It is so easy to take for granted what we have. The principled concept of purchasing what you want, while donating is one of society’s more brilliant ideas. There have always been plenty of opportunities to contribute to the lesser fortunate, but as a whole people tend to just fixate on what they want.
When I think of buying items that also give back, the first thing that comes to mind are Tom’s. I’m sure we all know what they are, with the whole “One for One” slogan. When you buy a pair, another pair is donated. This is a noble cause, but I for one cannot pull off these canvas shoes. Lucky for those who can’t rock them, there are plenty of other products that.
For those you who bleed caffeine, or just need their morning fix of coffee, consider buying from the Global Benefit Coffee Company. One-hundred percent of the profits from the beans are put toward building wells in Rwanda through thewaterproduct.org. The Global Benefit Coffee Company also supplies products that are targeted for providing HIV/AIDS research, education programs, and social businesses. Their website states, “We are not going to save the world, but every person we can get out of extreme poverty will effect generations that follow them.”
Need soap? Try out Philosophy’s Green Fresh Pear Shampoo Shower Gel! We all use soap, well I should hope we all do. 100% of the benefits go toward the Rainforest Foundation. Their mission is, “To support indigenous and traditional people of the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights.” This organization has helped saved 6.6 million acres of forest in Central and South America.
This is by far the charity opportunity that stood out to me. Ladies when you treat yourself to Joan Hornig’s jewelry you choose where all the profit go. There are over 600 nonprofit organizations to pick from. Tina Fey, Selena Gomez, and Cameron Diaz along with other stars have been photographed rocking this designer. Hornig’s collections use 18k gold, sterling silver, and precious and semiprecious stones.
MAC’s lipstick even has charitable incentive. When you buy only one tube of MAC’s Viva Glam lipstick, it will go toward a woman living with HIV in Africa. The proceeds provide them a month of free public transportation, which allows them to travel to and from her doctor’s visits. This is a good improvisation considering we don’t know the cure for HIV, but the supporting the women living with it obviously helps. In 2013 Rihanna jumped on board and was named spokeswoman for MAC’s AIDS, HIV campaign.
It’s not what you buy but how you buy it. Some opportunities are more obvious than others. Think how accomplished you’ll feel while having a relaxing shower, knowing you helped saved a rainforest. While celebrities are prime candidates for donations, you don’t need to be one to help out. Jump on board and treat yourself.
