Hello Friends,
Are you feeling frenzied, tired, or overwhelmed this holiday season? First of all, take a deep cleansing breath, then think of ways to simplify your life to emphasize what is most important. I did this mental exercise recently,and came to the conclusion that I will treat my friends and family to meaningful gifts that keep on giving. My heart wasn’t into shopping in big box stores with bright lights full of merchandise that most likely was made in a sweatshop. I really wanted to put my money into something that would benefit marginalized people.
So how do I align my values with gift buying? By shopping fair trade. Shopping fair trade ensures that the artisans and producers behind the products are paid fair wages, work in safe conditions, and benefit from equitable business practices, empowering communities and fostering economic stability.
Sustainable shopping reduces environmental impact by prioritizing eco-friendly materials, ethical production processes, and minimizing waste. By choosing fair trade and sustainable gifts, you can spread joy not only to loved ones but also to those who make the products, while contributing to a healthier planet. This thoughtful approach to holiday shopping transforms your giving into an act of kindness for both people and the environment.
This year I wanted to concentrate on how to help Palestinian farmers in particular, who have been facing significant challenges from settler violence, disrupting their livelihoods and threatening their way of life. Many endure harassment, physical attacks, and the destruction of crops, livestock, and infrastructure by Israeli settlers, particularly in illegally occupied colonies in the West Bank.
Olive trees, a vital source of income and cultural heritage, are often targeted, with thousands being uprooted or burned annually. Farmers are frequently restricted from accessing their own land due to settler encroachment or military-imposed closures, further exacerbating their economic hardships. This violence not only undermines their ability to sustain their families but also contributes to a climate of fear and instability, perpetuating a cycle of conflict and displacement. Despite these challenges, Palestinian farmers continue to work their land, demonstrating resilience in the face of systemic oppression.
This is where Zaytoun comes in. Zaytoun is a social enterprise inspired by a love of Palestinian culture, communities and cuisine. They support Palestinian farmers through fair trade, where 100% of their profits are reinvested into delivering this mission. This year they had beautiful and affordable gift baskets, and I just had to share this find with you all!
This year’s gift basket is great for anyone, filled with zesty za’atar, fudgy megdool dates from Jericho, fresh cold pressed olive oil, and chemical free olive oil soap. Click on my video below to get the details!
To learn more about where to get these gifts, as well as other websites with gifts from the holy land, here are the websites below:
- Ethical Shop: https://ethicalshop.org/
- Zaytoun: https://ethicalshop.org/food/food-gift-boxes.html
- https://www.shoppalestine.org/
- https://www.darzah.org/
