Do Good By Shopping - Part 1
There's a lot of bad in the world. But for every bad thing, there is someone trying to bring about good and combat hate. YOU can be one of those people doing good. It can seem overwhelming when trying to figure out ways to help or what you can do to make an impact. Well today I've compiled a list of places that you can do good simply with your shopping powers. That's right, you can contribute to change just by shopping. And with the holiday season upon us, shopping for gifts is in full swing for a lot of us. So why not give back and do good just by buying gifts? Below is my first post on great companies to buy from not just during the holidays, but all year long. Next Monday I'll have another post filled with awesome companies that will hopefully inspire some gift buying. (Update: here's part 2!)
+Do you shop on Amazon? When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same items at the exact same prices, just with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support. You will be donating to a charity simply by shopping. Want more information on how it works? Click here.
+Preemptive Love Coalition is a global community of peacemakers who provide lifesaving heart surgeries for children, food and shelter for those persecuted by extremists, education for at-risk children, and small-business empowerment grants so people can put their own lives back together. Shop here.
+Imagine Goods partner with vulnerable and marginalized people around the world to make products that, in many cases, give them the first fair wages they've ever received. 90% of the makers of their products are survivors of trafficking, and the rest are vulnerable, marginalized, or disabled people who have been trained in a skill as a means of trafficking prevention. My favorite thing about their items is you can learn about the specific person who made it. Shop here.
+House of Light Goods provides empowered employment to single mothers in Primo Tapia, Mexico and helps bring positive change to vulnerable families and children at risk. House of Light Goods works in partnership with Casa de Luz Children’s Centre which provides a safe place for children to learn, play, be loved and cared for, and thrive. Their mothers are able to further their education, start their own businesses through a micro loan program, find suitable employment, begin a journey of healing, and be part of a supportive and encouraging community. All profits go back to Casa de Luz to provide nutritious meals, educational support, family counseling and other resources to impoverished families. Shop here.
+SheLift empowers girls with physical differences to improve self-acceptance and confidence through outdoor adventures and body-positive mentorship. SheLift provides experiences to young women with disabilities to help them live authentic lives and connect with others. SheLift aims to normalize differences while developing, challenging, and nurturing girls’ physical and emotional abilities. Shop here.
+The Loyal Workshop is where women trapped in sex slavery in Kolkata learn to make artisan, eco-friendly leather goods and find a new life. Every product purchased is part of a woman's journey to freedom. Shop here.
+Krochet Kids mission is to empower people to rise above poverty. Through their efforts, over 150 people in Uganda and Peru are working, receiving education, and being mentored toward a brighter future. This is another site where you can see who made the item your purchasing. Shop here.
+Trades of Hope give women all over the world an opportunity for a better life. Some women have been rescued from sex slavery. Others are raising handicapped children alone. Some are in war torn countries and others have AIDS. Trades of Hope gives them an opportunity to sell their artisan goods and empower them in their individual circumstances. Shop here.
+Hand in Hand donates a bar of soap and a month of clean water to a child in need for every product purchased. On top of that, their products are cruelty free, totally natural, and sustainably made. Shop here.
Do you have a favorite organization to support? Do you know of other great companies helping those in need? Please leave them in the comments below and I'll add them to subsequent round-ups of doing good by shopping! And don't forget to check out Part 2!