Fair Trade Jewellery, Gifts & Food: Plan Ahead for an Ethical Christmas

Being an ethical consumer is no doubt getting easier, as public demand for products makes them easier to find. Anyone thinking about Christmas already may be wondering how to make sure the goods they buy are as ethical as possible during a season where indulgence and spending are at a high. It's getting quite easy to have an ethical Christmas, from the gifts you buy to the foods you eat and everything in between, but it does involve careful planning. Start drawing up lists about where you are going to source your food and where you can buy ethical gifts now, so that when December arrives, you don't need to make any rash, unethical purchases.

Christmas Shopping.

For some, Christmas gift shopping is a joy; an activity started months ahead in order to find the perfect gifts for friends and families. For others, it's a drag; a last minute rush around a busy town centre on December 23rd, only to buy boring, impersonal presents. The best way to do your Christmas shopping is to start early and spend time sourcing ethical goods. The internet is the best place to start where you can find a larger range of items. Fair trade gifts are not limited to a couple of items; you should be able to find something for all the family. From fair trade jewellery for that special someone, eco toys for youngsters, charity donations for the person that has everything or fair trade snacks for the sweet toothed members of your family.

Food Shopping.

The most ethical way to shop for food is to buy local where possible, organic where available and fair trade for any goods that have been produced overseas. Chocolate sales over Christmas are huge as folks stock up for this most indulgent of holidays. Carefully source all your sweet treats from fair trade producers. If it means you need to buy a little less, then so be it - its quality not quantity that's important with ethical shopping. Free range, local meats will taste far better than supermarket bought meats, so source local farms or butchers who can sell you this.

Environmental Factors.

All that wrapping paper, food packaging and petrol used to visit families can see Christmas carry a hefty carbon footprint. Plan ahead by sourcing recycled wrapping paper and using it sparingly, or save the best paper, fold it up and use it again next year. Encourage the kids to make Christmas cards from last year's cards and tags and buy food that has the least packaging, where possible.

It's never too early to start planning for Christmas; the earlier you do it, the more conscious your shopping decisions can be. From gifts such as fair trade jewellery, to ethical treats and meats, careful planning can help you enjoy a guilt free Christmas.

Article brought to you by Green Tulip, the leading UK online eco shop.

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