photo: only alice, Creative Commons

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we’ve finally moved into the “ho ho ho” shopping season. I’ve noticed that most of the stores in Los Angeles are dressed up for this uber-important time of year. Most are adorned with pine garlands and piles of fake snow while their doors are guarded by twinkling holiday trees, imported from far beyond the deserts of Southern California.  It’s bizarre; these “authentic” SHOP NOW! decorations are expected to lure both willing and unwilling Americans into helping these companies profit margins during their most critical time of year by patronizing their businesses.

I’m all for helping our dismal economy from falling further into the red but I would also like to offer some suggestions for alternative holiday gifts. These 10 gifts from organizations we work with, are a sustainable alternative to the traditional shopping model and will make a positive difference in many people’s lives.

1.Say no to plastic water bottles and say yes to plentiful, free tap water. Food and Water Watch offers Kleen Kanteen’s stainless steel water bottle, decorated with the organization’s “Take Back the Tap” logo, for all of your drinking needs. As the proud owner of one, I can attest to the usefulness of this bottle and the water tastes great!

2. Who can say no to chocolate?  I certainly have a hard time resisting it, especially when all of its proceeds go to HELP USA, which provides transitional and permanent housing for homeless individuals nationwide.  Your chocolate gift will be more than delicious; it will enrich many people’s lives.

3. Jewish World Watch’s Solar Cooker program has saved thousands of women’s lives in Darfur. The program provides an alternative cooking source so that they do not have to venture from the safety of their homes to collect firewood under threat from the Janjaweed, which has raped and assaulted thousands of women.  If you purchase t-shirts and hats, the proceeds will provide solar cookers to Darfurian women.

4. Many parents innocently give their children a new pet as a holiday gift without realizing that this animal might have come from a puppy mill or an irresponsible breeder. The best place to get either a pure-bred or mutt is from your local animal shelter.

5. Many of us need to loosen our belts after the marathon holiday eating season finishes on January 1st. One way to do this is to incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet now and to send healthy gifts rather than gingerbread men or peppermint bark. The Eat Well Guide offers tips on finding local produce to help jump start your healthy eating and to you to share as gifts with friends and family.  And, deliver your local produce gift in an attractive, reusable Slow Food USA canvas bag.

6. Share inspiring stories about human rights. Amnesty International’s comprehensive online shop has several fascinating and visually stunning human rights books. You can also find great apparel, calendars, music and jewelry on their site.

7. Need a bookmark for your Amnesty book? Consider purchasing one from NARSAD Artworks, which produces bookmarks, note cards and posters by individuals with mental illness. The proceeds support NARSAD’s mental health research.

8. Sending flowers?  Choose flowers from California Organics and a percentage of your purchase will support the Pesticide Action Network of North America, a leader in raising awareness about the harmful effects of pesticides and advocate replacing them with ecologically sound alternatives.

9. Support our troops!  By purchasing a shirt from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization, you will be helping the lives of millions of veterans nationwide. This group was a key force in the passage of the new GI bill this year and continues to provide leadership in the ongoing fight for better veterans benefits.

10.  Support the United Farm Workers and drink delicious Napa Valley wine. Black Eagle Wines, named after the union’s icon, are produced under a contract with the United Farm Workers, ensuring workers are given fair pay and benefits.  You can enjoy a glass of Merlot and know that workers produced this wine under fair labor conditions.

11. This list isn’t finished! takepart today and share with other readers a creative gift from your favorite non-profit organization by simply clicking on the “comment” button at the top.