by Avril Defleurey

Created on: April 23, 2010

Thinking of green gifts, the first things that come to mind are re-cycled note books, writing pads and sketch pads. There is such a variety on the market now days and many can be found in local shops and supermarkets. Some paper products support an actual charity directly such as the ones that donate a portion of what you spend on it to endangered species charities. Accessories are a common gift on Fathers day, but if you are looking for something a little bit different and if Dad is in need of a new lap top bag, sports bag or similar, check out those which can be found on line which are made from recycled bottles, or sails from de-commissioned sailing vessels. Does he wear cufflinks? You will not find any trendier than cuff links made from recycled electric circuit boards, square shaped and brightly coloured. It is unlikely anyone else will have a pair the same in whichever pub, club or office Dad can be found in.

Green gifts also include anything Solar powered. From the huge and magnificent such as solar window panels to the more affordable garden lights, water features, torches, and battery chargers depending on  choice and affordability. Keeping with the ‘green power’ theme how about gifting a water powered alarm clock? No batteries, no electric power as such, just a quantity of water and a squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon juice triggers a reaction which with the help of an internal chip makes the clock work. These clocks keep going for twelve weeks before they need refilling. They come in modern bright colours and have analogue faces. 

For a really unique gift if dad is a wine connoisseur, or a gardener, try this idea from The Royal Botanical Garden at Kew, London, England - A plant your own wine rack. The kit supplies the canes which grow in the garden. They can then be shaped according to the instructions into a fully useable wine rack, whilst it is still growing. Bird nesting boxes, tables or feeders can suit either the largest or the smallest of gardens or yards. One bought which has been made locally will not only help to keep a local business going but save on fuel and carbon emissions. All the better if you can find one made from recycled wood.  Many towns, villages and cities have set up reclamation centres where used building materials can be cleaned up into a re-workable product. Lots of the centres either craft products for sale at the centre or the wood is sold on to local crafts people.

If your father is an animal lover and a believer in conservation, adopt an animal on his behalf.  Tigers, panda bears and many more endangered species as well as cat and dog societies are crying out for funds. For a fee your father can rest assured knowing that he has something in his name helping an animal of his choice. There are lots of postal and online companies that support and care for animals. In return your Father will get regular thank you mail on behalf of the animal along with regular updates and information on recent developments within the chosen charity.

Adopt an olive tree, yes seriously! In an effort by companies to grow more natural goods with limited funds you can actually adopt a tree. In return your Father will get a special delivery of 500ml of olive oil per year from the adopted tree, and invites to visit the olive grove. Better still, plant a tree on behalf of Dad. There are companies which for a fee plant a tree, then dedicate it to your loved one. Take dad along where he can actively plant the sapling then regularly visit it and watch each step of its growth. The tree then is a living dedication to your father long after his death and well into the future.

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