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Explore hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable Mother's Day gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
Mother's day (also known as Mothering Sunday) will be celebrated on Sunday 10th March 2024.
Check out our top ethical mother's day gifts for 2024. Extra special ideas you'll both love. Find 220+ more ideas in our gifts for mum collection.
Whether she's a foodie, or she'd just love to spend time with you, treating your mum to a special brunch or Mother's Day lunch might be the perfect treat.
If you can't be with her on the day, why not create a voucher and suggest another date?
Did you know about 90% of the flowers we buy are imported?
Often cut flowers are grown in warmer countries like Kenya and flown to the UK, while many more are grown in large heated greenhouses in the Netherlands. This means the floristry industry can have a pretty hefty carbon footprint, and we haven't even mentioned single-use plastic wrapping and floral foam yet.
Mother's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for the flower industry, so what can we do to choose a little more sustainably this year?
Many people are keen to avoid accumulating 'stuff' just for the sake of it. So what are some alternative and unique gift ideas?
Whether your mum's into musicals, films or drama, she'll love the opportunity to hang out with you, and that you want to join her watching something she enjoys. Offer a few ideas if you're not quite sure what she'd like, or if you know she'll love The Rocky Horror Picture show, just book those tickets!
For a low-cost treat, book a date in the diary and prepare some face masks, DIY body scrubs, or try one of these home hair treatments.
Light some candles, put on a relaxing soundtrack, add some treats to snack on and perhaps a healthy smoothie (or something fizzy), and voila!
If she's not after things, she may just value you and your time! Now spring's on the way why not plan a picnic together in a location your mum will love. That might be the beach, a beauty spot, or your local park!
Have we missed anything? Comment below if you think there's something we should include.
You might like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend
Conscious shoppers can choose from hundreds of goods that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. These include a wide range of gift ideas, as well as handmade Christmas decorations, recycled wrapping paper and recycled Christmas cards creating positive change.
Founder Lucy Willoughby launched Good Things after working in the charity sector: “I saw for myself the devastating impact plastic pollution is having on the natural world, and how social enterprises around the world are creating solutions that empower marginalised communities, and reduce our harm to the planet. I wanted to do something to support their work and increase their impact, so I decided to seek out products creating a positive difference and make it easy for people to find them in one place.”
“It’s so exciting to be part of Sparks Bristol, which is a groundbreaking project in the centre of Bristol. Sparks encourages people take actions on climate, equality and wellbeing and this aligns perfectly with Good Things' values. We're looking forward to joining the community championing sustainability and Fair Trade, and showing people the positive change they can make by choosing to support local, national and international projects when they choose gifts this Christmas.”
Good Things now offers hundreds of goods from purpose-driven organisations in the UK and around the world, including:
Sparks is a department store with a difference. It's a vibrant, positive venue where visitors can explore what a greener, fairer and more creative future looks like. Sparks brings organisations and individuals from across the city together to pilot new ways to better serve our community and address the climate, ecological and cost of living crisis. The project is located in the heart of Bristol, in the old M&S building on Broadmead and has recently been recognised by the National Lottery as a project of national significance. Find out more.
If you're in the area please come and say hi! We're open from Saturday 21st October, and will close on Sunday 24th December at 3pm.
Opening hours: Mon 11-6, Wed 11-6, Thu 11-6, Fri 11-6, Sat 11-6 & Sun 11-5
Sparks Bristol, 78 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DS
Come and see us at Sparks Bristol, find us here on Google maps, or what 3 words.
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Oh secret Santa, it always seems like a good idea until you're trying to actually buy something for the colleague you know nothing about, or that family member who's really hard to buy for!
Fear not, we've curated this year's most useful, ethical and sustainably sourced secret Santa gifts. Gift ideas they'll actually use, like and enjoy! Plus you'll know every gift we've included is making a positive social or environmental impact.
Explore Christmas at Good Things: hundreds of ethical and eco-friendly gifts, toys and games that support charities, empower people and protect our planet.
Check out 300 gift ideas under £25, or let them choose for themselves, with a gift card available for £5, £10, £20 or more!
Everyone loves a good notebook! This A5 book has a 100% recycled cover made from recycled card, and FSC-certified sustainable paper pages. It comes in four stylish designs to suit all tastes and better still, this sustainable stationery supports children's education worldwide. Ideas A5 Notebook with Soft Cover | Recycled & Sustainable, £9.99
These contemporary and lightweight earrings are made from interconnected brass circles. Made by Neema Crafts, who transform lives in Tanzania through craft skills training and Fair Trade work. Duara Brass Circle Earrings | Handmade and Fair Trade, £9.95
Stuck for ideas? Treat them to this luxurious triple-milled organic soap. It has a warm spicy citrus fragrance - and the message "sweet and adorable" on the bar itself. Made by ARTHOUSE Unlimited you'll be helping challenge perceptions and increase acceptance and inclusion for those living with disabilities. Spicy Citrus | Tubular Organic & Vegan Soap, £6.75
Stylish, sustainable, and funding children's education worldwide! This set of two pens is made from recycled single-use plastics, and the notepad is 100% recycled too. Choose blue, pink or green. Recycled pens from single use plastics, £3.99 and A5 recycled notepad, £4.99
The perfect gift for wildlife lovers! These native English wildflower seeds help support 1,500 pollinators. They're changing the lives of people with mental health problems by helping fund recovery-based therapeutic gardening. Wildflower Seed Gift Set, £10
Soft, sustainable, and supporting giraffe conservation! Bare Kind donate 10% of profits to The Giraffe Conservation Foundation for every pair of giraffe socks sold. There's a range of animals and sizes to choose from. Bare Kind giraffe socks, £9.50
These thoughtful treats are bound to be a hit! Pair this stylish and eco-friendly pocketbook with a nurturing organic and vegan lip balm that supports the work of ARTHOUSE Unlimited! Ideas Pocketbook with Recycled Coffee Cup Cover, £4.99 + Organic Lip Balm, £4.95
Perfect as a desktop companion, or for those with slightly less green fingers (ahem!), this miniature rubber plant (centre) is made from natural and biodegradable felt. Best of all there's no need to water it! These needle-felt products are handmade in Nepal where they provide fairly paid work in excellent conditions to women in rural communities. Hand Felted Miniature Rubber Plant, £9.95
These beer bread kits are a great gift whether your secret santa recipient is an experienced baker or a novice! They simply add their favourite beer, cider, non-alcoholic beer or soda water to the mix and bake to create a unique, delicious and crusty bread. Choose from three varieties. Beer bread, £6.
Why not pair with a set of recycled drinks bottle pens or CD cover pencils to use the full £10 limit?
What's not to love about this Fair Trade bird nester? It's handmade from recycled sari fabric and seagrass and is made by artisans in Bangladesh where it provides women and their families with a vital income. The Tahera teardrop nester is the perfect size for small garden birds to roost in over winter, and to nest in during the spring. Handmade and Fair Trade Bird Nester | Tahera, £18
A trio of sauces full of flavour from the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). Eswatini Kitchen employs over 300 people from marginalised communities, and donate their proceeds to support children and young people in the country. Eswatini Spicy Sauce Gift Set, £15
This striking cushion has a linen cover which is hand screen-printed and sewn by artisans with disabilities in Iringa, Tanzania. Neema Crafts is a charity that changes lives through Fair Trade work, craft skills training and specially adapted housing for their team. Block print cushion cover, £19
Sproutword is a fiendish 2-player strategy word game. As well as being competitive and addictive, it's also eco-friendly. The game's completely plastic-free, with a metal tin, two cotton bags and beautiful colourful wooden letter tiles. Sproutword 2-player tin, £15
This gift set is perfect for anyone who appreciates the natural world. With a pair of "save the bees" bamboo socks, packet of wildflower seeds, a luxurious blooming marvellous soap, and "keep wildlife wonderful" design card. Wildlife lover's gift set, £18.50
This gorgeous houseplant is on trend and needs very little care! It looks great, doesn't need water and is deceptively soft - no spines here! It'll brighten up a desk, workspace or living space beautifully. Hand felted Fair Trade yellow bloom cactus, £19.95
This stunning necklace is made from brass shapes with a waxed cotton cord. Handmade in Tanzania and empowering people with disabilities. Moon and bars brass necklace, £18
This organic plant wax candle comes presented in a dog design glass, created by artists at the charity ARTHOUSE Unlimited. The candle is infused with the scent of rhubarb and ginger, and it all comes in a gorgeous embellished gold box. Dogs plant wax candle, £16
You know that person who seems to have everything? I bet they don't have these fun Christmas tree decorations!* These needle-felt baubles are handmade using traditional needle felting techniques in Nepal. The set contains five essential characters: a robin, Rudolph, a snowman, Santa and a Christmas pudding! Set of five Christmas character baubles, £14.95
*They do?! You're right, they have everything! Check out all our sustainable Christmas decorations for more ideas, and good luck to you!
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Ethical and eco friendly gifts for kids that are making a positive change around the world.
Discover ethical and sustainable Christmas gifts for kids. We bring you inspiring eco friendly gifts for kids by age: for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, primary school aged children and older kids and teenagers.
Contents:
Explore Christmas at Good Things: hundreds of gifts, toys, accessories and homeware that make a positive difference to people and planet. Ethical and plastic-free Christmas decorations, recycled Christmas cards supporting great causes, 100% recycled gift wrap, gift ideas for all ages and digital gift cards.
First Christmases are so special. Explore a selection of organic, recycled and lovingly handmade fair trade gifts that will be loved by babies and the adults around them.
Clockwise from top left: Animal Alphabet Wall Hanging, £49.95; Organic Teether - Sloth, £16.50; Green Toys Recycled Plastic Stacking Cups, £14; Adam Fair Trade Doll, £22; Green Toys Recycled Plastic Block Set, £28
Green Toys Tugboat, £12.50 (below, left)
A fun first bath toy that's made entirely from recycled plastic! It floats, scoops and pours. Suitable for 6 months +
Organic Cotton Activity Pad - Woodland, £35 (below, centre)
Described by one parent as "like catnip for babies", this beautiful organic cotton activity pad has a rattle, crinkle, squeaker and maple wood teething ring. It'll keep babies engaged and entertained during the festive period and beyond!
Cotton Baby Shoes with Gift Bag, £16 (below, right)
Everyone wants to look sharp at Christmas! These super-cute baby shoes come in a matching soft cotton gift bag. We love the safari animal print in a choice of three colours, and the way they support Fair Trade work and opportunities for people with disabilities in Tanzania.
When Christmas begins to get really fun it's great to give presents that keep little ones entertained, and that will stand some rough play! Discover toys made from recycled plastic that may otherwise have entered our oceans, toys designed to stimulate and encourage learning and development, and some sustainable twists on classics!
Clockwise from top left: Green Toys Recycled Plastic Watering Can and Little Gardeners Kit, £18.50; Wee Gallery Numbered Nesting and Stacking Blocks, £25; Green Toys Recycled Shape Sorter Truck, £35; Fair Trade Reversible Cotton Crown, £18; Tegu 42-piece Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks, £110
Grow Wild Growth Chart in Organic Cotton, Rainforest Design, £34.50 (below, left)
This beautiful growth chart features rainforest animals in black and white print with metallic silver detail. It has a waxed cotton cord, wooden dowl and organic cotton canvas carry bag.
Toy Cooking Set - Fair Trade, £59 (below, centre)
Cook up a feast with this 30-piece colourful cotton toy cooking set including table-top hob, basket of fruit and veg, two pans with pan holders, utensils and assorted groceries all ingeniously made from cotton! This Fair Trade hand-loomed cotton play set is vegan-friendly and machine washable too.
Magnetic Wooden Prism Pocket Pouch, £22 (below, right)
Ignite their imagination with this magnetic wooden prism pocket pouch set. These vibrant wooden blocks, concealing sealed magnets, empower kids to craft creative structures. Perfect for travel or entertainment when you're out and about, they store neatly in a felt pouch.
As children begin to get swept up in the excitement of Christmas we bring you a selection of open-ended toys to encourage imaginative play, as well as cute handmade and Fair Trade products creating change in Sri Lanka.
Clockwise from top left: Fair Trade Cotton Whale and Friends Soft Toy, £25; Handmade Safari Animals Dress from Neema Crafts, £28; Polar Explorer Play Set Toy Pouch, £32; Green Toys Car Carrier and Three Cars, £25; Cotton Picnic Play Set, £30; Green Toys Doctor's Kit with Toy Ambulance, £42
Stegosaurus Dinosaur Toy, £25 (below, left)
Don't worry, it's not as fierce as it looks! This Fair Trade stegosaurus dinosaur soft toy is made from hand-loomed cotton. It's made in Sri Lanka where the artisans who make this toy are paid fairly and benefit from child care, health education and skills training.
Green Toys Recycling Truck, £26 (below, centre)
Things are about to get a bit meta, luckily if you're under 5 you'll take that in your stride. Learn all about recycling with this cool recycling truck - which is made entirely from recycled plastic itself! Green Toys make their eco-friendly toys from recycled plastic milk bottles, prevented from entering landfill.
Earth Heroes Gift Set from Little People, Big Dreams, £25 (below, right)
Introduce little ones to Earth Heroes with this inspiring gift set featuring Jane Goodall, Greta Thunberg, and David Attenborough. Three hardback books from the acclaimed Little People, Big Dreams series tell the stories of the remarkable lives of these individuals dedicated to understanding and protecting our planet.
As children get a little older it can be hard to find sustainably made products and avoid screens. We've gathered a range of engaging, creative gifts that will keep kids busy and help them learn about the world around them.
Clockwise from top left: Build and Play Santa's Midnight Sleigh Ride, £12; Hedgeways Strategy Game, £24; Little People, Big Dreams Treasury, £30; Green Toys Eco Saucer Flying Disc, £9; Kids' Bamboo Socks that help Hedgehogs, £7.50; Handmade and Fair Trade Hippo Cushion, from £22
Super Sapiens Card Game, £12 (below, left)
A 3-in-1 card game that pays tribute to 12 inspiring and diverse women from around the world. Plastic-free fun and 75% of profits go to black, indigenous and people of colour-led organisations
Pucket Catapult Board Game, £49 (below, centre)
A beautifully hand-crafted wooden catapult game of dexterity and skill. Race to catapult your pucks from your side of the board, through the gate in the middle of the board to the other side! Just be warned: this will get competitive!
Build and Play Toy Space Station, £18 (below, right)
Sometimes Christmas requires a project. This eco-friendly build and play toy space station has fabulous attention to detail and is completely plastic-free! Pop out the pre-cut pieces and follow the visual instructions to bring your space station with dockable capsule to life. This 102-piece play set was developed in partnership with the Science Museum and includes a research lab, opposable arm and two astronauts. Recommended for ages 6+
From beautiful handcrafted wooden games you'll treasure for generations, to mindful gifts, and fabulous handmade Tanzanian treats with amazing stories to tell. A wonderful range of eco-friendly products that make a positive change in the world.
Sproutword Game - 2-4 player tin, £23 (below, left)
Christmas is the time for a competitive game and this fun and strategic word games will have you hooked! Create and change existing words and try to take control of the Sproutword to win the game. The game is designed to be as eco-friendly as possible, it’s completely plastic free and the beautiful wooden letter tiles are made in Devon.
Ideas Pocketbook with Recycled Coffee Cup Cover, £4.99 (below, centre)
This sustainable pocketbook has a cover made from 100% recycled coffee cups and recycled paper pages, proceeds also supports children's education projects worldwide.
Fair Trade Zebra Print Cushion, from £19 (below, right)
A firm favourite at Good Things HQ, this hand screen-printed linen cushion cover features a contemporary contrasting zebra print on the front, and tassels on each corner. Neema Crafts transforms the lives of people with disabilities in Tanzania through Fair Trade work and opportunities.
A sustainable Christmas isn't just about the gifts you give. Did you know that often wrapping paper can't be recycled? This can be because of poor quality paper fibres, and because the designs often include glitter and plastic strands which aren't recyclable. Fear not! We've tracked down 100% recycled and recyclable wrapping paper in some gorgeous colourful designs. This is the kind of quality you'll use again and again. Plus explore ethical cards that are 100% recycled, and providing life-changing work and opportunities in the UK and around the world.
Clockwise from top left: Christmas Bears - Handmade and Recycled Christmas Card; Christmas Snowmen Recycled Wrapping Paper; Christmas Baubles Teal Recycled Wrapping Paper; Merry Catmas Recycled Christmas Card; Christmas Bears Recycled Wrapping Paper
Just to make things even easier we can also hand gift wrap your presents this Christmas. Just select the option to add gift wrap or a handwritten card when you choose your gift.
If you're still looking for inspiration why not check out all our good things or explore our gifts by age?
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every other week.
]]>Travel presents can be tough, you might want to wish someone safe travels, send a little something to remind them of you, or simply give something they can use on their trip. But unlike most gift-giving occasions, your globe-trotting pal might have limited space for only the essentials.
So what are good gifts for someone going travelling or on a special holiday? We bring you a range of practical and thoughtful ideas.
A traveller's best friend: give them a bag they'll love to show off. Explore our full range of bags, holdalls, totes and purses.
This colourful washbag is made from colourful printed cotton sourced in Sierra Leone and comes in three joyful designs. Every washbag helps a woman in Sierra Leone to earn a fair income to support themself and their family. Colourful washbag, £12
This zero waste pouch is created from upcycled cotton and handmade by Afghan refugees living in India. It's the perfect size to keep your passport and important documents safe, or can be used as a small pencil case or washbag. Zero waste pouch £14
Special treats to make their trip extra special.
Travelling can get tiring, and sometimes a little something like a quality pair of socks makes everything feel better. Made with super-soft bamboo, your loved one will also know they're making a meaningful impact on our planet's wildlife. These socks are a celebration of both style and purpose, as for each pair sold, Bare Kind makes a donation to a charity helping the animal on the sock! Bare Kind socks from £7.50
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox.
With great gift ideas for kids; teens; zero-waste eco-warriors; nature lovers; and for those who don't want 'stuff'.
]]>Contents:
Explore hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
Let them choose something they'll love. A Good Things gift card allows them to choose from hundreds of goods creating positive impact. Perfect for last-minute gifting or schedule the gift card to arrive on a date of your choice via email. Available in denominations from £5 to £250. Good Things gift card, from £5
For those trying to make more sustainable choices, gifts for children can be tricky. We're often presented with pink and blue plastic toys and out-dated stereotypes. We bring you some inclusive, planet-friendly alternatives.
This play set is something special. Great for the beach or the bath, it's made entirely from recycled plastic bottles (apart from the rope handle). It's fab to teach little ones about the importance of protecting our precious marine life, is hardwearing and can be recycled itself at the end of its life. Green Toys Beach Bucket and Spade Set, £17
This play set is super-cute and a fun and tactile alternative to plastic toy food sets. It's sustainably made in Sri Lanka, preserving ancient skills and providing Fair Trade work and education for women in rural areas. The 12-piece set contains all your plant-based essentials, including chard leaves, a block of tofu, an aubergine, and an ear of sweetcorn. They're nice and quiet to play with, washable and they all pack up into the cute cotton basket! As well as having plant-based food, this set is made vegan-friendly as it's PETA-approved too! Fair Trade Vegan Toy Food Set, £35
Fun for eco warriors big and small, this build and play eco house set is sustainably sourced, plastic-free and great for challenging young minds. Pop out the 91 playboard pieces and follow the visual instructions to construct your two-storey eco house, including solar panels and green roof plus loads of other fab details. Playpress Build and Play Eco House, £16.95
This gorgeous and engaging activity pad squeaks, rattles, crinkles and has a maple wood teething ring. Wee Gallery are committed to using sustainably sourced materials and adults and babies will love the soft organic cotton outer and squashy recycled filling. Suitable from birth. Wee Gallery Woodland Activity Pad, £35
Non-plastic crowns can be hard to find. Here's a cotton alternative that's Fair Trade, and reversible and washable! Pleasing for any monarch and robust enough to be passed down for generations. Reversible Cotton Crown, £18
The teenage years can be a trying time - particularly for a gift-giver! Here are some of our top gifts for teenagers that are bound to please and they're all plastic-free too!
These super soft and sustainable socks also help protect the animal featured on the sock! Bare Kind donate 10% of profits to a charity protecting the animal in the design and there's a range of animals and sizes to choose from. Bare Kind socks, from £7.50
Bridge from one side of the board to the other using your pieces and before your opponent, bridging, blocking and counter-blocking your way across the board. This beautiful handmade wooden game is crafted from sustainably-sourced Sheesham wood and comes in an organic cotton bag. Better still, it comes from a Fair Trade supplier in India who reinvest their profits to provide workers and their families with healthcare, education and sanitation. Bridget, £29
These vibrant, handcrafted backpacks are setting a new standard in eco-conscious style. These striking backpacks are carefully crafted, blending printed cotton with an inner fabric made from recycled plastic bags. Ideal for teenagers, these backpacks not only make a bold fashion statement but also champion sustainability. Each purchase supports girls’ education and women's empowerment in sub-Saharan Africa. Colourful backpack, £44 or small colourful backpack, £35
This gorgeous linen block print cushion will brighten up any teenager's room. The screen-printed cover was handmade in Tanzania by a Fair Trade enterprise that empowers people with disabilities through work, skills and adapted housing. Comes with optional natural feather inner sourced in Europe. Block Print Cushion in Blue and Yellow, from £19
These pocketbooks are made for ideas great and small. Their stylish covers are made from recycled corn fibre and the pages are 100% recycled too. Every purchase also supports global education projects getting children back in to school around the world. Available in blue, green, pink or cream. Ideas Pocketbook, £4.99
Finding zero-waste gifts for your favourite eco-warrior can test the imagination. Check out these ideas for inspiration.
Why not give your favourite zero waster one of these beautiful reusable and triple-insulated water bottles? They keep your water cool for 30 hours, drinks hot for 20 hours, and have a lifetime guarantee. Made by Root8 and featuring gorgeous ARTHOUSE Unlimited artwork on the bottles. Triple insulated water bottle, £28
This cute bag is an excellent gift because it has so many uses: pencil case, makeup bag, wash bag, paintbrush holder - you decide! It's made from screen-printed linen by a Fair Trade project that employs people with disabilities in Tanzania. Neema uses money generated from selling their sustainable products to support the charity and build adapted housing for their employees. Tropical Leaf-Print Bag: Handmade and Fair Trade, £12
Unbelievably this wallet is created from recycled waste inner tubes from bikes. It's vegan-friendly (great for those looking for eco leather-alternatives), water-resistant and it prevents waste from going to landfill. These upcycled products are also Fair Trade certified and provide work to artisans with disabilities in Cambodia. Recycled Wallet made from Inner Tubes, £22
ARTHOUSE Unlimited creates colourful, striking and fun recycled cards, bath and beauty products. Their products are made from sustainable materials and feature gorgeous, high-contrast designs. All the artists live with complex epilepsy and learning disabilities. 100% of the revenue ARTHOUSE Unlimited raises through their products goes back into the charity: they aim to challenge perceptions and create better acceptance and inclusion for all people living with disabilities.
This luxurious triple-milled organic soap has a beautiful lavender and citrus fragrance. It's made in the UK from organic and vegan-friendly ingredients. Presented in embellished recyclable packaging featuring a collaborative design celebrating the underwater world. Lavender & Citrus Organic Tubular Soap, £6.75
These handmade gym or travel bags are unique and made to an extremely high standard. Each one is made from local cotton fabric, and hand sewn by young mums and survivors of violence in Uganda. The lining is even created from recycled plastic bags! Gym or travel bag, £54
Our favourite planet-friendly eco gifts for nature lovers.
Create a habitat for vital pollinators, enjoy some beautiful wildflowers and help change the lives of people living with mental health problems.
Seed of Hope is a social enterprise that helps people with mental health problems through recovery-based therapeutic gardening. Every pack of wildflower seeds supports their work and helps 1,500 pollinators native to the UK! Choose individual seed packets or the wildflower seed gift set, from £1.50
We love this artisan bird nester which is the perfect size for small garden birds to make a cosy home. The nester is handmade from natural seagrass and recycled saris in Bangladesh where these products provide women and their families with a vital income. Sheshali Artisan Bird Nester, £18
This gift set celebrates and supports wildlife! With "save the bees" bamboo socks, wildflower seeds, luxurious "blooming marvellous" jasmine and orange soap in an embellished gold floral design box, and a beautiful "Keep Wildlife Wonderful" card with your own message, handwritten by us. With wildflower seeds supporting mental health recovery, socks supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and the other items supporting the charity ARTHOUSE Unlimited, promoting and supporting the artists' work. Wildlife Lover's Gift Set, £18.95
For the, ahem, less green-fingered nature-lover, or those who might be away a lot, try this felt houseplant trio. Each plant comes in a felt pot and makes a gorgeous addition to a desk or windowsill. They're completely biodegradable and made using natural dyes too. These felt houseplants are made in Nepal where they also provide Fair Trade accredited work which protects and promotes ancient skills. Miniature felt plant trio, £25
Also a good option for those who don't want 'things', with the Woodland Trust you can dedicate a tree in one of 50 locations around the UK. Planting trees helps combat climate change and supports Britain's wildlife. Select your exact grove on the map and find out which type of tree will be planted. You can dedicate a tree for lots of special occasions including a birthday, Christmas, mother's day and for a new baby. Dedicate a tree, from £20
Many people are keen to avoid accumulating 'stuff' just for the sake of it. So what are some alternative gift ideas?
Here's a brilliant idea: cookery classes led by refugee and migrant chefs. Migrateful offer classes in London, Bristol, Brighton and Kent, and have a huge range of cuisines on offer, including Iranian, Ecuadorian and Eritrean, with lots of vegetarian and vegan classes too. The classes enable refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to integrate, access employment and share and celebrate their cultural heritage. Online or in-person cookery class, from £25
It's not as hard as it might sound! Just handwrite a few of your favourite recipes and bring them together in a journal or folder. Extra marks for creatively decorating the cover. Top of the class if you have a secret recipe, passed down through the generations to include. If I ever give you my Grandma's chocolate brownie recipe you'll know it's true love. Check out our eco-friendly stationery collection if you need a special notebook.
A houseplant doesn't just look good, it also improves wellbeing and productivity, and may contribute to better indoor air quality. Good options include peace lilies, rubber plants and ivy. Peace Lily, £9.99
For someone who doesn't want a thing, why not create a voucher for a special occasion together. A gig, theatre trip or inexpensive options like a picnic or day out are thoughtful and something to look forward to. To go all out, create a series of clues, leading to your chosen activity. Make it extra fancy by writing your voucher in a card that plants a tree! Check out 1 Tree Cards.
Oh we're serious! For £12 Oxfam Unwrapped provides training to families in eco-friendly composting which supports people to grow and sell more food. Alternative gifts include seeds, beekeeping training, or a chicken. At checkout you can personalise a card (or e-card) for your friend or family member, it will explain exactly what their gift has supported and the impact it makes. Pile of Poo, £12
Have we missed anything? Comment below if you think there's an eco gift or alternative we should include.
You might like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every other week.
Gifts and rewards are important in business. Whether you're thanking a client, celebrating your team's achievements or providing a prize for a survey or draw
However, choosing consciously and finding sustainable options can be more difficult. More and more of us are choosing to buy from brands with commitments to environmental and social impact. Choosing eco friendly corporate gifts will support your organisation's commitment to sustainability and reflect the values of your customers and team.
Read on to find out what you can send as an eco gift for business gift giving.
Gift cards make a great eco friendly business gift. You give people freedom of choice and recipients can spend them in their own time. Digital gift cards are emailed immediately and provide an alternative to plastic gift cards too.
We've provided gift cards for businesses to send to high value clients, as well as for entire staff teams. As they're dispatched immediately via email this also makes for a quick and convenient solution to the challenge of what to give!
Find out more about corporate gift cards from Good Things.
These reusable bottles are insulated, and have a double wall vacuum so they keep drinks hot for 20 hours and cold for 30 hours.
The bottles feature artwork from a collective of artists at the charity ARTHOUSE Unlimited, and every bottle sold supports the charity on their mission to challenge perceptions and increase acceptance and inclusion for all people living with neurodivergence and physical adversities. Insulated reusable bottle, £28
Encourage someone to take it easy with this Take Care of Yourself gift set. It contains a felt houseplant, a nurturing organic lip balm, and a card for your personal message, hand-written by us. Take care of yourself gift set, £16.50
You might also like the Wildlife Lover's Gift Set, £18, or the Take Care of Yourself Gift Set, £16.50 which is a thoughtful gesture for those taking time away from work.
These gorgeous felt houseplants are the perfect home office companion. Each one comes in a felt pot, and they're plastic-free, completely biodegradable and made using natural dyes too. These cacti are handmade in Nepal where they also provide Fair Trade accredited work which protects and promotes ancient skills. Hand-felted Fair Trade Mini Houseplant, £9.95
Stylish, practical and supporting education projects worldwide, this sustainable stationery is always received well! VENT for Change create beautifully designed notebooks, pens, pencils, listpads and notepads in a range of colours and deisngs. Every item helps support global education projects getting children back in to school. VENT for Change sustainable stationery, from £3.99
These wildflower seeds can be sown in gardens or a public space, and they create a habitat for thousands of vital pollinators.
Seed of Hope is a social enterprise that helps people with mental health challenges through recovery-based therapeutic gardening. Every pack of wildflower seeds supports their work and helps 1,500 pollinators native to the UK! Choose individual seed packets or the wildflower seed gift set, from £1.50
Whether you're looking for gifts for staff, clients or for guests attending events, we'd love to help! Get in touch and we'll suggest some ideas.
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>We're all familiar with plastic, until very recently it was the go-to material, used in our homes, to protect our products, in the vehicles we drive and in our workplaces. It's strong, it's flexible and it's hard to break. Which seemed like a good thing, until recently.
According to the UN, only 9% of all the plastic ever produced has been recycled. 12% was incinerated (not a great option), and a horrifying 79% has been dumped, either in landfill, or worse, it's now polluting our natural environments. Plastic pollution is in our oceans, rivers, a significant amount has even been discovered in the Arctic and on Mount Everest.
Did you know there's a floating mass of plastic waste in the Pacific ocean that's three times the size of France?
Above, the most common types of plastic pollution
This is our problem. The most common types of plastic pollution found in a global survey were cigarette butts (their filters contain tiny plastic fibres), plastic drinks bottles, bottle lids, food wrappers, plastic bags, drink lids, straws and stirrers. These are items many of us use on a regular basis.
So what does this plastic actually do? Plastic doesn't break down (remember how great we once thought that was?), it just gets smaller. That's why we're hearing more and more about microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are in our tap water, in snow in the Arctic, and they're eaten by animals who mistake them for food. Millions of animals die every year because of our plastic.
It's estimated 52% of all sea turtles have ingested plastic, and one piece is enough to kill a turtle. A couple of years ago I spent time on a turtle conservation project in Costa Rica and saw the damage plastic pollution is causing for myself. Read my blog about my experience here.
Many animals die because they become tangled in plastic waste. Others starve because their stomachs are inflated with plastic, or their digestive systems get blocked. We're now learning that plastic causes liver and cell damage for some animals, and it can cause them to lay fewer eggs (this was true for the turtle populations in Costa Rica).
Horrifyingly 10 million tons of plastic gets dumped in our oceans every year.
Ok, it's a big problem. So big it can feel overwhelming. But every single one of us can make changes that have an impact.
Have you managed to find clever ways to reduce your plastic use or reuse plastic at home? We'd love to know! Comment below.
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Yes they make honey. Yes they can sting. But did you know that without them life on earth would be in serious trouble?
Bees are one of the world's most effective pollinators. Pollinators help plants reproduce by moving pollen between flowers. 90% of all wild flowering plants depend on animal pollination, and three-quarters of the food crops we eat rely on pollinators in some way.
Did you know there are lots of other animals are pollinators? Bats, butterflies, moths, wasps, beetles, hummingbirds and even lemurs and monkeys have a role in pollinating plant species around the world!
Unfortunately, although we desperately need them, bees are under threat. Loss of habitat, pesticides and climate change are causing a decline in bee numbers.
So what can each of us do to help bees?
Did you know there are around 25,000 species of bee worldwide, and 270 bee species have been identified in the UK alone?
Find out how to work out who's who with this online bee identification guide from Friends of the Earth.
We're delighted to support the vital work of Seed of Hope by sharing their wildflower seed packets and popular gift sets! These wildflower seeds provide food for 1,500 species of pollinating insect across the UK. Every product also supports Seed of Hope's work, helping people with mental health problems to change their lives through recovery-based therapeutic gardening.
At Good Things we love bees! We're pleased to offer several bee-inspired treats, all made ethically and sustainably and doing Good Things!
Find over 80 gifts for gardeners and nature lovers that support charities, empower people and protect the planet.
You might like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend
]]>4. Don't mow the lawn (and ideally get rid of it)
Tips for those without gardens
Whether you're a gardener or a nature-lover, our brand new collection is full of gifts for the green-fingered and aspiring Attenboroughs! Check out 80 gifts for gardeners and nature-lovers.
Pollinators help plants reproduce by moving pollen between flowers. A massive 90% of all wild flowering plants rely on animal pollination, and 75% of the crops we eat need to be pollinated in some way.
So what can you do to help pollinators in your garden?
Intrigued by bees? Check out our guide: all about bees and how to help them.
Save your back and stop digging! Digging the soil in your garden disturbs the natural ecosystem that exists within the soil. The soil is home to a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and other creatures, all of which are essential to maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem. When we dig the soil, we disrupt their habitat and can cause harm to these organisms, which can lead to a decrease in soil fertility and negative impacts on wildlife.
Many gardeners now advocate for layering compost or manure over the top of the soil and leaving worms and microorganisms in the soil to work the goodness in. Find out more about no-dig gardening from the Soil Association.
Ponds are an excellent addition to any garden and are valuable for wildlife, as well as providing an interesting feature and an opportunity for children to learn about wildlife and ecosystems.
Creating a pond helps to support a range of aquatic plants and animals including birds, frogs, newts, and dragonflies. Creating this ecosystem can help increase biodiversity in your garden which can be particularly important if you live in an area with limited natural habitats.
Ponds don't have to be big: a bowl, basin or even an old bath or dustbin can be sunk and filled with water. Add a few plants, a slope for wildlife to get in and out and voila! Find out more about how to create a wildlife pond from the Wildlife Trusts.
Three good reasons to not mow your lawn. Even choosing to mow it a little less can help the wildlife in your garden. Longer grass provides cover, food and shelter for insects, small mammals, and birds. Longer grass even stores more carbon than short grass.
Why not get involved in No Mow May and leave the grass to grow throughout the month of May? Your lawn can help provide vital food for pollinators.
If you're ready to go one step further, consider ditching the monoculture of your grass lawn and replacing it with something with more biodiversity, like a wildflower meadow, low-growing herbs (think chamomile or clover), or moss.
Why do we have lawns anyway? It's thought we see the short and clipped look of a lawn as a safe space, and it's long been touted as the aspirational symbol of middle-class home ownership. Find out more about the origins of our obsession with lawns in Born to Rewild, in The Guardian.com.
Changes in farming have resulted in a decrease in birds across the UK. This is particularly noticeable amongst species like the song thrush, skylark, lapwing and house sparrow.
Create a welcoming environment for birds in your garden by trying some of these ideas:
If, like me, you have a bit of a soft spot for hedgehogs then check out Hedgehog Street. They are campaigning to make sure the hedgehog, the UK’s only spiny mammal, remains a common and familiar part of British life.
You can learn about how to help hedgehogs in your garden and even sign up to join 70,000 hedgehog champions! Now that's something pretty special for your CV...
What if you don't have a garden?
The Wildlife Trust features six practical actions that will support wildlife. Learn how to build a pond, make a hedge for wildlife or build a hedgehog home.
What have you done to help nature in your garden? Comment below and let us know!
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>As the summer holidays stretch out ahead of us, many of us are looking for ideas to keep children entertained outdoors. But finding sustainable outdoor toys can be difficult. Plastic makes sense because garden toys need to handle some rough play and tough terrains, but it's not normally an eco-friendly option.
Discover our top sustainable outdoor toys for 2023, with ethical and sustainable ideas, starting at just £9!
Find hundreds of ethical and sustainable toys that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
This cute Watering Can and Little Gardener's Set is the perfect toy for little ones that want to help in the garden. The set is made from 100% recycled plastic, and is extremely durable with a cotton rope handle. We love that it's been designed for actual gardening, not just pretend play. Kids will enjoy being able to water plants, or dig in the garden using the child-sized fork and trowel. For 18 months+. Green Toys Watering Can and Little Gardener's Set, £18.50
How about an ocean-themed play set made from plastic that was itself prevented from entering our oceans? Great for the beach, pool, or bath, these toys are fab to start conversations about recycling and the importance of protecting our precious seas. Each shell in the seven-piece set pours differently and they all come neatly packed in their own storage basket. The sets also help support the development of formal recycling programmes in countries that don't have them yet. Suitable for children from 6 months onwards. Green Toys Recycled Ocean-Bound Plastic Beach Play Set, £27
This unique and super-cute picnic play set is made from soft, hand-loomed cotton. The cotton basket contains a check cloth, 6-piece sandwich, two cupcakes with removable cases, and two cookies. We can't get enough of the squashy sandwich which you can build yourself from the separate slices of tomato, cheese, ham and lettuce - all made from cotton of course!
This picnic set is made by Fair Trade certified suppliers in Sri Lanka. The craftspeople who hand-loom and sew these toys are paid fairly and benefit from child care, health education and skills training. Recommended for ages 3+. Cotton Toy Picnic Set, £30Let's face it, it's a classic for any age! But this flying saucer is an eco special as it's made entirely from recycled milk bottles. Fun and green! Suitable for ages 5+. Eco Saucer Flying Disc, £9
It's hard to find a sustainable bucket and spade - we know, we've tried! That's why we were so pleased to come across this one. It's made from 100% recycled plastic and is extremely hard-wearing (no snapping the handles here!). The set contains a bucket with rope handle, spade, rake and sand mould. For ages 18 months+. Beach Bucket and Spade Set, £17
This strong and durable wagon is perfect for hauling leaves, toys, sand, or anything else they might think of! Great for toddlers and early walkers, this wagon is made from recycled milk bottles, with a strong cotton rope handle, chunky tyres and low-set bed. Suitable for ages 2+. Green Toys Wagon, £38
Looking for recommendations by age? No problem! Check out our top picks, by age:
You might like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend
]]>"Imagine a fire in the neighbourhood. You know about it. People fleeing the blaze come knocking on your door to ask for shelter. You lock them in a cupboard, and then kick them out on to the streets. That’s the impact of the new migration bill."
While for now the UK government does what it will with its policies on refugees, we've been wondering what's happening to make people feel welcome here in the UK. If you'd like to do something to show your support for refugees here are a few ideas:
If you'd like to give some time, check out this list of initiatives supporting refugee integration in the UK put together by Sona Circle. You'll find a range of projects supporting integration via food, sport, learning English and more. You can also have a look at volunteer positions with Refugee Action. Or find your nearest City of Sanctuary group and help build a more welcoming UK for people forced to flee their homes.
Look into what's happening locally: many towns and cities have dedicated groups supporting refugees. That might be through fundraising, organising housing, arranging activities or gathering essentials like food and toiletries.
Donate to the Refugee Council who help people recover from trauma and rebuild their lives. You can even offer to rent your home.
In the UK you can email, phone or write to your MP and let them know your concerns about government policy. You can use this populated form created by Safe Passage if you'd prefer.
What have we missed? Comment below or contact us and we'll keep adding ideas.
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>We're hurtling towards climate disaster, as the IPCC's report made clear today. But what can an individual do about climate change? We give you three actions you can take today to make a positive difference.
We're causing irreversible harm to life on our planet. But can individuals make a difference to climate change?
“You must take action. You must do the impossible. Because giving up is never an option.” - Greta Thunberg
Each of us can make choices that create positive change. After spending time on the beaches of Costa Rica, Lucy was motivated to make changes in her life, and to found Good Things. Watch her TEDx above and find some ideas for small changes you can make that will make a difference for people and planet.
Here are our top three actions to take steps to reduce our impact on the planet:
Let's be clear: we need a huge shift in order to tackle the climate crisis. But that change will come from the people we vote for, and who represent what's important to us.
If you're fortunate enough to live in a country with a democratically elected government, they represent you. So tell them that climate change matters. In the UK you can email, phone or write to tell your MP that you're watching and you expect them to respond to this emergency. You can send the same message to your local councillors.
Reponses vary, but persevere. You should hear back and many UK politicians take their constituents' concerns seriously (as they should!).
In the face of completely understandable climate anxiety, control what you can control and make positive changes. Consider the choices you make, from the food you eat, to where you shop and what you buy. Little changes add up.
"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." - Anna Lappé
Buy second-hand, support businesses that are putting the planet before profit, and try to reduce the amount of meat and dairy you consume. Check out our guide to shopping sustainably for more ideas.
The UK's transport sector is the single biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in the UK.
Avoid flying. If you fly this is likely to be the biggest contributor to your carbon footprint. Travelling by train within Europe can reduce your carbon footprint by around 90%. Check out Flight Free UK for inspiration and consider pledging to go flight-free for a year, or a lifetime.
Try to walk or cycle when you can. Active travel is better for your health because you'll be getting some exercise, and it's also better for you and your neighbours as you'll reduce air pollution. If you have to use a car, try to use an electric vehicle and consider car sharing with friends and colleagues, or via a car club like Co Wheels or Zipcar.
If you've already made some progress on the ideas above, here are some more ideas:
While most individuals won't have the power or funds to reverse the climate crisis (we're looking at you Elon Musk), everybody's actions and views make a difference. Start with a couple of small changes because you're more likely to be able to stick to them.
Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” - The Dalai Lama
Let people know what you're doing and why. Talking openly and without judgement might help someone else begin to think about changes they could make.
How are you adapting your lifestyle and behaviours to reduce your impact on the planet? Comment below and let us know!
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Easter is a time for family, friends, enjoying good food and (of course) chocolate. But all this indulgence can result in buying more than we need, and increased waste. Check out our five top tips for less waste and more fun this Easter, plus discover the origins of some of our more unusual Easter traditions.
Explore hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
Contents:
This year Easter Sunday falls on Sunday 9th April 2023, with Good Friday on Friday 7th April, and Easter Monday on 10th April. Both Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays in the UK.
Many of us are familiar with the Christian origins of Easter, but why do we celebrate with Easter bunnies, Easter egg hunts and hot cross buns?
The Easter bunny has been around for a long time, and is believed to be inspired by Eostre, the Germanic and Saxon goddess of the spring who had a hare as a sacred animal. In fact the Easter bunny used to be called the Easter hare! Not as cute somehow...
Easter egg hunts are a tradition that started in Germany as early as the 16th century, and gained popularity when Queen Victoria took part in Easter egg hunts in the gardens of Kensington Palace as a child. People used to hunt for decorated hard-boiled eggs; the chocolate egg only arrived in the UK in 1873.
Hot Cross Buns are spiced sweet buns that date back to medieval times. They would be made by monks who wanted to use up their leftover yeast before Lent began (Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter). Today you can find them at bakeries and shops, or have a go at making them yourself!
Before we know it Easter can result in more chocolate than we can eat (yep, I said it!), plus loads of plastic packaging and plastic toys that get thrown away.
If you're giving chocolate Easter eggs try to choose eco-friendly Easter eggs in plastic-free, reusable or recyclable packaging. Choose ethical Easter eggs made with chocolate that's slavery-free or Fairtrade certified.
If you're searching for non-chocolate Easter gifts for children we love these reusable mini playsets from Playpress (below). They're all plastic-free and sustainably made, and great for keeping kids busy during the Easter holidays.
Instead of giving Easter baskets filled with plastic decorations, consider giving sustainable gifts like wildflower seeds, plants, or homemade cookies.
We love Chocolarder (above) for their plastic-free packaging, and strong relationships with small cocoa producers around the world. They pay cocoa farmers better-than-Fair-Trade prices and are committed to eradicating slavery from chocolate production. We wouldn't say no to those gorgeous salted caramel truffles this Easter!
One of the easiest ways to reduce waste at Easter is to choose eco-friendly decorations. Instead of buying plastic eggs and seasonal decor that will end up in a landfill, consider making your own reusable decorations from natural materials like hard-boiled eggs, paper, fabric, or wood. You can even use recycled materials like old newspapers or magazines to create colourful Easter baskets, garlands, or wreaths - also a great Easter holiday activity for kids! Spring flowers are seasonal, cheerful and you might be able to find them in your garden, or from local growers.
If you don't have the time to get creative (we feel you), try some fabulous felt characters which can be used for celebrations all-year-round! Felt So Good partner with artisans in Nepal to hand-felt these plastic-free and Fair Trade creations (above).
Food waste is a major problem, particularly during holidays like Easter when we tend to prepare more food than we need. In fact, a new study has found that a shocking half of global food system emissions come from rotted and wasted food. To reduce food waste, plan your meals in advance and only buy what you need. Use leftovers to create new dishes, like pies, frittatas, salads or even pavlovas. Don't forget to compost your food scraps and use them on your garden if you're lucky enough to have one.
As we dig into some Easter feasts with family and friends, another way to be more sustainable at Easter is to shop locally and avoid as much packaging as possible. Reduce your carbon footprint and support local farmers by buying fruit and vegetables that are in season, like asparagus, beetroot or rhubarb.
Plastic food packaging makes up a significant amount of most households' waste. Try shopping at your local zero waste shop this Easter, just plan what you'll need, and take along some empty containers. For more tips check out our guide: how to shop sustainably.
Create Easter bonnets or Easter decorations by reusing carboard, paper, foil and other materials. It's never to soon to get children to reuse and recycle!
Decorate hard-boiled eggs using colourful pens or paints. Use the decorated eggs as an alternative to plastic eggs for an Easter egg hunt or some traditional egg rolling (they did it where I grew up!).
Bake Easter treats to family and friends as Easter gifts, or to take as a contribution to Easter meals. Try this impressive Easter nest cake which older children can help bake and younger ones can decorate, Easter brownie bites or these vegan and allergy-free Easter cupcakes.
By following these tips, you can celebrate Easter more sustainably, waste less and reduce your impact on the environment. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, so start with one or two changes that you can stick to and build from there. Happy Easter!
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Find hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
This organic and vegan candle has a gorgeous wild fig and grape fragrance. It comes in a decorative and reusable glass featuring artwork by ARTHOUSE Unlimited artist Margaret Mace. Presented in an embellished gold box.
ARTHOUSE Unlimited is a collective of artists who live with learning disabilities and complex epilepsy. Every ARTHOUSE Unlimited product helps support the charity's work: challenging perceptions and creating better acceptance and inclusion for all people living with disabilities. Floral Plant Wax Candle, £16
Fun, great for developing STEM skills and entirely plastic free! Playpress toys are made from sustainably sourced playboard and every set features a diverse set of role models. The pre-cut pieces are ready to pop out, and kids can then follow the visual instructions to create their toys. This Check Up Time set celebrates those who help us when we're feeling unwell and features a doctor, nurse, paramedic and poorly patient. Check Up Time Build and Play Set, £5.99
A Good Things gift card allows them to choose from hundreds of goods creating positive impact. Perfect as a last-minute gift, the gift cards can be sent straight to the recipient via email, or if you're very organised, schedule the gift card to arrive on a date of your choice. Available from £5 to £250. Good Things gift card, from £5
Indulge your taste buds with our effortless homemade bread kits. A delightful duo of flavours awaits in these garlic and herb, and chilli and garlic beer bread gift sets. A sure-fire hit for bakers and beer enthusiasts alike. Just combine with your preferred beer, cider, non-alcoholic brew, or soda water, mix, and bake to golden perfection. A delectable and easy way to enjoy the art of baking! Tasty Beer Bread Duo Gift Set, £12
This beautiful bag can be used as a pencil case, makeup bag, small wash bag or whatever else you may choose! It's handmade in Tanzania by talented artisans at Neema Crafts. Neema Crafts transforms the lives of people living with disabilities in Tanzania. Handmade and Fair Trade Tropical Leaf Print Bag, £12
Calling all wannabe Attenboroughs! This gorgeous toy play pouch unzips to reveal a colourful set of nine polar characters and their frozen landscape made from handmade eco-friendly cotton. The toys pack into a zippable pouch ready to take on imaginative adventures! Arctic Play Set Toy Pouch | Fair Trade, £28
This thoughtful gift set includes a nourishing vegan and organic lip balm, handmade miniature felt houseplant and a colourful rainbow burst card with wildlfower seed token. Send it direct to a loved one and add your personal message for the card, handwritten by us. Perfect to nurture and lift the spirits! Take Care of Yourself Gift Set, £16.50
This 42-piece wooden building block set has a hidden secret. How do you make the most imaginative shapes, including vehicles with working wheels from your blocks? By sealing magnets in the wood! Each piece can be connected using the safely sealed magnets to create all sorts of possibilities.
Every set of Tegu toys is made from sustainably sourced FSC-certified hardwood and purposefully manufactured in Honduras, providing opportunities and good wages to Tegu's 200 workers. 42 Piece Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks from Tegu, £110
A perfect gift for new babies, these soft organic cotton teethers have a squeezy body and wooden teething ring perfect for grabbing, gnawing and chewing! This teether has a baby-safe GOTS-certified organic cotton shell and fill, and maple wood teething ring. Choose sloth, bear or lion (you decide which will taste best)! Wee Gallery Organic Teether £16.50
These beautiful ethical cards tick all the boxes. Each recycled card is cleverly created by layering handmade paper made from recycled office materials. Cards From Africa is a Fair Trade enterprise providing work and a new start for orphaned young people in Rwanda. There's a card for every occasion and we love the way each card is signed on the back by the young adult who made it. Cards from Africa, Ethical and Recycled Cards £3.50
VENT for Change bring beautiful design and ethical practices together. These sustainable A5 notebooks are made from 100% recycled materials and come in a choice of three unique designs. VENT for Change support global education projects getting children back in to school with every purchase. Notes A5 Recycled Notebook, £7.99
Who can resist this beautiful handmade cushion? Made by Neema Crafts in Tanzania, this friendly giraffe has a coat made from Tanzanian vitenge fabric, and mane made from cotton fringing! Neema Crafts is a Fair Trade enterprise empowering people with disabilities in Tanzania through work and skills training. Every purchase helps support their work and build specially adapted housing for the team in Tanzania. Round Giraffe Cushion, available with or without feather inner from £22
What do you get the person that's really hard to buy for? Perhaps the answer is a gift in their name. There are various charities you can support. We like Refuge's Emergency Parcel for £25, which provides the essentials like nappies, clothing and toiletries for a family escaping domestic violence. UNICEF's healthy learning kit provides 100 children with school essentials for just £39. Here in the UK a £10 donation to FareShare will provide 40 meals for families facing financial hardship.
What are some zero-waste gift ideas?
Try to find long-lasting reusable gifts like water bottles, bags, or socks. If they don't want stuff why not donate a charitable gift instead?
What are some eco friendly gift ideas?
Eco-friendly products need to be kind to the environment at every stage of their life. This means considering environmentally friendly production, packaging, and what happens at the end of an item's life. For our pick of the eco gifts for this year check out our 25 Best Eco Gifts for 2022 guide.
What are different green gift ideas?
So you've gifted socks, the classic zero-waste toiletry set and perhaps some food gifts too. What can you give that's a bit different? Eco-friendly stationery has been popular in the last year as people head back to offices and classrooms. Or how about a fun and frantic or fiendishly strategic handmade wooden game? Check out all our products here.
Wrap it up
Don't forget at Good Things we can gift wrap our ethical and sustainable gifts in 100% recycled wrapping paper that can be recycled again! Just select the gift wrap option when you add your gift to your basket. Find out more about our hand gift wrap and handwritten card options.
You might like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend
]]>Explore hundreds of ethical and sustainable Fair Trade products at Good Things.
Good question, and one I was asking not long ago. Essentially Fair Trade (two words) is about how things are produced and Fairtrade (one word) is about what things are made from.
Fair Trade is about making sure the way the products are made is fair, and this is certified by organisations like the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) or the British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers (BAFTS).
The Fairtrade Foundation accredits particular ingredients and sets a minimum fair price for them. You might have seen the Fairtrade Foundation logo on products like coffee, chocolate, cotton and sugar - or products containing these ingredients. Find out more about the Fairtrade Foundation and what they do.
Here we'll look further into Fair Trade.
Above: Weaving Hope make beautiful hand-loomed cotton toys in Sri Lanka - accredited by the British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers (BAFTS). Their supplier in Sri Lanka reinvest profits into health education and skills training in rural areas
The globally recognised definition of Fair Trade, according to the World Fair Trade Organisation:
"Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
Fair Trade Organisations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade."
Fair trade means paying fair prices for the products we buy and the work and skill involved in making them. It means ensuring those producers are working in safe and healthy conditions. Fair Trade promotes responsible production and consumption, with respect for the environment and using sustainable practices. You can be confident Fair Trade products have not been made using child labour or forced labour. Fair Trade organisations must be inclusive and cannot discriminate based on factors like age, ethnicity or HIV status. Crucially Fair Trade empowers, creating fairer trading relationships, rather than exploiting those who are poorer or in a weaker bargaining position.
Above: Clemence makes handmade cards from recycled materials at Cards from Africa. This Fair Trade organisation supports young, orphaned adults in Rwanda. Many of the young card-makers missed years of school because of the civil war during their childhood. The organisation develops young adults' confidence and life skills, while also providing fairly paid work in good conditions. For many this experience is a vital stepping stone out of poverty and into a new career. Find out more about No Ordinary Greetings Card: How Cards From Africa Are Changing Lives Through Fair Trade
Fair Trade organisations must be committed to the ten principles of Fair Trade.
Find out more about the 10 principles of Fair Trade.
So what impact does that have? Actually a major one. What you buy and choosing to support Fair Trade suppliers has a significant impact - for people and the planet. Choosing Fair Trade products is a relatively simple way to make a positive change as part of your day-to-day life.
Around the world a staggering 152 million children are victims of child labour and 40.3 million people are in modern slavery. Buying Fair Trade means you can be sure no one was coerced to work against their will. Producers must adhere to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, meaning children are protected from economic exploitation.
When parents and carers are paid a fair wage their children can stay at school for longer because there's less financial pressure on the family and this income can contribute towards school fees.
74% of those in Fair Trade enterprises are women. Astonishingly 52% of of these organisations' CEOs are women too. This compares to 5% of CEO positions being held by women in companies in the UK, Europe and the US.
Women in Fair Trade organisations must be paid the same as men for equal work, and must also have opportunities to have active roles and take up leadership positions within the organisation.
Find out more about breaking the bias and how we support enterprises empowering women in our International Women's Day blog.
Fair Trade organisations must not discriminate against employees or members based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/Aids status or age.
While this might be something we expect - or at least know we can appeal against - here in the UK, in other parts of the world this isn't necessarily the case.
The climate crisis is the biggest threat to the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers and workers in low-income countries worldwide. Fair Trade amplifies the voices of communities hardest hit by the climate crisis, and gets more money to them.
Importantly Fair Trade accredited organisations must also ensure a safe and healthy working environment for their employees or members. Fair Trade organisations work to promote and improve practices.
Fair Trade organisations use sustainably sourced materials where possible. An increasing number of Fair Trade organisations are upcycling and recycling materials for their main product lines.
At Good Things we're proud to stock a range of Fair Trade gifts, toys and games from a range of accredited suppliers. Explore all Fair Trade products at Good Things.
Our fabulous Fair Trade suppliers:
Neema CraftsNeema Crafts transforms the lives of people with disabilities in Tanzania, through handmade crafts, Fair Trade work, training and employment. Shop Neema Crafts or find out more: Transforming Lives in Tanzania: Why We Love Neema Crafts or Explore Neema Crafts products |
Weaving HopeWeaving Hope create hand-loomed cotton toys in Sri Lanka. As well as being colourful, fun and sustainable, their products are Fair Trade accredited and support the delivery of health education and skills training in rural Sri Lanka. |
ET GamesET Games create fun and competitive games that are beautifully crafted in India from sustainably sourced wood. Profits are reinvested to provide workers and their families with healthcare, education and to help with sanitation. Discover beautiful Fair Trade wooden board games from ET Games |
Wild Thing ToysWild Thing Toys make cute and friendly toys from sustainable cotton. All their products are Fair Trade accredited and hand-woven in Sri Lanka. Discover rattles, soft toys, learn-to-sew kits and crowns from Wild Thing Toys |
Cards from AfricaCards from Africa make beautiful products from recycled office materials. They employ over 90 people to make their beautiful cards. Almost all of them are orphaned young people who are responsible for their younger siblings. The organisation is World Fair Trade Organisation certified which means every card-maker is over 18, paid fairly and works in good conditions. Each card is signed by the young person who made it for you. Find out more: No Ordinary Greetings Card: How Cards From Africa Are Changing Lives Through Fair Trade or Explore the Cards from Africa range. |
Lost in Samsara
Discover unique, hard-wearing and vegan-friendly Fair Trade bags, backpacks, wallets and purses from Lost in Samsara. |
Barrett's Ridge Beer BreadsBarrett's Ridge is a proudly South African business that produce some of the world’s leading beer bread mixes. Simply add your favourite brew and bake! Each Barrett’s Ridge bag is packed by the Ukama Community Foundation. They employ women who are unable to leave the house due to disabilities or family responsibilities. Barrett's Ridge also works with the Ukama Community Foundation to feed up to 400 children a day by delivering food parcels to the informal day cares and creches. Explore beer breads and more Fair Trade and ethical food gifts at Good Things. |
Felt So GoodFair Trade, handmade and plastic-free felt decorations empowering women in Nepal. Felt So Good creates gorgeous hand-felted decorations with incredible attention to detail. Every one of these beautiful creations is handmade in Nepal and Fair Trade certified. The felt decorations are made from all natural and biodegradable wool and natural dyes. By choosing Felt So Good products you provide fairly paid work in excellent conditions in Nepal. Discover Felt So Good at Good Things. |
Discover hundreds of ethical and sustainable Fair Trade products at Good
Discover hundreds of ethical and sustainable Fair Trade products at Good Things.
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At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
Find hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things, or check out over 100 romantic gift ideas in our Valentine's Gifts collection.
This gorgeous rainbow heart design is printed using vegan inks. The process is all heart too: 1 Tree Cards plant a tree for every card sold, and each one includes a bee-friendly wildflower seed token, ready to plant. Rainbow Heart Recycled Card, £2.99
A great option for a loved one at a distance, this gorgeous candle has a soft, nostalgic, gentle and calming fragrance, reminiscent of a warm hug. This organic plant wax candle is presented in a striking reusable tin featuring artwork from artists at ARTHOUSE Unlimited, a charity challenging perceptions and increasing acceptance and inclusion for all people living with neurodivergence and physical adversities. A gift of light candle tin: warm embrace, £20
These indulgent dark chocolate truffles are filled with the salt-sweet richness of incredible Cornish-made caramel. Chocolarder are craft chocolate makers with uncompromising ethical and environmental principles. A wonderful gift for even the most scrupulous Valentine! Sea salt caramel truffles, £14
These beautiful and unique clutch bags are handmade by Afghan women who are now seeking refuge in camps in Pakistan. Making these handcrafted goods gives artisans a way to earn an income, and to re-establish their independence. The artisans who make these bags specialise in intricate embroidery techniques, used to create the geometric mountain scene on this special clutch bag. Embroidered mountain clutch bag, £37
Who says you can't be a romantic naturalist? These beautiful bird nesters are handmade from recycled saris and seagrass. The nester makes a safe space for small garden birds to nest in during spring, and for pairs of birds to roost in over the cold winter months. Handmade and Fair Trade bird nester, £18
This very special blanket is handmade by artisans at Neema Crafts' workshop in Tanzania. Each one takes a few days to make, first spinning cotton thread together, and then weaving it into this blanket with feature tassels at each end. Big tassel blanket, £63
For those who love to spend time together playing board games, try Hedgeways. A luxury two-player strategy game presented in an ingeniously hinged wooden box. Just remember to keep it friendly! Hedgeways, £24
Elegant and lightweight handmade brass earrings that can be worn from day to night. Each pair is created from a brass half moon with hanging bar shapes. Neema Crafts is a Fair Trade social enterprise that transforms the lives of over 120 people with disabilities in Iringa in Tanzania. Moon and bars earrings, £16
Tell it like it is with this indulgent organic and vegan soap printed with the message "you're special". It come presented in an embellished gift box featuring artwork from the artists at the charity ARTHOUSE Unlimited. The soap is triple-milled to create a longer-lasting luxurious lather, and your loved one won't be able to resist the fresh and zingy lime, basil and mandarin fragrance. Lime, basil and mandarin tubular soap bar £6.75
A gift set inspired by and supporting the natural world. Perfect for Attenborough fans, this gift set includes a pair of bamboo socks supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, a packet of wildflower seeds that support 1500 UK pollinators and a blooming marvellous organic and vegan soap made by and supporting the charity ARTHOUSE Unlimited. Wildlife Lover's Gift Set £18.95
Sure, a bunch of flowers is traditional on Valentine's Day. But how about this cute felt cactus which blooms all year round? It's handmade in Nepal and is the perfect way to brighten up a desk or shelf. Miniature Blossoming Cactus, £9.95
Find loads more meaningful Valentine's Day gifts creating positive impact in our Valentine's Gifts collection.
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At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend
]]>Conscious shoppers can choose from hundreds of goods that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. These include a wide range of gift ideas, as well as handmade Christmas decorations, recycled wrapping paper and recycled Christmas cards creating positive change.
Founder Lucy Willoughby launched Good Things after working in the charity sector: “I saw for myself the devastating impact plastic pollution is having on the natural world, and how social enterprises around the world are creating solutions that empower marginalised communities, and reduce our harm to the planet. I wanted to do something to support their work and increase their impact, so I decided to seek out products creating a positive difference and make it easy for people to find them in one place.”
“It’s so exciting to be launching a physical shop here in Bristol. The city has an incredible reputation for supporting independent businesses and for championing sustainability and Fair Trade. By shopping at Good Things this Christmas, people can choose to support local, national and international projects.”
Good Things now offers hundreds of goods from purpose-driven organisations in the UK and around the world, including:
If you're in the area please do come and say hi! We're open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm until the end of the day on Saturday 24th December.
Come and find us on the ground floor of The Galleries or what3words: noble.thinks.brands.
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Explore Christmas at Good Things: hundreds of ethical and eco-friendly gifts, toys and games that support charities, empower people and protect our planet.
Start by working out what you’ll need and make sure you’re ready. Big gift? You might need a bigger sheet of paper or even a large piece of fabric. Lots of gifts? Make sure you’ve stocked up on all your chosen packing materials. Awkward shapes? Think about using a bag or box rather than trying to wrap the object up perfectly.
Look at the shape of the gift and work out how much paper you’ll need and how you’ll fold it over the shape. You don’t want to damage the wrapping paper by folding it too many times – luckily fabric’s much more forgiving! If you’re not sure you could use a piece of newspaper to test how you’ll wrap your gift first, then it won’t matter if you have to make a few attempts.
If you’re avoiding plastic tape (we applaud you!) you might need to get a little more creative with the shapes and folds you use as you can’t rely on tape holding it together!
Top eco tip: look after your paper and avoid tape that will damage your paper because you'll be able to reuse your paper over and over again!
Even small gifts can be a fiddle and if you’re wrapping using ribbon or twine two hands just aren’t enough! Ask someone to help keep the paper or fabric tightly wrapped around the gift so you can secure it.
There are loads of eco-friendly wrapping options to choose from! You could use sustainably sourced wrapping paper – make sure it’s recyclable too (check out our favourite recycled and recyclable designer wrapping paper here), or you could reuse wallpaper, newspaper, or even create your own (kids’ Christmas holiday project anyone?).
But it’s not all about paper. Fabric is a fabulous reusable option, and you can find some gorgeous designs – check out these furoshiki style upcycled sari wraps, or sari gift wrap bags. Fabric gift bags are also a good option as they’re so easy to pop a gift into and you can use them over and over again.
Plastic tape is a no-no if you’re wrapping more sustainably. Not only is it a single-use plastic, it also makes it harder to recycle the wrapping paper. Instead try paper tape which you can leave on the paper and recycle, or you may be able to peel off to reuse the wrapping paper again (reuse before recycle everyone!). We have a range of printed paper tapes made from recyclable and biodegradable paper.
Or you might like to wrap your gift with ribbon, twine or string. Try to use natural fibres which will rot down over time rather than plastic-based ribbons and twines.
When it comes to wrapping and keeping things neat, it’s actually best to use the least amount of paper possible. Measure the paper around your gift and trim it to shape to remove any excess. All those extra folds and flaps create extra bulk and can look untidy. Take care not to go too far though – you can always trim off more but you can’t add it back!
It’s time to get creative! It’s easy to make your own tags from scraps of paper or card, or you could reuse and cut up last year’s Christmas or birthday cards!
Make gifts look extra special with seasonal natural decorations like dried orange slices, sprigs of rosemary, holly or pine cones.
Does this all sounds like too much hard work? Fair enough, we can gift wrap many of our gifts for you and send them straight to friends and family. We’ll even add a matching gift tag and handwrite your personal message!
You might like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Read on for ethical Christmas gift ideas for all ages, plus charity Christmas cards and eco-friendly wrapping paper, all with wonderful stories to tell.
Explore Christmas at Good Things: hundreds of ethical and eco-friendly gifts, toys and games that support charities, empower people and protect our planet.
Christmas is the time for a family game, and here's something to bring some fun! A beautifully hand-crafted fun and frantic ricochet game, Rollet can be played by two or four players and even has two options for different levels of skill!
The game is made in India by a Fair Trade social enterprise that's dedicated to improving the lives of the artisans who make these wooden games. Rollet, £62
This year's must-have Christmas decoration. Choose from six designs, each made with beautiful attention to detail and loads of character! Hand-felted in Nepal using traditional needle felting techniques where these dinos provide fairly paid work in excellent conditions, and protect and promote ancient techniques and skills. Hand-felted dinosaur Christmas decoration, £5.95
Neema Crafts make gorgeous handmade products like this screen-printed washbag. We love the designs, colours and the way every product is unique. Even better, by supporting Neema Crafts you make a difference to people's lives in Tanzania. Neema employs over 120 people with disabilities and provides a new start through handmade crafts, training and employment. Large Handmade washbag in arrow print, £15
This beautifully made card is created using layers of handmade paper from recycled office materials. Cards from Africa give young, orphaned adults in Rwanda a new start through Fair Trade work, new skills and a supportive environment. Each card is made by hand and signed by the young person who made it. Christmas bears Christmas card, £3.50
This competitive wooden game is beautifully hand-crafted from sustainably-sourced wood. Battle your opponent to raft together your wooden boat tiles - and attempt to sink (or scupper) your rival! Raft and Scupper is handmade by artisans in India, where profits are reinvested to provide workers and their families with healthcare, education and to help with sanitation. Raft and scupper, £29
These cute cotton cupcakes come with removable cases and are presented in their very own "cake tin" to keep them fresh! They're ethically made from hand-loomed cotton using Fair Trade practices in Sri Lanka. The Fair Trade social enterprise that makes them reinvests profits to empower women through health education and skills training in rural Sri Lanka. Cupcake set, £26
This stylish A5 notebook has a 100% recycled board cover, and FSC-certified sustainable paper. Better still, every notebook supports global education projects that get children back in to school. "Write" notebook, £9.99
How to have a perfect Christmas? Simply follow the instructions on this brilliant recycled Christmas card from ARTHOUSE Unlimited. They're a collective of artists living with complex epilepsy and learning disabilities. 100% of ARTHOUSE Unlimited's sales revenue goes back into the charity: striving to challenge perceptions and to create better acceptance and inclusion for all people living with disabilities. Christmas instructions card, £3.50
Stacking blocks have become a childhood staple, but did you know there's an green alternative to the big names made from virgin plastic? Green Toys make their eco toys from recycled milk bottles which are shredded and turned into these child-safe, fun and durable toys! Green Toys blocks set, £28
Have you got one of those people on your list that it's really hard to buy for? This might be the answer! This beautiful blanket is hand-woven on a floor loom at Neema Crafts' workshop in Tanzania. By choosing Neema Crafts products you're helping fund specially adapted housing for their team, and enabling them to employ and upskill more craftspeople. Big tassel blanket, £55
To wrap it all up (sorry), beautiful recycled Christmas wrapping paper that's recyclable too. This eco-friendly wrapping paper is made from 100% recycled, unbleached, post-consumer materials.
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Life on earth as we know depends on trees. But did you know trees might also be our greatest ally if we're to tackle the climate crisis? Trees sequester carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their trunks, branches, leaves and roots. Global forest restoration could remove two thirds of our emissions from the atmosphere.
If we planted another 1.5 million hectares of trees in the UK we'd reach net zero. These trees would also prevent flooding, reduce temperatures in urban areas and fight pollution. Crucially they'd also help reverse biodiversity loss and the collapse of natural ecosystems.
While 1.5 million hectares of trees seems an overwhelming number, every tree is hugely valuable and each supports its own ecosystem. So how can you help trees? Explore our top tips:
If you're lucky enough to be able to plant a tree in your garden or a community space, check out this guide from the Woodland Trust. It tells you where, when and how to plant a tree and includes information on native UK species to help you choose a tree that will thrive.
Which native UK trees sequester the most carbon you ask?
1. The mighty oak
2. Sycamores
3. Beech trees
Also good: London planes, horse chestnuts, black walnuts, sweet chestnuts and hornbeams. Find out more in this guide from Chew Valley Trees.
The Tree Council's Young Tree Champions is a programme that helps young people become a force for nature. Its goal is to inspire teachers and children to grow deeper connections with each other, trees and nature, to learn from trees and strive for every young person to stand up and be heard. You'll find resources to help children and young people engage with the climate crisis, empowering them to speak up and to plant and care for trees. Ideally this programme is delivered in partnership with schools, but there are also lots of activities for young people and their families to get involved with.
Whether as a memorial or to celebrate a special birthday or a birth, dedicating a tree is lovely gesture - and planet-friendly too! You can dedicate a tree in the national forest, a 200-square mile forest located in the Midlands, and choose to plant one of a range of native trees.
Got a particular tree in mind? Established trees are vital as they're already working hard and capturing carbon. In the UK you can apply for a tree preservation order online and protect a tree for (possibly hundreds of) years to come. Trees can be protected on public or private land. This guide from Friends of the Earth explains how to do it.
You can support the Woodland Trust's important work by adding trees to the Ancient Tree Inventory, or tracking the changing seasons and adding information to Nature's Calendar. You don't need a garden, just a little time! Find out more about how you can get involved with informal volunteering with the Woodland Trust.
1 Tree Cards creates contemporary, colourful and fun designs on 100% recycled and FSC-certified card. One tree is planted for every card sold, helping restore forests in Nepal, Madagascar, Indonesia and Haiti. Each card includes a seed token with bee-friendly seeds, ready to be planted too! Have a look.
Ecosia is a search engine with a difference, because every search plants a tree! Since launching in 2009 they've planted over 150 million trees around the world.
Ecosia generates income from search ads (like most search engines), but instead of making profits for investors, this revenue is used to plant trees. The are also B Corp certified and power all searches using 200% renewable energy!
At Good Things we want to be good for people and planet. We donate 20% of profits to charity and since launching in 2019, we've made a donation every year to the World Land Trust, helping protect threatened habitat in Ecuador and Mexico (above), crucial for jaguars and macaws. This land is turned into a reserve, and protected forever. Thank you for helping make this happen!
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>Board games have made a comeback. Once relegated to the post-Christmas dinner slot, the board game is now cool. And with lots of us at home with more time on our hands, they're a great way of keeping all the family entertained.
But which to choose? We introduce some of our favourites, and tell their amazing stories.
Explore hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
A beautifully hand-crafted catapult game of dexterity and skill
Fast, furious and incredibly competitive! This immensely popular game is a firm favourite for those who've discovered it. "This nearly caused a divorce!" isn't always the review we hope for, but it is a common theme when people spot Pucket!* (Luckily they also tell us how much they love the game too.)
Pucket's beautiful hardwood board measures 54 x 40cm and the quality of the craftsmanship is plain to see. The game is simple to understand, making it great for all ages: race to catapult your pucks from your side of the board, through the gate in the middle of the board to the other side. There are no turns, and any pucks that arrive on your side must be sent back before you win. You'll find your technique develops the more you play, and it only gets more competitive as time goes on! Pucket Catapult Game, £49
*it's extremely competitive, don't say we didn't warn you!
A fun and strategic word game
Described as a cross between Scrabble and Chess, this fiendish word game is nail-biting right until the end. Who will take control of the Sproutword and win the game? Sproutword has already been shortlisted for Best Literacy Game at the Imagination Gaming Awards. We love the way that it's been designed to be as eco-friendly as possible, with responsibly-sourced wooden tiles made in Devon and no plastic whatsoever! Available as a 2-player tin or 2 - 4 player box Sproutword Game, 2 - 4 player tin, £23 or Sproutword Game, 2 player tin, £15
"The Fast-Rolling Rollicking Ricochet Game"
Rollet is fast, fun and fierce! Shoot your steel ball down either or both of your chutes, aiming at the wooden goal ball in the middle. You need to hit the wooden goal ball into your opponent's goal to score a point. The first to score five points with at least a two point lead is the winner!
The game can be played by two or four players, making it a great inclusive game for all ages. The game also comes with two sizes of goal ball meaning you can vary the difficulty as you progress! The game also has four drinks mats - great for creating a pub vibe from home! Rollet Ricochet Game, £62
The world's no. 1 bridge-building strategy game
A board game of strategy and skill that gets more addictive the more you play! Bridget was invented in Switzerland but these games are made in India where they provide well-paid work and opportunities for workers and their families.
Bridge the pieces of your colour all the way across the board, blocking and counter-blocking your opponent as you go. You've got to stay one step ahead of your opponent so it gets strategic! Think of it as a more fiendish version of Tetris and Connect Four. Bridget, £28
A luxury two-player strategy game presented in a wooden hinged box
Hedgeways is a luxury strategy game where you race to win land by enclosing fields with your colourful wooden hedge tiles. Look closely at the hinged box - it's beautifully and ingeniously made from wood too! Hedgeways Strategy Game, £24
"The thinking pirate's game"
Raft and Scupper is a beautifully hand-crafted, fair trade wooden pirate game created by a Californian professor of philosophy. Two pirate crews battle for control of the high seas! The aim is to raft together the wooden ship tiles, or to sink - or scupper - four ships before your opponent. The set-up of the ship tiles allows for a different scenario every time and all the pieces are presented in a beautiful handmade wooden treasure chest. Raft and Scupper, £29
All these games are sustainably made. ET Games creates their products from sustainably-sourced Sheesham wood. The wood is sourced from government-managed plantations in India and has "Vriksh" certification, proving it was produced and felled in a sustainable way. The games are even packaged sustainably, with Bridget presented in its very own organic cotton bag, Raft & Scupper in a wooden chest, and Pucket and Rollet in a cardboard carry-case.
Sprout and Gherkin make their beautiful wooden, tactile tiles from sustainably sourced wood with an FSC core and oak veneer from managed forest plantations in Europe. They use reusable and recyclable packaging, including cotton bags for the game tiles, and a metal tin for 2-player Sproutword.
ET Games are certified Fair Trade which means workers are paid at least a local living wage, allowing them to support themselves and their family. Fair Trade guarantees products were not made by children and that workers operate in safe and healthy conditions. The not-for-profit supplier of these games reinvest profits to support workers and their families with healthcare, education and sanitation.
Fair Trade empowers people, creating fairer trading relationships, and never exploits those who are poorer or in a weaker bargaining position. Find out more: What is Fair Trade and Why Does it Matter?
For more inspiration to keep everyone entertained at home, check out our games, arts and crafts for time at home collection.
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>At Good Things we're on a mission to make it easier for you to find ethical and eco-friendly gifts that give back. Discover hundreds of gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet.
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
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This one's not too tricky. Next time you're heading to a barbecue, simply head to the veggie section to peruse sausages and burgers. You'll find a wide range of options and reducing your meat and dairy consumption is viewed by many as the single biggest way of reducing your impact on the planet.
If you're a resolute carnivore try just one day a week meat-free. Managing that already? Try to reduce your intake of meat and dairy a little more - why not try oat milk in your coffee (it's delicious!).
If you're already vegetarian have a think about further changes you can make to reduce your dairy consumption. Dairy-free mayonnaise on the burger? Hummus instead of a cheese slice? All good options!
Sure, read that as alcoholic if you like, but we're also talking water bottle, coffee cup, cutlery, plate, lunch box. Basically anything that means you don't need to use disposable (often plastic) products. We use £2.5 billion disposable coffee cups in the UK every year, but getting into the habit of taking a reusable cup with you is fairly simple. Reusable is much, much better for the planet than (often so-called) recyclable.
Also, you'll probably get a discount on your coffee!
In the UK we use an average 117 plastic bottles per person per year! Investing in a reusable bottle is a great way to avoid plastic waste. Get started with these durable reusable bottles that keep drinks cold for 24 hours, hot for 12 hours, and fund clean water projects!
If you're heading somewhere with an air conditioning unit, or you work in an office with air con (fancy!), try to reduce, or even better avoid, using it.
It's not mentioned so much here in the UK but AC has become the focus of many conversations about climate change in recent years. It's estimated that air conditioning units used in many homes around the world at present will contribute to 20 - 40% of the world's remaining carbon budget. The US expends more energy on air conditioning than the whole continent of Africa does on everything. Many units are uneconomic and actually contribute to warming up cities where air con is widely used. Try these hacks to keep your home cool in a heatwave.
Step away from that remote!
Many of us have opted for holidays closer to home over the last year, and this is a great time to consider flight-free destinations nearby. A short-haul return flight can account for 10% of your yearly carbon emissions, and air travel is increasingly contributing to climate change. Could this be the year you pledge to go flight-free?
Alternative methods of travel can also provide a different perspective and the opportunity to stop over in other destinations. A night in Paris on the way to Florence? Yes please! Find practical information for train travel across Europe and beyond from The Man in Seat 61. There's a growing community (including our hero Greta Thunberg of course) sharing their no-flying adventures, which we found inspiring too.
Visit England has lots of ideas for fabulous UK destinations - there's so much to explore!
Globally one third of all food produced goes to waste. Not only is this horrifyingly wasteful, it's also damaging for our planet. Our food production contributes to a quarter of all global greenhouse emissions and threatens our planet's biodiversity. Reducing food waste and only producing and consuming what we need could have a significant positive impact.
So what can you do? Buy locally grown, organic and sustainable products to support biodiversity. The pandemic has resulted in an increase in local box schemes so why not see whether you can support yours? Buy what you need, and make efforts to use everything you have.
Avoid waste. Some supermarkets have scrapped 'best before' labels in order to reduce food waste - think carefully before you get rid of food, could you make a soup or smoothie even if it's wilted? Check out these apps which help tackle food waste by redistributing it.
Another great option is to grow some fruit and veg yourself. In a garden this supports biodiversity by providing food for bees and insects, but you can also grow food on a windowsill.
So there you have it. Five easy wins so you can enjoy an eco-friendly summer. Start with one and see how you get on!
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>For 150 more Father's Day gift ideas check out our father's day gifts that give back collection, or explore hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
Perfect to grab for camping trips, long journeys or for exercise, these hard-wearing water bottles are also insulated and keep drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24!
Jerry Bottles raise funds to build wells and water pumps in India and Tanzania. Insulated metal water bottle, large, £23
The time is always right for a pirate adventure! This fiendish and strategic two-player game is a battle for the high seas. Race to raft together your wooden ship tiles, or sink - or scupper - four ships before your dad does!
The game is Fair Trade, plastic free and comes presented in this beautiful hand-crafted wooden treasure chest. The set up of the tiles is different every time so it only gets more competitive! Raft and Scupper, £29
Explore a selection of fun and colourful recycled cards that do Good Things - from planting trees to championing the work of artists with disabilities. It's easy to add a handwritten card to any of our Father's Day gifts too. We'll hand write your personal message and send the card with your gift, straight to your dad's door. Recycled cards from £2.99
As we finally look forward to holidays and weekends away, this washbag is a taste of the adventures to come! This canvas washbag has a screenprinted Tanzania stamp, loads of room for toiletries, flat faux leather waterproof base and waterproof lining.
Made by Neema Crafts, a social enterprise changing lives in Tanzania by working with people with disabilities; providing training in tailoring and craft skills, and then employment making this washbag and lots more. Tanzania Washbag, £15
We love these soft and sustainable socks that also help protect orangutans! Bare Kind creates gorgeous, high quality socks in a range of animal designs. Each pair helps an animal charity working to protect the animal featured on the sock. Orangutan animal socks, £9.50
Hedgeways is a luxury two-player strategy game that's sustainably made and very competitive! Enclose fields using your colourful 'hedge' tiles. Each time you enclose a field you get a point - but your hedges must be linked!
We love the way it's plastic-free and made using sustainable materials - check out the ingenious hinged wooden box! Hedgeways Strategy Game, £24
These wildflower seeds make a lovely gift for gardeners and nature-lovers. The gift set contains five packets of wildflower seeds, contained within a jute bag, with a bee gift tag. Each seed packet contains corncockle, corn chamomile, cornflower, corn marigold and corn poppy - between them they support 1,500 species of pollinating insect across the UK!
Made by and supporting Seed of Hope, who help people with mental health problems to change their lives through recovery-based therapeutic gardening. Wildflower Seed Gift Set, £10
For the list-lover, artist or ideas guy, these notebooks are stylish and 100% recycled. Better still, every notebook helps fund education projects around the world. Choose from three designs and lined or plain pages. Notes A5 Notebook, £7.99
Whether it's a birthday present, inspiring stationery that supports education projects, or a thoughtful gift for difficult times, we've got you sorted. Discover lots more in our gifts for dad collection, or check out all gifts for adults.
You might also like:
5 Wins For an Eco-Friendly Summer
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>For many, Easter is a time for mountains of chocolate and spending special moments with family. But our celebrations can weigh heavy on the planet. Find out what you can do to make this year more eco-friendly, including ideas for ethical Easter eggs and gifts.
Explore hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
It's easy to get carried away at Easter - everyone likes a chocolate treat after all! But did you know that in the UK we give 80 million Easter eggs every year? That results in a huge amount of waste packaging, and as many of us are realising, our treats might come at a cost. Chocolate producers and manufacturers have been accused of slavery, exploiting workers and child trafficking. Not so sweet.
What can you do? If you're going to give Easter eggs then choose them carefully. Many manufacturers are reducing their packaging but never assume, and opt for those labelled plastic free whenever you can.
Choose Fairtrade certified chocolate. Then you know cocoa producers have been given a fair deal and that slavery, child labour and forced labour is forbidden. For ethical and sustainable egg options, check out the Top 10 Fairtrade Easter Eggs for 2022 from the Fairtrade Foundation.
Why not make your own Easter treats? From Easter-themed cakes to homemade hot cross buns, you'll find loads of Easter baking ideas from the BBC here, and it's the easiest way to avoid waste packaging. It's a great chance to try something new and there are lots of ideas kids and teenagers can get involved with too.
If you fancy going one step further you could even try making your own Easter eggs! You'll need an egg-shaped mould and to try tempering chocolate, but what a lovely way to create something really personal!
Many of us will be hoping for an extra special Easter this year, as we meet with family and friends. But special occasions and feasts with loved ones often result in more waste.
Plan your menu and consider the ingredients you need in order to avoid throwing away leftovers. Zero waste shops offer unwrapped goods meaning you won't waste packaging, and allowing you to weigh the exact quantities of ingredients you need so nothing goes to waste.
Seasonal snacks, picnic food and utensils can cause lots of waste and often involve horrifying amounts of single-use plastic. Plan what you'll eat and take it with you if you can, choose carefully when you're shopping, and remember it's easy to make yummy treats yourself!
For lots more tips check out our guide to shopping sustainably.
Easter doesn't have to mean chocolate. It's estimated that on average a child in the UK consumes eight large chocolate eggs every Easter. Alternatives like fruit, small treats hidden as part of a hunt, or durable toys might be healthier and have less of an environmental impact. Encourage kids to decorate and exchange or hide hard-boiled or wooden eggs - there are loads of creative ideas for decorating them here.
If you're looking for an alternative and ethical Easter gift that gives back, check out our toys for kids or thoughtful gifts for adults.
Comment below - how will you be making this Easter more ethical and eco-friendly?
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At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>At Good Things, it's important that our toys (and everything you find in our shop) are never categorised by gender. Play is crucial for children's development and children are bombarded by outdated gender stereotypes from an early age. At Good Things you can search for toys and gifts based on someone's interests, age or the qualities of a product, but we don't think gender categories are helpful or necessary.
Let Toys Be Toys is on a mission to stop some manufacturers and retailers limiting children’s interests by promoting toys and books as only suitable for girls, and others only for boys. It is a grassroots campaign organised by parents who were frustrated by the increase in marketing and promotion to children that pushed narrow stereotypes.
The Let Toys Be Toys Toymark recognises retailers that are doing a great job of offering toys to girls and boys alike.
Good Things founder Lucy had the idea of a children's gift shop following her own experience of looking for gifts for children:
"I was shocked to find toys were still separated into pink and blue areas for girls and boys. Not only was it divided, I was so disappointed to see toys like princess make-up kits targeted at girls and construction kits labelled as 'for boys' only."
"In order to create a more gender-equal world, we have to start from an early age. Play is a crucial part of how children explore who they are and discover the world around them. I believe children's toys should encourage kids to play with whatever interests them - and certainly not reinforce outdated stereotypes."
We're so pleased to have received the award and to be part of this movement encouraging children to be free to learn, play and have fun with whichever toys they enjoy most!
Interested to explore the fun and sustainable toys we stock? Have a look our collections.
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>International Women's Day is celebrated around the world on March 8th every year. The first gathering was held in 1911!
It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women in social, cultural, economic and political spaces. But it also brings people together to raise awareness about progress to be made in women's equality.
"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."
- Gloria Steinem
Do we still need International Women's Day you ask? Yes! It's estimated that none of us will see gender parity in our lifetime and the gap has actually increased by a generation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This International Women's Day the theme is Break the Bias.
Each of us can call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping in our communities, workplaces, schools, colleges and universities.
We can help level the playing field and forge a more equal world.
Did you know that products like cheap clothes and toys are very likely to have been made by women? Companies and factory owners take advantage of the fact women have an unequal position in society, and pay them less than men and deny them basic rights. As many as 1 in 7 female garment workers have suffered abuse and violence.
Our choices make a difference.
Here at Good Things we champion products creating positive change. 70% of the organisations we partner with are run by fabulous female founders. Find all their purpose-driven products here.
We love supporting the work of organisations dedicated to creating opportunities for women through well-paid work and training.
What difference does well-paid work and opportunities make?
Sophia from Neema Crafts
Women like Sophia are challenging stereotypes about disabilities in Tanzania. Neema Crafts empowers people living with disabilities through skills training and Fair Trade work. Find out more about Neema Crafts, or explore their handmade products. |
We are proud to work with a number of Fair Trade certified enterprises. While Fair Trade is good news for everyone, it's particularly positive for women because women in Fair Trade organisations must be paid the same as men for equal work.
Fair Trade enterprises must also give women opportunities to take up leadership positions and unbelievably 52% of of Fair Trade organisations' CEOs are women. This compares to 5% of CEO positions being held by women in companies in the UK, Europe and the US. Find out more about Fair Trade and why it matters.
Empowering women in Sri LankaWomen like Dineka (right) make these Fair Trade cotton toys in Sri Lanka. 250 artisans, most of whom are women, are employed by the enterprise, providing vital work in rural areas. The social enterprise is women-led and every worker is paid a living wage. Employees also benefit from health camps, child-care facilities, life skills programmes and leadership training. The enterprise also has their own foundation which delivers workshops for women on important issues like domestic abuse, alcoholism, women’s health and sex education. Find out more: Weaving Hope: Discover Eco Toys Changing Lives |
Want to support these and lots more organisations making a difference? Shop our women-led collection! Or find out more about International Women's Day.
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>From the start, we knew that all the packaging Good Things uses for our ethical and sustainable products needed to be eco-friendly too.
It’s very important to us that this eco-friendly packaging is 100% recyclable, and where possible we choose recycled materials.
While lots of us are increasingly conscious about the products we use and how we recycle and reduce our waste, we were surprised to find that the packaging industry hasn't necessarily kept up. 46% of us feel guilty about the amount of plastic packaging we use, and 82% of us are trying to reduce the amount we throw away. Yet products are often delivered in plastic, with plastic tape sealing the boxes as standard. 50% of plastic is used only once, and the impact on our sea life is shocking. Find out more about my experience of plastic pollution when working with sea turtles.
We take packaging seriously and know that as a small business, it's one of the most significant ways we can reduce our impact on the planet. In our second year we prevented a leatherback turtle's worth of plastic from going to waste! We search for alternative ways of packing our lovely products safely, without having to resort to plastic, and ideally using up some materials that might otherwise have gone to waste. We're not saying we've found the perfect solution (these things are a work in progress!) but here's what we use at the moment:
The paper used to keep your product safe is either 100% recycled brown paper or paper that comes from newspaper off-cuts which might otherwise have been thrown away. Both are completely recyclable and can be used as scrap paper first!
We use 100% recycled tissue paper to protect more delicate products. If you order's packed using raffia, the ribbon is made from natural plant fibre and is compostable and biodegradable.
If your box is new it will be 100% recycled, and 100% recyclable. Whenever possible we also reuse boxes from our suppliers. Our customers are very creative when it comes to reusing boxes; we've heard about cardboard on your no-dig veg patches, cat castles, and robot costumes!
We use recyclable brown kraft paper tape to seal your boxes - it's actually stronger than traditional plastic parcel tape.
Some products will be delivered in cardboard mailers or brown padded bags - they take up less space than a box and protect fragile products better. The padded bags are made from 65% recycled paper and are compostable. The mailers are 100% recyclable and we'd like to switch to a mailer which is made from mainly recycled materials - let us know if you can help!
Our Good Things flyers and thank you cards are printed on 100% recycled card. The Good Things sticker on your box is made from recycled paper too!
We no longer send a packing slip with your order, you'll receive this by email instead.
If you're interested in gift-wrap make sure you check out our bright, high-quality and 100% recycled and recyclable range of wrapping paper packs or gift-wrap for products.
We hope you enjoy your product and the way it's packed. We love to hear what you think and do reach out if you can help us improve our eco-friendly packaging!
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
]]>For more than 100 ethical Mother's Day gift ideas check out our gifts for mum collection, or explore hundreds of inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect the planet at Good Things.
A selection of beautiful recycled cards that do Good Things - from planting trees to providing a new start for young people in Rwanda. Recycled cards, from £2.99
You can also choose to add a handwritten card to any of our Mother's Day gifts. We'll hand write your personal message and send the card with your gift, straight to your mum's door.
This beautiful garland is bright, unusual and handmade from natural materials. The colourful hand-felted "bulbs" hang from a natural rattan string and come in their own cotton bag with rattan drawstring.
The perfect way to brighten up a kitchen, bedroom or home office. Handmade and Fair Trade Felt Lightbulb Garland, £24
These gorgeous necklaces are crafted from tagua beads which are ethically sourced and made from nuts which have fallen from trees in the forests of Ecuador.
Lydia sources the beads from artisans she knows from her time living there. The artisans pick and dry the seeds, before sanding, dyeing and shaping them. Lydia then designs and assembles these necklaces by hand in the UK. And voila! Handmade tagua necklace, £26
Whether your mum's green-fingered or not, she'll love this wildflower seed gift set. The seeds are easy to grow, support 1,500 pollinators and help change the lives of people living with mental health problems. You can even add a personal message to the gift tag!
Seed of Hope is a social enterprise that helps people with mental health problems through recovery-based therapeutic gardening. Every pack of wildflower seeds supports their work and helps UK pollinators too! Wildflower seed gift set, £10
This sweetly fragranced organic plant wax candle is presented in a reusable tin with beautiful jungle artwork. Made by and supporting the work of ARTHOUSE Unlimited, a collective of artists who live with learning disabilities and complex epilepsy.
This vegan-friendly candle is made from plant-based ingredients. A gift of light candle tin, £20
This screen-printed linen cushion cover features a striking and contemporary fern print. It's made by and supports the work of the charity Neema Crafts. They change lives in Tanzania by working with people with disabilities; providing training in tailoring and craft skills, and then employment in their workshop making these beautiful products. All Neema Crafts products are Fair Trade accredited and made from sustainably sourced materials. Handmade and Fair Trade Large Fern Print Cushion, £29
Soaps making a positive social impact and printed with uplifting messages? We all need these in our lives.
These luxurious triple-milled organic soaps are made by and supporting the work of the charity ARTHOUSE Unlimited. The embellished gift boxes are decorated with the artists' work and the soaps are made from organic and vegan ingredients. One for mum and one for you? We won't tell! Angels of the deep lavender and citrus tubular soap, £6.75
These handmade bags are so popular they may not be around for long, but if you're lucky you might just bag one for your mum for Mother's Day (sorry).
They're roomy enough for everyday use and strong enough to handle your shopping too. We love the screen-printed designs on the cotton body, rope handle and wooden toggle decoration. Made by Neema Crafts, they're not just stylish but also provide well paid work and opportunities for people with disabilities in Tanzania. Fair Trade tote bag, £25
These needle-felted cacti are handmade in Nepal where they provide Fair Trade accredited work and promote and protect ancient skills. This yellow bloom cactus (left) will bring a burst of colour all year round. From a range of felt cacti and miniature houseplants at Good Things. Fair Trade hand felted cactus - yellow bloom, £19.95
Here at Good Things we love gifts with stories to tell. Neema Crafts products are made by people with disabilities, providing a new start through fairly paid work and skills training. Money raised by selling these products helps build adapted housing for the team. These extra-wide scarves are hand-woven from locally sourced cotton in Neema Crafts' workshop in Tanzania. Johari and Peter hand weave these scarves on a small hand loom. Fair Trade and hand loomed scarf, £26
This stylish notebook has a 100% recycled hard board cover, and FSC-certified sustainable paper pages. Best of all this sustainable stationery help support children's education projects worldwide!
Choose lined, plain or dotted (brilliant as a bullet journal) in A5 or A6. Write A5 Sustainable Notebook, £12.99
This stunning necklace is made from lightweight brass shapes hung from a waxed cotton cord. It's handmade in Tanzania by Neema Crafts, a charity that empowers people with disabilities.
Fair Trade and handmade moon and bars brass necklace, £18
Encourage mum to take a little time for some nurturing with this Take Care of Yourself gift set. It includes an organic and vegan lip balm, hand-felted miniature houseplant and card - with space for your personal message, written by us. Take care of yourself gift set, £16.50
Find over 220 gifts your mum will love in our Gifts for Mum collection.
Whether it's a birthday present, inspiring stationery that supports education projects, or a thoughtful card with a message of support, we've got you covered. For over 90 thoughtful gift ideas for all ages check out our thoughtful gifts collection.
You might also like:
At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.
Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every weekend.
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