Electrical items
If you're buying any household electrical goods, make sure you buy the most energy-efficient models available. They might be a little more expensive, but they pay for themselves through lower energy bills and help in the fight against climate change. The same is true for computers, monitors and printers.
If you are in Europe, you can get tips on buying energy-efficient appliances at
www.topten.info. If you are in North America, always buy products with the Energy Star label.
Wood products
Looking to buy wooden furniture or some other gift made from wood? One of the main causes of forest loss is illegal logging, which is fed by high demand for timber in Europe and in countries such as Japan, the United States and China. Make sure that you buy wood products carrying the FSC label. Without this, the wood used in your gift may well stem from illegal sources.
Find out more about FSC
Seafood
Looking to cook up a tasty seafood meal during the holidays? Once considered inexhaustible, our oceans are in a state of global collapse. More than 70% of the world's commercial marine fish stocks are either fully exploited or overfished. To help you choose seafood products that come from reliable sources,
check out our seafood guides.
And, always
look for the MSC label - this gives you a simple way to identify and purchase fish from well-managed sources.
Beluga caviar
While nothing is more evocative of luxury than black caviar, be aware that the sturgeon of the Caspian Sea could face extinction due to unsustainable and illegal plunder for their roe. Purchase caviar only from shops, only in sealed jars and, most importantly, make sure the jar or tin is sealed with a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) label.
Cactus plants
The prickly plant trade is popular, but buyer beware! There is a flourishing illegal trade that is wiping out native populations, particularly from Mexico. Some species are totally banned from international trade and some require an import permit. While the great majority of cacti for sale have been artificially grown in nurseries and are legal, cacti that are imported into a country do require a permit. So, if in doubt, check the paperwork.
Coral products
Slow-growing and long-living corals collected for jewellery and ornamental purposes are threatening reefs worldwide. For example, red coral, a popular coral found only in the Mediterranean has become locally extinct due to over harvesting. Avoid souvenirs made from corals whenever possible. If you do buy coral, make sure you find out if you need a permit. If buying a coral product at home, ask the retailer if the coral was imported with the necessary permit.
Holiday cards
Instead of sending printed cards to you friends and family by mail, why not
send an e-card? They are cheaper, more environmentally friendly and will arrive immediately.
