Over 1,000 people a day have flocked to a new directory of gifts that give back In its first ten days of operation.
The Buy Social Scotland directory has seen visitors support social enterprises – firms which have a positive impact on communities, local areas and the environment.
The top gifts that consumers with a conscience looked for included Handmade Christmas Wreaths and an Ethical Merch Box. The top kids’ present was the Christmas Children Bundle.
As well as traditional presents experiences were also featured, including Sustainable Zero Waste Classes and a World Tour Scotland Box from Invisible Cities.
Invisible Cities trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city. Zakia Moulaoui Guery, Founder & CEO, commented:
Campaigns such as Buy Social are so important to highlight the hard work and amazing products social enterprises produce all year round. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a spike in people’s interest for their local, sustainable companies and it is great to have one place where we can all find them now.
Invisible Cities trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own cities. We offer life-skills training to people so they can become whatever they want to be. Too often our trainees feel like they haven’t had a voice in the past and through their tours, they are able to tell their own story.
Another social enterprise featured in the directory, Kilwinning-based Mecoco, offers work experience opportunities for disabled people to make eco-friendly candles, diffusers and soaps.
Jenny Trott, Director, commented:
Buy Social Scotland is an important and timely campaign which we are excited to be a part of. Mecoco has worked hard to support its team and the wider community this year and we’re now looking forward to promoting the festive range of products made by our inclusive team.”
The Buy Social Scotland directory features a wide range of ethical gifts that give back, with products, experiences and vouchers ranging from arts and crafts to health and beauty, home and garden, clothing and accessories for adults and children, and sport and wellbeing.
The Buy Social Scotland campaign comes as research shows that the pandemic has set the public on course to transform their shopping habits. New research from Social Enterprise Scotland showed that 38% of Scottish residents said the experiences of lockdown have made them more likely to support social enterprises.
There are over 6,000 social enterprises in Scotland generating over £3 billion in trading income and employing almost 90,000 people. Social enterprises deliver positive social or environmental change and re-invest some or all of their profits into supporting Scottish communities.
Chris Martin, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Scotland, added:
With so many ethical shoppers looking to find great products and services while also helping to build a better, fairer society, now is the time for Scotland to Buy Social and support businesses that give back.
The public can find social enterprises to shop from at www.buysocialscotland.com.
Image: Mecoco