This wasn’t supposed to be such a delayed post. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a case of strep throat 😦 (I still break into a sweat thinking of how painful it was…YUCK!!). The illness threw me off my routine for the week. And this week has just been busy catching up with the week of work that I missed due to the illness. Feeling much better now!! So here goes Part 2 of my last post.

In Part 1 of this post I had listed some charitable organizations focused on poverty, social injustice and children. While caring for fellow human beings is a noble holiday gift, we often overlook those furry animals and our environment, albeit they can’t really express their issues in words.

One in four mammals face the danger of extinction in the near future. The same is true for one in eight birds, one in five sharks, one in four coniferous trees, and one in three amphibians. Why? Two words: Human Activities!! The excessive land we use for living space, the abundant shopping sprees for food, clothing and other luxuries, fuel and more importantly, the waste we produce – all contribute to the endangerment of various species. Not only does our disposable lifestyle pose a threat of an entire species being wiped but it also threatens our ability to access clean air, water and basic biodiversity required for a healthy lifestyle.

While tigers and pandas face the danger of extinction, pet animals are faced with owner cruelty and overpopulation. As a result each year in Canada, tens of thousands of cats and dogs are put to sleep because loving homes cannot be found for them. And it’s a shame that we view animals as being disposable and that we have no obligation to seek an end to this problem. I firmly believe that the way we treat animals is a reflection of the way in which we treat each other.

For those who feel passionately about the environment and our fellow earth-mates, I’ve listed some notable organizations that are focused on wildlife, animal care and global warming issues.

Save ’em Furries

A WWF symbolic adoption of an endangered species or a gift card in-honour of them  will surely be appreciated by the animal lover. In addition to conserving species at risk, WWF Canada strives to protect threatened habitats by finding long-term solutions that benefit both people and nature. You have 20 species to choose from to make a symbolic adoption. Adopt a tiger for $40 and receive tiger plush, reusable gift bag made from recycled plastic, an adoption certificate for the recipient, and details on the work your gift will support.

Give the Gift of Life – Celebration Gift and help the Humane Society provide Disaster Relief to the animal victims of natural disasters, prevent Horse Slaughter, prevent Seal Hunt and Whale Hunt, and provide low-cost spaying and neutering services to reduce pet overpopulation.

Joined by 1.2 million supporters worldwide, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) engages communities, government leaders, and like-minded organizations around the world to create a better world for animals. Thanks to IFAW, it is now illegal to hunt whitecoat seal pups for commercial purposes in Canada’s east coast. IFAW is also actively involved in campaigns related to emergency relief, protecting whales around the world, saving the world’s remaining elephants, fighting illegal wildlife trade, pet care, etc. A Donation to IFAW will certainly be appreciated by the animal-activist in your family.

Global Warming Concerns

TerraPass allows you to buy carbon offsets – a certificate representing the reduction of one metric ton (2,205 lbs) of carbon dioxide emissions, the principal cause of global warming – to balance out your carbon usage. The company uses your money to fund three different project types: clean energy produced by wind power; farm power which makes good use of animal wastes; and landfill gas capture, which reduces the impact of our own wastes. Choose from a wide variety of gift ideas such as carbon offsets for a mid-sized car for a year or for a home that houses a family of 4. Unfortunately, they no longer offer gift certificates but those concerned with the effects of global warming will get the warm fuzzies with the certificate you print for them during the checkout process.

Supported by 1.3 million members and online activists and named as one of America’s 100 best charities by Worth Magazine, NRDC is at the forefront of the environmental movement. With the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals, NRDC works to solve the most pressing environmental issues we face today: curbing global warming, getting toxic chemicals out of the environment, moving America beyond oil, reviving our oceans, saving wildlife and wild places, and helping China go green. NRDC’s Green Gift Collection is the perfect gift idea for friends and loved ones who are passionate about protecting wildlife, saving wild places, supporting renewable energy or fighting global warming. Choose from CLEAN ENERGY BOOST: Stop the construction of new coal-burning plants, RENEWABLE REALITY: Create a renewable energy future, TOXICS AVENGER: Get toxics off store shelves, or just go ahead and TAKE DOWN A POLLUTER: File a lawsuit for the planet.

Hope these ideas are helpful in taking care of some of that last minute shopping that you’ve been trying to get done during lunches and to and from your commute to work!

Hope you have a joy-filled Christmas with your loved ones and a fantastic New Year! 🙂