Soul Economy

With Christmas less that 2 weeks away, it is the perfect time to give back and make a difference during the festive period. Consider giving gifts that contribute in a positive way to society and think of inventive ways to show appreciation to your loved ones and help others less fortunate than ourselves.

Here are some of my ideas. I would love to hear from you.

1) Buy Fair Trade and Organic Gifts: Make this Christmas one that helps developing communities and minimises your impact on the environment. Buying fair trade gifts ensures that the producers are paid a fair wage and supports the development of much needed community run projects. Ultimately, it helps these communities become sustainable and alleviates poverty.

Check out the contemporary, stylish and exquisite Fair trade and Organic products available from our soulful entrepreneurs featured on Soul Economy. Select from the wide range of women’s and kid’s fashion, cool streetwear, sexy underwear, jewellery, children’s toys, beautiful scarves and bags, contemporary home decor, rugs, shoes, and wrap it up with 100% recycled paper and card.

Here are some wonderful offers for our readers from our soulful entrepreneurs:

Bholu Christmas! This year, how about buying something for some one which not only has a great story but is loved by adults and children alike! Hand made by underprivileged women in India, Bholu products are all Fair Trade and part proceeds of the children’s range go directly back to rebuilding preschools in India. A worthwhile cause to be a part of and help spread the good word.

A Christmas Special when bought online at www.bholushop.com with the promotion code “i love bholu” will get you 15% off all Bholu products, but we particularly think Mavis the Monkey will bring some extra ethical christmas cheer!

www.bholushop.com
www.bholu.com
(02) 9698 0153

Moral Fibre Christmas! Looking for a gift that you can be proud to give? Something that’s totally luxurious and 100% organic and ethical? Moral Fibre super soft, light weight, t-shirts created from 70% organic bamboo / 30% organic cotton make the perfect Christmas Gift. These gems are available in a stylish, classic white crew neck (unisex) and black, oh so sexy V neck (men’s and women’s).

Let us know that Soul Economy sent you and we will add a fab eco “stocking stuffer” in with your bundle. What’s not to love. To find out more click here.

www.moralfibre.com/shop
www.moralfibre.com
enquiries@moralfibre.com

2) Volunteer: Deliver Christmas hampers on 22, 23 and 24 December. For further information, contact Stephanie or Rose at the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross, Sydney on (02) 9358 6577. Assist the Salvos with their Christmas lunches. For further information, visit http://salvos.org.au/christmas/christmas-day-lunch/ Or join in the new “side by side” volunteer program at the Wesley Mission lunches on Christmas Day and help encourage those who attend to participate in all activities. For further information call Alan or Hannah on (02) 9263 5462. And make a commitment to volunteer beyond Christmas and into 2009.

3) Give to Charity: Buy charity Christmas cards. If you order from the Charity Card Market you can select Christmas cards from over 50 charities with 100% of the sale going directly to the charity. Or, if in Sydney, you can visit The Goodwill Charity Card Shop and select your Christmas cards from 12 Australian charities. Open until Friday, 19 December, the shop is located on Level 8, 428 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000. For further information visit http://www.goodwillcharitycards.org.au/ To reduce your impact on the environment, check out the animated eCards at Red Cross and always select 100% recycled when available. You can also purchase a charity gift voucher through Karma Currency and let the recipient choose who they wish to donate to.

4) Reduce Waste and Buy Fairtrade and Organic Food: We have the tendency to over-indulge at Christmas. We buy too much, eat too much and end up with too much waste. Give some thought to those who are struggling to put food on the table and consider cutting back a little. And where available, buy Fair Trade and Organic foods. Not only do these foods taste great, they are friendlier on the environment, ensure that manufacturers are paid a fair wage and help to support community projects. There are many organic options available. With Fair Trade, you can select from coffee, tea and chocolate as well peanuts and cashews now available.

5) Donate to a Community: Give a gift that helps communities support and sustain their income, health, education or basic needs such as shelter and water. Purchase a gift from Oxfam Unwrapped. For example, a gift of bees that give women living with HIV and AIDS in Malawi the opportunity to earn an income. Or donate a gift from CAREgifts such as a water kettle, to help kill some of the water-borne bugs when only contaminated water is available for drinking. Another option is to provide a micro loan through http://kiva.org/ and help an entrepreneur in the developing world to build their business and become sustainable.

6) And finally, give one of the most precious gifts of all: Your time. In our time poor, consumerist society we often overlook the importance of spending time with family and friends and showing that you care. Christmas is the perfect time to do this.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with love, light, happiness and lots of fun and laughs!

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