With the festive seasons just around the corner, I’m sure most of us are busy preparing our shopping list and gift ideas and all that jazz. But bear in mind also that the more gifts we buy, the more plastic bags we use.

So here’s an idea: Give ONLY handmade gifts this Christmas. Support independent artists. Be personal.

Why buy handmade?

Buying handmade is better for people, better for the environment, and better for giving truly special and well-crafted gifts. The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us all dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. Buying handmade helps them reconnect.

- BuyHandmade

BuyHandmade is trying to get consumers to do something a little different this holiday season. They are letting artists list their links to their products so consumers can quickly and easily see what the world’s artists are doing and have the chance to purchase one of a kind art.

Right now, there are over 3000 artists listed on the website and you can find virtually anything handmade be it jewellery, photography, clothing, or accessories. BuyHandmade offers a way for artists to share their talent and people to support them. In addition, you know you aren’t supporting shops or businesses that continually pollute the environment.

A lot of artists use recycled materials for their products, which is very beneficial to the environment. Moreover, buying handmade items help to establish individuality, while supporting artists and giving handmade gifts means you’re sure that you’re giving a gift with some heart.

Now for those who are staying in Malaysia, you may want to check out two local artists whom I recently highlighted on Domestik Goddess — April who makes pretty jewellery, and Mabel who knits lovely shawls. Both ladies make very beautiful items that are suitable to be given as gifts, and in reasonable prices too!

How do you like my new simple and clean, and straight-to-the-point theme? I am still tweaking it a little here and there so that it is more pleasant to your eyes.

I blogged about Colin Beavan, the no-impact man back in May and I’d like to blog about his family again. Now if you haven’t read my earlier post when I introduced him and his year-long no-impact experiments, you really should get going now :)

And if you’re just as curious as many people how he goes about his daily life, read his personal account of “A day in our life” and be impressed :)