When it comes to companies that give back, there are three basic models:
1.) A portion of sales are donated to a specific Non-Profit or cause
2.) Buy one give one - a comparable item to the one purchased is donated to those in need of that item
3.) Intentionally purchasing items from groups who fairly compensate their artisans and ensure a positive work environment
Often times, a company will fall under multiple catagories. Here are a few examples of some of my favorite ethical companies of women who I have had the privilidge to meet in my journey of small business ownership:
Nicole of Radiant Cosmetics
The mission of Radiant Cosmetics is to bring awareness of human trafficking by raising funds through cosmetics to provide resources for those on the forefront of change, as well as victims of trafficking.
The cosmetics industry generates $170 billion annually. Women dominate this industry and of the over 2 million human beings trafficked each year, 80% are women and girls. Nicole's dream is to awaken a generation of women to not sit back and allow this injustice to happen to our fellow sisters.
And besides, they have great products! As a regular make-up purchaser, why not have a portion of my purchase help fight human trafficking? Her innovative business fits within the first category.
Twitter - Facebook - Pinterest
Jessica ofOAK Lifestyle
OAK (Ordinary Acts of Kindness) makes beautiful backpacks and fits in the second catagory. When you purchase a backpack, OAK Lifestyle provides a child with a backpack + school supplies.
CapCityKids is serving the homeless population with tutoring in area shelters provided by certified teachers, counseling provided by supervised graduate social worker students, and more.
AfricaNewLife educates orphaned children, and houses the children in a family setting. Each home of 16 children has a dedicated "Auntie" who nurtures the children's emotional needs.
Each backpack has a little pouch for quick acts of kindness. It's the perfect size to hold a few dollars to give to a homeless person, tip a musician, or pay for a stranger's coffee.
Twitter - Facebook - Pinterest
Amanda ofAmanda Deer Jewelry
Amanda handmakes her adorable, dainty necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. She chooses to source her materials from a Fair Trade Organization in Indonesia.
This is a great example of the third catagory of ethical businesses and highlights the seeminly small steps we can do to make sure that we are investing in groups who treat their artisans and employees with respect.
What ethical companies have you discovered?
4 comments
@Chelle – So true! It really is amazing how easy it can be to make the switch to buying from companies who care about how their products are made. Thanks for joining the fashion movement! : )
It’s amazing how affordable and desirable socially responsible products can be! The Amanda Deer jewelry is so adorable, I think I’m definitely going to have to treat myself. The great thing is, I would think this even if I didn’t know that the materials are Fair Trade. It gives me pause when I think of how easy it really can be to consume ethically…
I agree, Stephanie – and it will be interesting to see the long term effects of ethical businesses!
I think feeling good about your purchases by realizing that we all are connected to one another will become increasingly important. Thanks for sharing, Jen!