Gifts that can change the world

Most people have enough "stuff", but that doesn't mean you can't find a thoughful gift that people will love, and has a positive impact on the environment.  The way you spend your shopping dollar affects the demand for more eco-friendly, organic, and fair trade products.  Here are just a few ideas.

Climate neutral gift certificates

For something different make your loved one’s home, driving, flying or even their whole lifestyle climate neutral. That is your gift shopping made green & easy!  From AU$26.00   www.climatefriendly.com/offset-gifts

Adoptions

Adopt an animal with the World Wildlife Fund - or purchase one as a gift for family or friends and help WWF protect wildlife and landscapes. For the amounts listed on the site, you can 'adopt' the animal of your choice for one year.

Your symbolic adoption does not support one particular animal, but instead helps fight the threats faced by species like these such as land clearing, climate change, invasive plants, feral animals, marine and water pollution. All of the funds raised through these adoptions will be used to help protect threatened species both in Australia and overseas.  wwf.org.au/shop/categories/adoptions

Books

From Biome (www.biome.com.au or 2 LaTrobe Tce Paddington) who stock some fantastic adults' as well as kids' books.  "Change the World for 10 bucks"  This is an uplifting book by Australian charity Pilotlight, with 50 simple, everyday actions that all of us can do and that collectively make a big difference - for just $10!  Nearly 200,000 copies sold to date.  With the success of  the book, Pilotlight hopes to set up the UK based movement "We are what we do" in Australia.  For more book ideas and reviews see our Recommended Reading  page.

Cool Gifts for the whole Family

For the IT geeks, or art lovers - make or buy some of the gorgeous jewellery pieces and artworks made from computer parts.  See Reverse Garbage's giftshop to get ideas, or instore at  Montegue Road, West End QLD 4101.

Agonising about what gifts you could possibly get this year that are different yet affordable? www.biome.com.au has an amazing array of fascinating eco-friendly gifts for family and friends, from hemp frisbees to beer shampoo, from native spices to funky bags, from mousepads to recycled tyre animal swings! They also have a local store at 2 LaTrobe Tce Paddington, Brisbane.

Digital Shower Timer - Duck $19.95, This cute little duck is a fun way for the family to set a time limit on showers.
Kids love it! Also shows the time so you can see if you're running late.  For more ideas see Neco.com.au's on-line catelogue.