Anyone have list of links for socially conscious gifts?

[jasmeel]

It might be a good idea to have those linked somewhere so we can easily support progressive groups. I have these 2 links:

http://www.feminist.org/store/

http://www.americanapparel.net/

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I know two local craftspeople who are socially conscious

Dave Spencer makes wooden toys and stained glass windows. He does quality work. He's been involved in the ecology/peace movement for years. Check him out at www.spencertoys.com

Herb and Karen Culver have a greenhouse where they raise heirloom (read not genetically engineered) plants. Herb, like Dave, has been an activist, and is also a member of Seed Savers. They can be reached by email at [email protected]

[jasmeel]

2. Thanks!

[eternalburn]

3. Siamese rescue store

http://thesiamesestore.com/


A nice selection of gifty type things and the profits go to help the abandoned animals :)

[buycottJoe]

4. More links for socially conscious gifts

http://www.globalexchange.org has gifts that carry the "Fair Trade" label.

http://www.greenpages.org lists green businesses that you can buy from on-line.

These are great ways to avoid the big corporations. See also the DU group: Economic Activism and Progressive Living for more ideas.

[meganmonkey]

5. This is a great one I did for a couple years

All you give is a card - if your friends/family get it, it's a good idea. Not so good for secret santa presents at a typical office setting, though...

http://catalog.heifer.org/

donate some money to essentially buy a cow/llama/chickens/sheep/bees etc for a needy family. You get cards to pass out saying that your gift is a 'share' of this animal. The organization makes sure that the family has the land needed, is in the right climate, has the labor necessary. From my understanding the organization has integrity and is respected for being effective. There is also an unofficial rule that if the animals reproduce, the family will pass on an offspring to another needy family. It's a pretty awesome idea - not just treating the symptoms of hunger and poverty, but really helping people become productive. And it's a feel-good thing for the donor. Even if you give other presents, the cards are beautiful and a nice supplement to other things. You can give as little as $10 or as much as $5000 (for an 'Ark').

btw - I love american apparel. Wearing a Classic Girl tank top right now! :)

[benevolent dictator]

6. For union made clothing stuff...

check out http://www.unionjeancompany.com it's all union made in the USA.

Then there's http://nosweatapparel.com which has union made clothing (and shoes!!) from all over the world. They have gift certificates too, in case you don't know what sizes to get people. It's a neat site, I'm slowly replacing my wardrobe with union made clothing...

[K8-EEE]

7. Check Out coopamerica.org

For "greenpages" listings.

I also love the lib-friendly T-shirts, posters, buttons and gifts at www.northernsun.com They have some really FUNNY things there!

[iverglas]

8. Bridgehead Canada (OXFAM) ships to the U.S.

They're here:
http://www.bridgehead.ca/en/AboutUs/VisionsValues.asp?SID=322663763027496774101645750933633836491914686960015236168941&LangID=1&

Our vision

We envision a global exchange that puts people before profit. We link our consumers with small-scale farmers in the developing world through fair trade.

Our values

- We develop long-term partnerships based on mutual respect
- We ensure that economic benefits remain where they are most needed-with growers, their families and communities
- We support sustainable environmental practices that enrich the earth
- We encourage people to learn more about and support fair trade
- Our partners influence markets, each other, and global awareness of fair trade products

We develop long-term partnerships based on mutual respect. Whether in sharing ideas with grower co-operatives or in marking the contribution of women to fair trade, our partners advocate full and equal participation. In so doing, our partners strive to uphold the following tenets:

- Farmers who work within grower co-operatives enjoy democratic participation
- Local villages and communities are consulted to determine how extra premiums paid by fair trade will be distributed, such as for local health-care, housing and education programs
- Women enjoy respect and recognition for their work and share a significant role in decision-making processes
- All coffee and tea workers, including women and children, are protected from exploitative working practices and are paid fair living wages
- All partners respect human rights, the environment, and indigenous culture ...

I've bought Bridgehead coffee (fair-trade, shade-grown) and other things for xmas presents, for years. There are Amazonian cashew candy to promote sustainable use of forests, wild rice from Canada's First Nations communities, and craft products from all over (unfortunately limited selection on line -- I'm lucky; I've got a Bridgehead store in town!)

This year, they seem to be promoting "Bazura bags":

Bazura Bags works with a women’s co-operative in the Philippines that set up a Livelihood Project assisted by the local village council. With almost no capital, the women found a very clever way to support themselves: everyday, children from the local schools collect over 50,000 used drink containers, called doy packs, then sell them to the co-operative; the containers are sanitized and the women sew them together into attractive, durable bags. The women who are part of the Livelihood Project work for themselves and have a positive impact on their community and, at the same time, they encourage environmentalism.

Bazura bags are colourful, earth friendly bags with many uses. The styles we have this season include shoulder bags, shopping bags, and lunch bags. The pattern of doy pack varies with each bag.

They range from Cdn $12 for a cosmetic bag to $25 for a market bag (about US $10 to $20), plus shipping ($10 for orders of $50-100, plus $5 to the US).

Where else you gonna get East Timorese coffee??

The products aren't cheap, but you can consider part of the price an investment in peace and justice.

[crispini]

9. Check out our own Economic Activism group here on DU!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=255