By Fredrica Syren:
I hate going shopping around the Christmas holiday. There is always lots of traffic, no parking spots, crowded malls — and you spend too much money. Since we try to live a simpler life with fewer belongings, I also try to be creative when it comes to gifts. And I really love giving gifts that keep on giving: I’m talking about donating money to charity as a gift. Naturally, I do not do this for kids because I think that’s a bit of an advanced concept for them — but for friends and family, you bet. 
I for one think it’s very nice to give a Christmas gift that can help others instead of worrying about buying the perfect gift for someone. Now, if this donation also helps save the planet, it’s a win-win in my book. 
Here are my favorite charities to donate money to this holiday season:
The Environmental Defense Fund—Their mission is clean air and water,abundant of fish and wildlife, and a stable climate. They work to protectnature and help people thrive.
Rainforest Action Network– —By transforming the global marketplace through education, grassroots organizing and nonviolent direct action, the Rainforest Action Network campaigns for the forests, their inhabitants and the natural systems that sustain life.
The Nature Conservatory—The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
Beyond Pesticides—Beyond Pesticides seeks to protect healthy air, water, land and food for future generations and ourselves. By forging ties with governments, nonprofits and people who rely on these natural resources, we reduce the need for unnecessary pesticide use, and we protect public health and the environment.
Ocean Conservatory—Its vision is a healthy ocean that sustains life on our planet. They envision a world where we all work together to keep the ocean and our coastal communities healthy and prosperous.
Coral Reef Alliance—The Coral Reef Alliance protects our most valuable and threatened ecosystem. They lead holistic conservation programs that improve coral reef health and resilience and are replicated across the globe.
