People-friendly
What makes an ideal Christmas gift? Something the recipient likes? Something you like? Something that is useful? Something that is meaningful? Something that isn't disposable? Something that doesn't exploit workers in its manufacture? The perfect gift is likely a combination of all these things.
Toys and China
Three-quarters
of the world’s toys are made in China. Working conditions
have been improving, but serious labour violations continue.
Toy workers often work for more than 80 hours a week
— well above China’s legal limit.
Choose
Australian made toys, available at websites such as playtolearn.com.au,
ecotoys.com.au.
Choose ‘China-free’ toys from companies such as Playmobil
and Lego who manufacture most of their products in Europe. Check the
company track-record for toy
manufacturers and avoid those with significant criticisms.
Fairtrade - fair wages, no exploitation.
- Etiko Fairtrade T-shirts "Love Revolutions " "Wear no Evil".
- Jinta Fairtrade Sports balls
- Only Just fair-trade online shop
If you're choosing clothing as a gift, see Oxfam's What She Makes Company Tracker - showing brands avoiding worker exploitation.
Some people are weighed down with stuff. Others don’t have the essential stuff they need. Buy a goat for your mum.The greatest gift you can give someone is your time, your attention, your concern. So when we sit down with someone and give them our attention, show interest in them, we are giving them something both rare and valuable. Honouring their uniqueness and acknowledging our interdependence. What is one way you can put this into practice for a friend or stranger today?
More Shop Ethical Christmas ideas
