Dreaming of a Green Christmas

We all dream about a White Christmas, but at Planet Organic Market we’re much keener on a green one. As we all share gifts with our families and loved ones this holiday season, it’s important to consider how our gifts impact our environment, add to our collective ecological footprint, and affect the sustainability of our world. The festive season may be the busiest and most stressful time of the year for consumers, but it’s also a great opportunity to discover and support companies and organizations with sustainable business practices. Here are a few of our suggestions:

Plan Canada

Each Planet Organic Market sponsors three children through Plan Canada (formerly Foster Parents Plan), a charitable organization supporting children in developing nations. This year, Plan Canada’s ‘Gifts of Hope’ program offers a number of unique and affordable ways to sustain their good work. Money from gifts purchased is directed towards ongoing projects in developing countries; including planting tree seedlings in Benin, supplying mosquito nets in Rwanda and building a physiotherapy clinic in Uganda, among others. Gifts range in price from $20 up to $2,000. For additional details and to purchase a gift online, visit Plan Canada.

The Pembina Institute

This Alberta-based advocacy group is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions, including the chance to offset your carbon use by purchasing wind power for your computer. Planet Organic Market pays for wind power for our computers and we think you should too! Costs are very reasonable; $18 powers one laptop for a year, $39 does the same for a desktop. A smart and green stocking stuffer! Visit the Pembina Institute here.

Alba Botanicals

In addition to sourcing organic ingredients for their cosmetics and beauty products, Alba’s office and warehouse are 100% solar powered, and the company takes extensive efforts to minimize its ecological footprint through recycling, energy conservation and other sustainable business practices.

Camino Chocolate

This line of premium organic fair trade chocolate produced by the La Siembre Co-operative, helps to encourage cocoa producers in South America to sell their products to North American markets under just and fair working conditions.

You’ll find Alba Organics products in our Natural Living department, and Camino premium chocolate in our confectionary section.

Planet Organic Market is pleased to stock products from a wealth of green-minded companies with Earth-friendly gifts to please everyone on your list. Take a look, try a few and see how your holiday gifts can make a difference this year.