Sustainable and Ethical Gifts
Although presents are not the focus for Christians at Christmas, we often give gifts to friends and family to help celebrate this special day and as a mark of love for those we care about. However, in current times, we might wish to consider giving a sustainable or ethical gift that can help support a Catholic charity or other good cause. The Southwark Justice and Peace in Creation Commission has put together a shortlist of ideas for small ethical and sustainable gifts. Many of these would also make good presents beyond Christmas,
Ethical and Sustainable Gifts
(not just for Christmas!)
ASTRIS AND GREEN: Eco-Friendly Bathroom Set
This set contains:
Tabitha Eve Shower/Bath Pouf; ecoLiving Olive Wood Soap Dish; Tabitha Eve Loofa Disks; ecoLiving Bamboo Cotton Buds; Brighton FRoG Mylky Way Soap, 95g.
Astris and Green started a few years ago when the reality of the environmental impact we all have became too much for the founders to ignore. There have been both successes and failures, but every positive change makes a big difference, no matter how small it seems, and that we should all embrace each others' efforts to be kinder to the environment in any way we can. The retail journey started with personal care products, then household goods and the range continues to expand.
Cost: £20.00. (A bee is sponsored for every order over £10).
Free delivery on orders over £30. Standard delivery £3.00.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: Hand Icons
https://acnuk.org/products/ukrainian-hand-icons-gift-set/
A set of three small wooden replica icons, including Mother of Perpetual Help, Holy
Family and Christ Pantocrator, hand-made in a monastery in Ukraine.
By purchasing them you support the monastery and charities that the monks sponsor in Lviv, such as orphanages and young people in need. An ideal size to keep in your bag or pocket, for personal use or share as a gift. They come in a hessian drawstring bag.
Dimensions: 10cm x 6.5cm each.
£12.00, plus £4.70 standard UK delivery.
STAND4SOCKS: Blue Optical Illusion Men's Sock
These are the perfect addition to anybody's sock collection, with their bright blue design and premium comfort. Made from combed cotton with reinforced toe and heel, these will soon become your favourite pair. Material: 78% Combed Cotton, 20% Polyamide, 2% Elastane.
Stand4Socks donates a pair of thick, anti-bacterial socks for every pair purchased, and far has donated over 150,000 pair of socks to vulnerable people in need.
Price £9.99 sent via 2nd Class post at £2.75.
ARCHBISHOP OSCAR ROMERO TRUST
Download a hymn of justice and peace, commemorating 100 years since the birth of Saint Oscar Romero, whose shrine occupies a prominent place in our cathedral. “God, you raise up true disciples”. Commissioned by the Trust from Chris Olding to mark the centenary of Oscar Romero's birth, the words are based upon transcriptions of his homilies, recorded and broadcast to the people of El Salvador, and upon reflections upon what our response should be to his challenge.
The publication includes background information about Saint Oscar, the Romero Trust and references to his homilies to help in personal study, prayer and discussion. An assembly edition, which can be photocopied, is also included. The hymn comes with an original tune, but may also be sung to any strong tune with 87 87 D metre, such as Blaenwern or Ode to Joy. It can be downloaded from the website of the composer, https://www.wheatsheafmusic.co.uk/shop/romero/
Cost: £1.50, delivered electronically as a pdf file
AMOS TRUST – Cotton Shopper Bag
www.amostrust.org/shopper-bags
Ecru-coloured 5oz natural cotton bags that are great value and perfect for popping to the
shops or rolling up for when you really need it. Compact and reusable, these are a great replacement for plastic carrier bags. Buy yours now. And maybe another one for a friend!
(Amos partners with vibrant grass-roots projects around the world that have unique local experience, expertise and connections. Collaboration is at the heart of everything they do. Current projects focus on promoting the rights of street children, creating a just peace for Palestine and building sustainable rural communities in Nicaragua.)
Product size - Width 380mm; Height 420mm.
Cost: £4.99 each plus and £3.50 shipping per order.
SHELTER - Cornish sea salt extra dark chocolate bar
A sumptuous Vegan stocking filler, made from 70% cocoa, Ecuadorian single origin dark chocolate. Buying this could help fund a webchat for someone who’s losing their home, this is the perfect ethical Secret Santa gift while helping to end the housing emergency. Other flavours are available!
Cost: £5.00, plus £2.95 shipping for up to 1kg.
SOCIAL SUPERMARKET - Gift Boxes
https://www.socialsupermarket.org/
The company partners with over 100 impact-led partners across the UK, featuring over
1,500 products from food, drink, accessories and gifts. There’s something on their website for everyone, with items ranging from handbags made from decommissioned fire hoses, through soap made by people with visual impairments to award-winning relishes made with wonky fruit and vegetables.
You’ll find gift boxes for every occasion (not just for Christmas) and for everyone you love – but these boxes do more than that. They’re packed with products designed to do something good. They have sustainable gift boxes full of eco-friendly wines or drinks and snacks from brands that fight food waste. Boxes full of Fairtrade sweet treats that put people first, self-care gifts that create a positive impact, or perfect presents for ethically conscious coffee connoisseurs.
Box prices range from £15.00 to £95.00.
Delivery charges vary from brand to brand.
CAMPAIGN FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT - Facemask
A 2-ply reusable CND logo face mask made from 100% polyester face, 100% cottoninner; black elastic straps which come with adjustable strap locks for resizing.
A unique gift whatever the time of year.
Cost: £6.00 plus £1.10 delivery
Please note that these are ideas and are not personal recommendations. The Archdiocese of Southwark cannot take any responsibility for the quality, safety or timely delivery of the product.
