A recent trend among both hipsters and businesspeople is the “buy one, give one” movement: an idea that for every item bought, another item is donated to a person in need somewhere. With products ranging from books to bowties, the concept of charitable purchasing has grown significantly over the past 10 years to become all the rage with those who want a little more benevolence for their buck.
5 shopping options for the philanthropic minded:
1. Shoes with a soul. TOMS, a 5-year-old for-profit shoe company, just hit the million mark last year with its “One for One” program. For every pair of shoes bought for your fashion-savvy feet, a pair is donated to a child in need.
Did you know?
One billion people in the world don’t have access to eyeglasses.A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet.1 in 3 children in the developing world live without adequate shelter.There are 793 million illiterate adults in the world.In most developing countries, public school is not free. The costs of books, uniforms and teachers’ salaries are paid for by the students’ families.Information from warbyparker.com, CIA world factbook and toms.com
2. Read a little, give a lot. Snag the latest bestseller for your book club on betterworldbooks.
com and help support literacy around the globe.
3. Warm hearts the world over. Founded by a child for other children, Happy Blankie creates cozy animal-themed blankets that can make anyone grin. Not to mention, for every one of the comfy critters purchased, one is sent to a child who would have fewer smiles without it.
4. A sight for sore eyes. Warby Parker provides chic prescription eyewear at a bargain price, while also donating a pair to people in more than 36 countries who need them. What’s not to love?
5. Ties for a cause. For the man in your life, a safe gifting option is always a new tie. This year, go for something a little different by supporting FIGS (Fashion Inspired Global Sophistication) ties, a company that provides a school uniform to facilitate a child’s education with every tie bought.