Reading and Changing the World? Splendid!

I've loved reading for as long as I can remember.  I visited my hometown library so often that the librarians would start to worry about me if they hadn't seen me in two weeks.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to read as much as I would have liked in college because I was doing the whole, you know, college thing.  As I've started to make my way in the world as an adult, I've been able to rediscover my love of reading.

In 2012 I made a conscious decision to read more for enjoyment, and I can definitely say this happened.  In the last 52 weeks, I have read 50 books.  Some books were fiction, some non-fiction.  I definitely took advantage of my local library, but I also have a habit of buying books.  My friend, Elizabeth, introduced me to the website Better World Books awhile back.  It's a great place to buy books, not only because the prices are incredible, but also because the company gives back to the community.  Every book purchased results in a book donated through the Book for Book project.

I know I'm not the only one who spends too much money on books, so next time you're looking for something in particular, or even just browsing, consider buying from Better World Books.  

Giving Shoes and Sight to Those Who Need Them? Splendid!

Gifts that Give Back Suggestion #3: Toms

I know that I am late to the Toms party, but seriously, what a great company.  For those of you, who like me, live under a rock and don't already own a pair (or three) of Toms shoes, they've become a bit of a cultural phenomenon.

In addition to be comfortable, casual, and coming in some delightful colors, patterns, and GLITTER, Toms has a One for One program.  That means for every pair of shoes they sell, they give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Toms also has a One for One program for sight!  For every pair of sunglasses they sell, they help one person receive proper eye care.  That could mean medical treatment, a pair of eyeglasses, or even sight-saving surgery.

Toms shoes are available for the kiddos as well as adults, so you can start teaching your kids early about giving back.  Most of the shoes on the website cost $54 for both adult men and women, with boots costing more, naturally.  They also sell some apparel and accessories as well.

If you’re interested in what Toms does and how they do it, check out their Giving Report.

As for me, Christmas is around the corner, but I know what is going on my birthday wish list…

LUSH Gives Back? Splendid!

Gifts that Give Back Suggestion #2: LUSH

Have you ever used products from LUSH?  They are not joking with that name.  The company makes amazing beauty and bath products.  The products themselves don't just smell great, but the company believes in using natural organic ingredients and refuses to use anything tested on animals.  Seriously, the company is all about ethics and making a positive impact on the world.  Definitely take the time to read about the company here on their website.

One of the ways they make a positive impact is through the sales of the LUSH Charity Pot.  

LUSH Charity Pot Hand and Body Lotion

After subtracting the amount needed for taxes, 100% of the money goes to charity!  The website spotlights different charities the company currently supports.  They are typically grassroots organizations that help people and animals in a more ecological way.  You can check out the charity page here.

I have not actually used this LUSH Charity Pot product, but I can only assume it's spectacular.  A mixture of cocoa butter and fragrant essential oils, the description mentions smelling chocolately, so you know it must be fantastic.

Shoutout to Elizabeth B. for turning me on to LUSH products through her stunningly thoughtful care packages over the years.

Gifts that Give Back? Splendid!

Gifts that Give Back Suggestion #1: Sevenly

Making outright donations to charities is great, to be sure, but there are still times when giving someone you love a gift is not only appropriate but expected.  In keeping with the theme of giving to those less fortunate, I also want to spotlight some companies that offer products you can gift to someone while also giving back to society.

First on my list is Sevenly.  Sevenly is a company that chooses one charity each week, designs shirts based around that charity, sells them online, and donates $7 from each shirt sold to that particular charity.  Each Monday a new charity is announced, and new shirt designs are unveiled.  They claim that previous designs are taken away forever (they even go so far as to use the "Sandlot" FOR-EV-ER on their website), but this holiday season, they brought back 7 fan favorites for an extra day of Sevenly.org support.

Sevenly supports all kinds of charities that help people, whether it’s autism research, helping disabled kids get service dogs, helping women escape abusive relationships, or even as simple as giving hats to kids with cancer to keep their sweet heads warm while they go through chemo.  This week Sevenly is supporting Reece’s Rainbow.  The website notes, “The mission of Reece's Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down Syndrome through the gift of adoption and to raise funds to help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.”

The designers at Sevenly come up with some seriously cute shirt designs, and it's so exciting to see what new charity and designs will show up each week.

Feed My Starving Children Design

Props to Keren C. for introducing me to Sevenly!