A Green Christmas - Take 2

I discovered a fab new site today called Eco Christmas Trees. You can hire a live potted tree for Christmas and afterwards, it's re-planted back in the ground. Such a great idea. We've gone with a plastic tree as I've been having dilemnas about cutting down a live tree every year - it seems such a waste as much as I love the look and smell of a real Christmas tree.

I've also got to mention Chadstone Shopping Centre. I'm not generally a big fan of shopping malls but this Christmas, they are supporting the Australian Conservation Foundation via their 100% biodegradable gift cards - a percentage of their sales being donated to the ACF. They've also mentioned this in their 'Green is the New Black' print advertising campaign.

Treading lightly

We support the Australian Conservation. They've just put out some tips for treading lightly this Christmas in their latest Green Home newsletter. Below is a summary - you can also sign up for the newsletter here.

Give an eco-friendly gift
Donate to a charity
Look for presents that give twice: donate to an environment organisation, charity or overseas aid agency.
Be the festive host(ess) with the most(ess) eco credentials
Buy a living native Christmas Tree
Holiday locally and get out of hot water!
Make creative Christmas presents and decorations at home
Wrap gifts in recycled or re-used paper and make cards

You can read more about their tips here.

That time of year...

I mentioned Christmas the other day...eek! I have actually started Christmas shopping as I hate doing things last-minute and want to avoid the crowds. Needless to say I love online shopping and buying gift vouchers (so that my family can enjoy experiences) at Christmas time. I've also discovered a gorgeous eco toy site - www.ecotoys.com.au

Anne and I support the Australian Conservation Foundation all year around not just at Christmas time. We also support givenow.com.au - a commission-free website listing thousands of good causes and creative ways to give. We want to encourage people to donate their used clothing including our stuff at the end of their life so someone else can benefit.

Give Now week is coming up at the end of this month (29th November - 5th December). There's some great tips for individuals and families including a good gifts guide if you're searching for ideas.

Christmas is coming

I can't believe I'm already talking about Christmas. It seems to sneak up on me every year these past few years. We will do some kind of Christmas promotion as a lot of people actually buy our clothes as gifts for friends and family. I've already given my mum (who lives in Queensland) a couple of T-shirts - groovy chick that she is.

In case you're thinking about Christmas cards, I did want to let you know about Earth Greetings. Their Peace on Earth Christmas cards are printed carbon neutral in Australia, with vegetable ink on 100% post-consumer waste paper. You can buy them online from two of our fave retailers Ethikl (www.ethikl.com.au) and Blue Caravan (www.bluecaravan.net). Best of all, they will donate to Trees for Life (to enable volunteers to plant trees) for every pack sold.

There's also some great information on responsible gift giving if you check out the Green Home Shop Smart section (under 'Campaigns') of the Australian Conservation Foundation website.