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Shopping Your Way To A Better World

Do you ever feel that all the good news of the world gets overshadowed by the negativity out there?  I mean, I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like all the problems out there are too big to solve. It may be comforting to know that many of our every day choices as consumers can make a big difference in the world.

Today, more and more companies are helping those in need and protecting the environment, by selling unique, clever stuff.   Some of these companies like Warby Parker, Smile Squared and Two Degrees Food give back to the world by helping needy children.  Ecojet and Alchemy Goods are focused on recycling existing stuff to make original art and fashion.

theo-optical-blue-marblewood-front-ccFour friends started Warby Parker while in business school, to give customers an alternative to expensive glasses.  They provide limited edition boutique level eyewear directly through their website to consumers, no middle men.  For every pair of eyeglasses they sell, they give one to someone in need through their partnerships with nonprofits like VisionSpring.

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You can also help out children when you buy from Smile Squared, They sell Bamboo toothbrushes for children and adults, in 100% recyclable products boxes.  For every toothbrush a customer buys, Smile Squared donates one to a needy child.

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The next time you want a snack, check out Two Degrees Food, Founded to help  feed the hungry kids of the world, they offer delicious vegan, gluten free snack bars made of ancient grains, like quinoa, and chia.  For every bar the company sells, they donate a meal to a hungry kid through one of their world-wide partners.

HornsRosewood_3x4Looking for some more ideas?  Check out Ecojot, They have beautiful, sustainable stationary.  Whenever possible their stationary is 100% post-consumer waste.  In addition to stationary, they have wrapping paper, journals, pretty much anything to meet your paper needs. In addition to being a sustainable company, they give workbooks and pens to children in need from Haiti to Zimbabwe.

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Alchemy Goods, upcycles bike inner tubes to create messenger bags.  The tubes are found locally. The bags are cleaned and assembled in the same neighborhood.  They also offer belts, and wallets all made out of the same material.  They are eco-friendly, turning something used into something new.

Fortunately there are countless companies like this now, and you can choose to buy from them.  They are easy to find too, just a quick internet search, and you are you way to helping out the planet and your neighbors. You may want to try search terms like: local, sustainable and eco-friendly.  Try to buy from the local bookstore as well as companies that give back instead of the big chain alternatives, and you will be helping out more than you know.

Demetria

Tuesday 18th of June 2013

I love companies who give back. Thanks for this post.

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