It feels great to buy a product with a purpose. However, when you have bills to pay and babies to raise and meals to cook and reports to submit and fill in your blank, we know we can’t do everything with perfect intent. Committing to buying intentionally is an investment. Products with purpose are likely more expensive, there are less of them, and it takes time to do the research.
However, during this holiday season, how cool is it when your gift can give in two ways? You are buying for your family or friend, but also giving to a worthy cause.
Over the years, I’ve collected a few of these companies and I thought I would share them with you. Buying with them, I know my money is going for good. Happy shopping!
Blankets
by Sackcloth and Ashes
Bob Dalton started Sackcloth & Ashes to help the homeless population after his hardworking mother found herself living on the streets. Inspired by his mother’s story, he called local shelters to see what they needed most. My favorite part is for every blanket purchased, they give a blanket to a homeless shelter in your area.
Jewelry + Bags
by Fashion & Compassion
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Fashion & Compassion sells jewelry and bags created by artisans locally as well as in six other countries. Specifically in Charlotte, they focus on economic mobility for women and cross-cultural reconciliation. They also serve the artisans with a plan for physical, emotional, and spiritual growth during their time with them and prepare them for employment opportunities.
Scarves, Bags, + More
by Bloom & Give
When girls go to school in the developing world, they earn more, live healthier lives, and strengthen their communities. Bloom & Give donates 10% of each purchase to benefit girls whose education was disrupted due to childhood marriage, pre-teen pregnancy, and domestic abuse or labor. For example, the Mangalyawas camp in India is for students who are 10 to 21 years old who have 3-7 year gaps in learning because child marriage and household labor forced them out of school. The program allows many of the girls to catch up to the 11th grade and re-enter high school.
Bath + Body, Home Goods, + More
by Thistle Farms
Thistle Farms provide a safe place to live and work for women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Their 2-year residential program in Nashville, Tennessee, provides housing, food, healthcare, therapy, and education at no cost to their residents. Products they make include candles, bath and body products, and more.
Market Bags
by Apolis
Their business model is “Advocacy Through Industry” – using business to create social change. Most widely known for their customizable market bag, they believe each purchase helps shape the world we live in. For example, the sale of their market bags are produced by a group of mothers working in ethical conditions and provides literacy classes, nutrition training, women’s legal rights, and educational awareness in Bangladesh.
Do you have a favorite company with a purpose? I’d love to learn about them. Comment below!