A fairer distribution of wealth this Christmas
Increasingly, people are complaining about Christmas rather than enjoying it. A common complaint is having to buy presents that may not even be appreciated and will add to the huge pile of plastic and packaging going into landfill. Another issue is the $1.4 billion worth of unclaimed gift cards!
One way to avoid this problem is to send our money to where it will do good, rather than merely adding to the profit margins of big retailers.
Here are two suggestions to promote a fairer distribution of wealth this Christmas:
- Give Meaningful Gifts: Instead of giving Grandpa yet another pair of socks or a book he won’t read, consider buying an item in his name and giving it to someone in need… gifts like a goat, a training course, a water tank, or education for a villager too poor to afford such life-changing items. Many organisations working in developing countries, such as Caritas, offer these options. You can order gifts online, and Caritas will send you a card with details of the gifts you’ve chosen, allowing you to write a personal message inside. It’s easy and thoughtful! LINK to the web page.
- Support Ethical Trading: Shop in person for handcrafted items imported from countries where handcraft is still valued and practised, such as Peru. Many agencies have set up cooperatives that employ women, providing them with alternatives to less desirable ways of making money. Close to us, a shop in Summer Hill offers a great range of alternatives to plastic, mass-produced gifts. Look online or drop in—it’s a great excuse for coffee and cake at one of the many cafes in the shopping area! I bought a pair of socks that helps to protect the sloth in South America and there is a range of the cutest cat beds you’ll ever see!
119 Smith Street Summer Hill.
Jane Sulis
Coordinator of Outreach
