Category Archives: ethical

Plant a tree for every book you read…

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I’ve just stumbled across Eco-Libris - a wonderful site which allows you to plant a tree for every book you read. They have a blog too. This is what they say about what they do:

Let’s start with the bottom line: we believe in providing people with easy and affordable ways to take responsibility for their actions and go green. We don’t believe in preaching doom and gloom. It’s not our style. We do believe in taking action and in the power of small changes to make a big impact.

Hear hear. I’ve just planted ten, but I must admit I’ve got a bit of catching up to do….

Ethical Christmas shopping on the high street (NOT)

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I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas. Or at least green-ish.

I do a lot of shopping online, and try and be green where I can – with my face cream, my writing candles, my crafty stuff, my books. I’m certainly not a green saint, but I try to do my little bit where I can.

Yesterday I had a free hour, and so I thought I’d be RIDICULOUSLY organised and start looking for Christmas presents in town. Where shall I go first, I wondered. Where can I feel reassured that at least the company is making a small effort to reduce their impact on the environment?

Hmm. I didn’t get very far. I bought a Krispy Kreme doughnut (non-ethical, sugary and fried but yummy) and then gave up. I’m going to try the internet instead.

I know – I shouldn’t be buying presents at all – I should be making pickles from my own home-grown-veg in recycled glass jars. But there must be other people like me out there who aren’t willing to give up hot baths for showers or their favourite wrapped-in-plastic chocoate, but who are committed to making their own modest efforts to be green.

Where are the eco-chains? How do I know which shops have the worst/best environmental records? Where is the unbleached cotton choice in the clothes shops, and the no-packaging choice, the recycled choice? (Suggestions welcome in the comments!)