For the person who has everything, don’t turn to giftcards or useless gifts to give to them this holiday season. Instead, consider donating on behalf of them to an eco-charity instead.
Here are our top six eco-charities to consider for your holiday gift giving this year:
WaterCan
Just as its name indicates, WaterCan is a water charity, which is dedicated to fighting global poverty by helping the world’s poorest people gain access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene education. They claim their vision is simple: Clean Water for All. (And we agree–pretty darn simple). They recently launched their Holiday Gifts of Water Campaign, where you can choose from giving soap, part of a well, or even water for a whole village. Gifts range from $20 to $1100.
The World Wildlife Fund
Well-known as Canada’s largest international conservation organization, the WWF aims to stop the degradation of the environment and seeks to build a future where humans live in harmony with nature. You can do a basic monetary donation, opt for something a little more unique, like investing in building a gorilla’s paradise, or support them by visiting their store.
Me to We
Me to We describes themselves as an innovative social enterprise that’s built on a way of life: living we means walking softly, traveling lightly and making a difference in all your actions—small or large.” Focusing on youth, they offer life-changing development programs that will change they way they move forward for the rest of their lives. Offering options for adults, too, consider donating in part to sending someone on a volunteer trip, or, if that isn’t the in cards, visit their store for plenty of gift ideas.
David Suzuki Foundation
The David Suzuki Foundation‘s motto is “Solutions are in our nature” and for years they have been doing just that. The charity works alongside individuals, businesses, and the government to work towards conserving the environment and creating change. You can opt for a monetary donation, or send an e-card for $15.
Environmental Defence
Though perhaps not as well-known as the other charities, Environmental Defence is one we really love. They work to inspire change through connecting people with the environment in all aspects of their lives. They have also launched their holiday-inspired Gifts for the Future, which can inspire friends and family and take action to inspire change and defend our environment. Explaining that “each and every gift helps ensure that our environment remains protected and healthy – today, tomorrow, and for future generations.” and we can’t wait to get on board. Gifts range from $50 to adopting a Great Lakes beach to $40 to preserving the GreenBelt.
TreeCanada
Tree Canada works to engage communities, governments, corporations, and individuals in the pursuit of a greener and healthier living environment for Canadians. They provide Canadians with education, technical expertise, and resources to plant and care for urban and rural trees, planting more than 78 million and greening over 530 schoolyards across the country. For a $25 donation, the organization will plant a tree on behalf of your giftee.