Dóchas-Faisean: November 2013

One of the things I am most passionate about are products that

have a cause built in and allow the consumer to purchase something

while making a difference.

It's one of the reasons I started this blog,

and a value I place high on whatever project/job

I do throughout my life.

The landscape has changed in commerce,

and I think it's absolutely exciting

to see individuals and consumers getting passionate about things that matter.

In light of that,

I've rounded up a list of Christmas gifts that you can buy that will also be impacting

injustices, and social issue worldwide.

Instead of running out to your local Wal-Mart and stocking up on countless goods,

why not put your money and your effort into something that matters.

Being able to give a gift to someone you love,

while knowing that very gift was able to provide clean water,

shoes for a footless child, glasses for those with no sight,

food for malnutrition, education and business skills for women who have known neither, or a home and care for a child that has been rescued from the horrible grips of sex trafficking....

whatever it may be that YOU are passionate about,

there is a gift you can purchase for those on your list that will help solve the problems of our day.

Alas, here we go......

;)

1) 31 Bits: 31 Bits creates opportunity for more than 100 women in Northern Uganda who turn recycled paper into a line of colorful jewelry. In addition to a fair and consistent income, 31 Bits provides training and counseling to the women.

Shop Products here: http://31bits.com/

2) Della: Manufacturing bags, cases and accessories with locally sourced textiles, Della is a fashion line that employs 55 individuals in Hohoe, Ghana, while also providing literacy classes and money-management training.

Shop Products Here: http://www.dellala.com/

3) FEED: To date, FEED has been able to raise enough money through the sale of products to provide over 60 million school meals to children around the world through WFP. FEED has also partnered with the US Fund for UNICEF, raising much-needed funds for their Vitamin A and micronutrient supplements program and providing over 46,000 children with essential nutrients.

Shop Products Here: http://www.feedprojects.com/

4) the little market: The Little Market works with artisan groups in developing countries around the world. We provide design insights, helping our artisan partners showcase their skills to a broader audience. The work of each of our groups is funded through earnings from the sales of their fair trade and locally made products.

The market has always served as a gathering place. We view The Little Market as a place where a global community can come together to combat poverty, empower communities, and create social justice.

Shop All Products Here: http://www.thelittlemarket.com/

5) Zoe Boomer Freedom Campaign: Zoë Boomer stands for FREEDOM in sweatshops and FREEDOM for victims of human trafficking.The FREEDOM Vest unites Beauty with Strength and Glamour with a Cause. The soft silk fabric represents femininity and the text carries a strong powerful message - Allowing the wearer to feel their worth(not only physically due to softness and style, and mentally because they are free in comparison but also because they have invested in an important, positive cause)