This holiday season my crony-at-large Olivia has started a Twitter campaign (search #iGiveTwice) to encourage people to purchase gifts that return something to the world. As she writes on her website:
"Choose gifts that have a social or environmental benefit and make your gift count twice. Many companies donate money to a cause when you purchase an item -- some even donate an identical product. "
To that end, here are a few of my favorites that meet this criteria.
1. Artecnica's "Design with Conscience" line of beautiful home goods incorporate sustainable or recycled materials and are hand-crafted by artisan groups from around the world. The bowl below is from the "Beads & Pieces" collection designed by Hella Jongerius and made by artists in Peru.
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.553144/sc.10/category.1316/.f
2. I can't get enough of the Envirosax brand of reusable totes. I keep one in my purse at all times, and it's so light and compact, sometimes I forget it's in there. In addition to the fabulous patterns of the "Graphic Series," the company carries a line made of organic cotton, sourced from a Peruvian farmers co-op which uses sustainable water practices. Businesses take note, Envirosax now does custom bags for corporate gifts, too. http://www.envirosax.com/organic-series.html
3. Last year I adopted a Toucan through the World Wildlife Fund in honor of a 6-year-old relative. She got the plush bird and an adoption certificate, I got the tax deduction. Everyone was happy!
4. I was gifted one of these stone towel hooks, but not knowing what it was for, I installed it in our hall where it collects bags and coats. Either way, it's a cool item and available from Viva Terra, which is giving a 10% discount on all purchases matched by a 10% donation to Nature Rocks, a website that helps parents locate nearby outdoor activities and facilities. Use code NR0920 at checkout. http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.486161.484187.1344863.page
5. As a resident of California, I've cobbled together an emergency preparedness kit, but it doesn't include a hand-crank radio (yet). The NPR shop sells a wide variety, like this combo radio/flashlight/siren/charger in a cheerful orange that might make being trapped a little more bearable. All purchases from the store support NPR programming.
http://shop.npr.org/products/NPR_Limited_Edition_FR400_Emergency_Radio-205-28.html
Tweet your own gifts!