Christmas is usually a time of giving and good cheer, but this Christmas, looking back on a year of global environmental upheaval, is it not time we gave differently? And this giving doesn’t necessarily relate to the size of our pockets, but the size of our concern.

At a time where global cosumption levels are greatly contributing to disastrous climate change wouldn’t it be nice to give a gift that actually gives something back? A gift that not only makes that someone special feel that extra bit more cared for, but that cares for the planet and shows that you do, at the same time. Now this might sound too good to be true, but maybe it’s just that good?

Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA)offers you a gift this Christmas that not only keeps on giving, it keeps on growing as well.  Planting a tree in the name of a loved one, friend, relative, business associate or client is not only a perfect living gift that gives to the planet and those less fortunate, whilst offsetting  carbon dioxide emissions, it is also a wonderful way to commemorate a special event

Order a tree certificate and FTFA will send personalized, colourful certificates acknowledging the planting of your tree gifts and arrange for the trees to be planted in the name of your recipient. These trees go to disadvantaged or needy areas in response to the thousands of applications received for trees from schools, community centres, orphanages or hospices. At the end of 2011 FTFA has applications for 100 000 trees to be planted in barren and dusty townships right across South Africa meaning your gift will certainly go to those in need.

There are many good reasons why trees are the perfect gift. Trees are a symbol of life, a lasting gift that cleans our air. They act as a sink for carbon emissions, limit erosion, provide shade, reduce noise, helps to keep our water clean, provide fruit, nuts and medicine and a habitat for wildlife, while also contributing to civic pride. And what’s more not only does your gift give something special to the recipient, it also makes life a little greener and healthier for those living in these harsh environments. 

FTFA was delighted to be selected this year for the MySchool Christmas Catalogue for Gifts that Give Back. Now you can support all the good work incorporated into the MySchool initiative while getting great gift ideas from their catalogue, particularly FTFA gift trees. There will be a Customer Competition the week before Christmas where you can really help FTFA and MySchool give back by buying that special somone a tree gift. You can even use your ebucks through FNB to buy your tree! Now that’s giving not only made easy, but more intelligent.

But the giving doesn’t need to stop after Christmas. While you’re on a winning green streak why not give yourself, and the planet, a LO CARB present as your New Year’s resolution by sponsoring a leaf on FTFA’s Climatree, on www.trees.co.za. By buying a leaf for the Climatree at only R10, individuals can make their personal pledge to act against climate change. Each leaf represents a commitment towards a lower carbon future. For every 10 leaves added to the virtual tree on FTFAs website a tree is planted for a school or community.

With all these options to give back by giving more, not just to those close to you, but also to your community as well as the planet, this Christmas really can be about making a difference for a better future for all.