Alternative Holiday Shopping

I am the very incarnation of Bah Humbug. I have no particular Christmas spirit and no desire to see the whole business encouraged in any way. And while I realize this attitude doesn't exactly win friends and influence people, it is sincere.

However, I am inspired to participate in this small way this year: A good friend of mine has compiled a list of alternative holiday shopping sources and I feel it's worth sharing with others who may be more possessed of winter holiday convictions and shopping traditions. Below is her message.

The holidays are coming and thus ushers in the most materialistically driven time of the year in an already materialistic society. Be unconventional and even subversive this year by refusing to buy in to the lie of the status quo and by creating a new type of demand in the global market: a demand for products that are fairly traded and benefit the billions of people in our world that are in poverty. Or, refuse to buy material things at all and give gifts in the form of donations that will change someone's life.

ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING GUIDE

Made by Survivors of Slavery/Human Trafficking

Made by Survivors
Night Light Bangkok
Girl33
Better Way Imports
Shop in Light
New Life Center Foundation
Divine Inheritance
Emmanuel Jal  (music artist)

Helping the Poor out of Poverty and Creating Sustainability

Moonflower Enterprises
Global Girlfriend
TOMS Shoes
Tabitha
Ten Thousand Villages
A Greater Gift
FAIR
Cards from Africa
Global Goods Partners
Momentum
Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care
Divine Chocolate
Kamay Krafts
BuyChange.com
Global Exchange

Socially Conscious Consumer Search Pages

Conscious Consumer Marketplace
Co-op America: National Green Pages

Unique Gifts to Directly Support Transformational Development and Justice

World Vision
Heifer International
Mennonite Central Committee: Christmas Giving
Garden of Hope
World Hope
Spirit of Giving: Charity Gift Catalog
International Justice Mission

Other Initiatives with Products to Promote Social Justice and Eco-Friendly Shopping

PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics
Rawganique
Hempest
Full Moon Family

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Comments

[Amit]

Have you and Namit been reading up on re/incarnation recently? I've seen that word pop up in two recent posts from you two. :)

[Usha]

HI Amit. I hadn't noticed this myself. Perhaps it's you who has been occupied with thoughts of re/incarnation lately, that these words should pop out at you? ;^)