A.W.L. - 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, nowadays, we as consumers, are much more apt to make conscious purchases.  For that reason, I have put together a holiday gift guide, which allows you to support independent artists and charitable organizations with each gift you give.  There are a myriad of choices to help you make responsible purchases.  Below, are some of my favorites:

Elkie Soto

Check out my own Recycled Wristlets and Accessories

MonkeyPoo

The most amazing all natural handmade soaps! You will be addicted.

Dsenyo

Dsenyo is an ethical fashion company committed to offering sustainable accessories, featuring the art of African textile design for fashion and socially conscious women.

Artsy Chica

Novelty candles from the Dalai Lama to Frida Khalo.

Qassa

Amazing hand crocheted blankets.  A portion of all sales will go to support Project Linus and Central Asia Institute.

Ten Thousand Villages

This bed spread is so cheerful and giving as well.  One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries.

 

Sari Bari

These recycled Sari quilts can be purchased at SariBari.com, a business initiative, that seeks the freedom and restoration of Kolkata’s red-light areas through dignity-giving employment opportunities for women affected by the sex trade.

Bead for Life

Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads, and people who care open their hearts,homes and communities to buy and sell the beads.

The Hunger Site

The Hunger Site was founded to focus the power of the Internet on a specific humanitarian need; the eradication of world hunger.  You can shop for unique and meaningful gifts.  Such as:
-Subsidize a Berkeley Darfur Stove for a family living in the Darfur refugee camps for only $20.
-Send Two Girls to School in Afghanistan From $20.00

Happy & conscious shopping!