Environmental charities, what say you?

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

As to whether the gift they’re offering ends in in a landfill or the ocean, it depends on what the product is. The last time we donated to an environmental cause, they sent us 25 biodegradable peat pots in biodegradable packaging. Didn’t mean much to me, but herself was over the moon about it.

As to why it’s being offered in the first place, people tend to be more likely to donate if offered a gift in exchange. 

Boru

I agree. But why?

Transaction is what we expect in business. But with charity, the idea is altruism, not transaction. 

I'd say that most charities are not charities, but businesses, because of what you just said. People are more likely to donate if they get something physical back in real time. To me, real charity isn't that. Real charity is when you give something up and don't expect anything in return. 

I use to ask for the tax credit slip when donating money or physical things to charity. I don't anymore. I still donate, but I don't ask for the tax deduction. Why? Because if I get money back, that means others have to compensate for the money I get back.

Why? Human nature.

It isn’t a transaction, it’s an inducement.

Offering a gewgaw to a potential donor doesn’t turn a charity into a business, since a charity doesn’t make - and doesn’t intend to make - profits on their giveaways. Plus, you can always donate and refuse the gewgaw.

Boru