Christmas Presents!

Here are (most of) the presents I've bought for my family this year:
I've done my best to re-use and recycle this year - on everything except the ribbon and the bows I've succeeded (had to buy the bows, HAD to, I love bows!).

I've used the sleeves for giftboxes and even the giftboxes themselves as wrapping (though never mark giftboxes as people like to keep them to keep their jewellery safe and nicely presented), and I've painted designs (PENGUINS! ...and fish :D) on newspaper instead of buying wrapping paper.

No, it doesn't look as professional, granted, but it looks as if some thought and effort has gone into it, at least that's what I think.

Now here is where I get preachy so you'll have to excuse me.

Please try to be environmentally and ethically friendly this Christmas:

Don't buy cheap and nasty plastic decorations that you'll throw away when you could buy some nicer looking, re-useable ones for just a little more money (and of course you'd save money in the end from not having to re-buy them every year).

Think about how much unnecessary packaging you're using and try not to just chuck it all out once everything is unwrapped on Christmas Day - it could be used to light the fire, or all that plastic could be recycled (I know that not all plastic can be recycled, but maybe you need to think about that, too).

Best-case scenario, try to avoid buying things when you can see they have a lot of unnecessary waste packaging. I know it's not always easy but there are a few products where you'll be in a position to choose.

Try to buy Fair Trade. There are a number of online shops that sell only Fair Trade stock and there are more still charity shops and other stores that have a Fair Trade section. Try to think about the unpleasant working conditions some of our consumer goods are made in and support employers who do the right thing by their workers.

Paint or print (potato prints are fun for kids to do) your own designs onto parcel paper or re-used newspaper (though check the stories on the page to make sure they aren't too depressing!) rather than buying glossy wrapping paper - it's overpriced for what it is, it tears horrifically easily, and do Clintons' really need any more money than they already manage to scam out of people with cards and toys? I don't think so. The Financial Times is a great colour to use and looks good with some smart ribbon. You could also use the Funny Pages for wrapping childrens' presents.

Anyway, that's me done. You don't have to take it in but I hope that someone has. If we don't make an effort to change things, no one else is going to, after all.