourself could be a gift of relaxation to you.

Consider the Gift of FOOD - organic & local produce and preserves make a healthy hamper. If you can cook make an organic meal for a loved one, if you can’t, consider wholefood cooking classes and go together.

The gift of KNOWLEDGE is always good so try a book on modern green living, if it is truly green it will be printed on 100% recycled paper!

Give the gift of YOUR TIME to a friend or a charity.

Offer the gift of CARBON NEUTRALITY – by paying to offset someone’s carbon emissions.

Avoid the temptation to succumb to market pressure and steer clear of cheap, nasty and largely useless products. Think good quality, locally made gifts that will last generations in minimalist re-used packaging and you are on to a good thing. The sky is the limit when it comes to green gifts, be creative. Give the good gift.