Green living seems difficult, time consuming and expensive. However, given that we all want a better earth for the many generations to come, going green is undoubtedly the way to go.

We at eBucks, the reward of choice, not only believe in green living but we are also playing our part in ensuring the sustainable future of our planet. eBucks is the world's first multi-partner rewards programme to have achieved carbon neutrality through the planting of 1 938 indigenous trees.

And this festive season we have a range of great, green gifting ideas for you to spend your eBucks on at www.eBucks.com. By giving green gifts, you will be playing your part in securing the future of our planet.

Green gifting ideas:

1. Educate your loved ones

Give 'The 11th hour' DVD as a gift this festive season. It's an environmental documentary that confronts viewers with the indelible human footprint that humans have left on this planet and the catastrophic effects of environmental neglect and abuse. It is produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. From eB1 590 (R159) at www.eBucks.com

2. Help them offset their carbon footprint

A carbon footprint is the measure of the impact of human activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced. With eBucks you can offset a loved ones' carbon footprint by giving them a gift certificate this festive season to plant a few trees through Food and Trees for Africa from eB500 (R50) at www.eBucks.com.

3. A gift that keeps on giving: Reduce their energy consumption

Even though they may initially cost more, energy efficient light bulbs pay off by using 75% less electricity, which means lower electricity bills and they last up to 10 times longer than normal light bulbs. From eB1 690 (R169) for a pack of ten at www.eBucks.com

4. If all else fails, pamper them

We are all tightening our belts and cutting back on luxury items so why not use your eBucks to spoil your loved ones and look after the environment at the same time this festive season? Buy a Woolworths voucher with your eBucks to purchase one of their many organic food or beauty products. Vouchers available from eB500 (R50) at www.eBucks.com

Otherwise you can use some of eBucks' great, green gifting ideas:

• Recycle gift wrap and greeting cards
• Wrap presents in brightly coloured newspaper or magazines
• Give non-material gifts such as a night out or a massage
• Give a plant, tree or seeds
• Make homemade presents such as organic muffins
• Give carbon neutral wine - Backsberg does a superb one
• Give organic soap or special body wash
• Give a wormery or compost box
• Give a bird feeder or owl box

Bring the festive season to life:

• Buy a live tree to decorate over the festive season and plant in the garden afterwards
• Go truly African and green by planting an indigenous tree to decorate in your garden. Celtis Africana, the white stinkwood, is a beautiful butterfly-attracting tree that will bring birds and not too much shade to your garden. It's also a great tree to hang a swing in when it gets bigger.
• Make homemade decorations - your kids can help
• String popcorn for the tree and then feed it to the birds after the festive season
• Be creative - use recycled bottles, paper, tins etc to make your decorations
• Don't buy what you don't need - rather make it. It will also be more fun!!

Remember: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle! And have a very green South African Festive Season!!

About eBucks:

eBucks, the rewards programme offered by First National Bank (FNB) and RMB Private Bank, is acknowledged as one of South Africa's leading rewards programmes with highly active members spending in excess of 80% of the eBucks earned in any given month.