If you’re reading this article, I’m going to guess that you share my love of shopping! What’s not to love about browsing through stores, both physical and online ones, until you find something that’s absolutely perfect to buy and take home? But wouldn’t that experience be even better if you knew that the money you spent went to a good cause? Recently, I have gotten to be very excited by the idea of shopping to give back and I have found seven organizations that allow me to do this. Plus, all the stuff is super cute! It’s a win-win!
1. Ivory Ella
Almost everyone has heard of Ivory Ella, but that doesn’t stop me from putting it on my list! This organization primarily sells clothing items emblazoned with variations of their elephant emblem, but they also sell jewelry, hats, and other accessories. All of the clothing is screen printed in the United States, and 10% of the proceeds from your purchase go to an organization called Save the Elephants, which is dedicated to elephant conservation.
2. Ollies
Ollies sells shoes that are hand made in Thailand! Proceeds from your purchase go to these artisans to help them get a living income and have a better quality of life. Plus, don’t these adorable shoes give you such wanderlust?
3. Pura Vida Bracelets
The motto Costa Rican people live by is “pura vida” which means pure life. It is a celebration of a simple, free style of living. It is this mindset that Pura Vida Bracelets celebrates. They sell string bracelets handmade by Costa Rican artists that reflect the culture and people of the country. Pura Vida Bracelets gives these people full time jobs and living wages. You can also buy bracelets that support other causes you are passionate about. The best part? You can get a bracelet for as low as $5!
4. World Wildlife Fund
World Wildlife Fund lets you adopt a wild animal! You can purchase one of their countless adoption kits based on your favorite endangered species. The money you spend on your adoption kit goes toward conservation efforts for that animal. In return, you get an adorable stuff animal, a photo of the real animal, an adoption certificate, information about the species you adopted, and a fun bag.
5. Fair Trade
Fair Trade sells almost anything from food and coffee to clothing and body care products. They are dedicated to working with, helping, and empowering people around the world; protecting the environment; and bringing you products that you can feel good about buying!
6. Toms
Toms is another product that everyone has heard of but is an excellent addition to this list none the less. For every pair of shoes purchased, Toms will donate a pair to a child around the world who is in need of shoes. They are also the most comfortable shoes ever, so what’s not to love?
7. Happy Earth
Last, but certainly not least, is Happy Earth! Happy Earth is dedicated to conserving the environment so that we can enjoy our planet for years to come. Their product line includes, shirts, scarves, hats, and more, and you can choose what to buy based on the cause you want to support. The causes you can choose from include ocean conservation, efforts to stop deforestation, and the fight against global warming. Happy Earth is based in the United States, uses eco-friendly production methods, and will donate a whopping 50% of net profits to conservation. It’s a beautiful (and stylish!) way to give back.
