To acknowledge International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, we are taking this opportunity to honor and recognize women the world over as true agents of social change. Through purchasing retail items that were once known only as tribal or village handicrafts, you can help support these women as they implement change within their communities through their successful entrepreneurial endeavors. Supporting women from around the world through fair trade is a direct and effective way to create sustainability and peace within a community. Economic empowerment is a goal we can all relate to and for some women it is a matter of life and death. This month we encourage you to fall in love with some of the beautiful, hand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces from our strong and inspiring sisters across the globe. In this way you can help support Women for Women International, support female entrepreneurs worldwide and get your best girlfriends a unique gift just in time for International Women’s Day!
Launched in 2005, Macy’s Path to Peace Project is changing lives by putting income-generating opportunities into the hands of Rwandan women. Today the project employs thousands of weavers yielding remarkable results that impact tens of thousands of lives. Because this initial campaign has proven so effective, Macy’s has embraced an even broader product line named Shop for a Better World which includes collections of limited-edition master works from artisans in recovering regions of Rwanda, Cambodia and Indonesia.
To take action on International Women’s Day, Global Exchange is pleased to introduce the Women Around the World Gift Basket, a collection of gifts made by women from around the world. The Kaisa grass basket from Bangladesh is filled with Putumayo’s ‘Women of World Acoustic’ CD release, Palestinian Olive Oil Soap from the Aseela Women’s Cooperative, Native Scents Goddess of the Bath Herbal Bath Bags, End the Embargo on Cuba -1 Pound Bag of Coffee, Choice Tea, Star Ornaments made by members of Thai Tribal Craft, Dip n’ Whisk Gift Set from ‘The Tomorrow Project’ (helping women create futures today), Greeting Card featuring a removeable hand-painted bottlecap ornament from the Batsiranai cooperative (a co-op of mothers with disabled children living in Zimbabwe), one dark Divine Chocolate Bar and a Recycled Flour Bag Shopping Tote, again from the Batsiranai Cooperative.
Peaceful Valley seeks out vendors that are committed to supporting environmental awareness, eco-friendly manufacture techniques and sustainable farming. Their products are chosen for sustainable characteristics as well as social responsibility. They do their best to buy locally. When they do order from other countries such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, China, Canada, Mexico and the Andes, they work with the owners of the companies to ensure that all imported products are manufactured under Fair Labor Standards
Indian textiles, art from Haiti, handicrafts from Eastern Europe, or jewelry from Asia… At Gaiam you can shop for fair trade merchandise by the region in which it was produced and help local artists and family craftspeople make a fair wage using traditional skills. “Tomorrow, I will have money; I will not have to beg, and my children can go to school,” says beadwork artisan Ms. Jagwati, summing up the most important reason to support fair trade: to restore someone’s hope, dignity, and smile. Jagwati comes from a slum in Delhi, one of many places around the world where fair trade is paving a way out of the cycle of poverty. By paying livable wages, funding schools and providing job training and child care assistance, fair trade is helping talented yet disadvantaged people gain ground against illiteracy, exploitation, slavery and human trafficking.
The goal of TOMS SHOES for this holiday season is to sell 30,000 pairs of shoes — WHY? So they can match that number, and in turn, give 30,000 pairs of shoes to boys and girls in Ethiopia suffering from Podoconiosis, a soil-transmitted infection that attacks the lymph system and results in swelling and ulceration of the feet and lower legs. While more than 1,000,000 men, women and children suffer from the disease; the good news is that it’s 100% preventable simply by wearing shoes!
For every pair of shoes purchased by people like you and me, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need somewhere else in the world. Since their start in May 2006, TOMS has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa. By the end of this year, TOMS hopes to have given another 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world. It’s through caring customers like you that all this good stuff can continue to happen. TOMS calls it the One for One campaign – we call it shop-anthropy – armchair philanthropy for today and tomorrow!!
Nonprofitshoppingmall.com is happy to welcome TOMS SHOES to its retail line-up! Not only do we love their business model, we love their shoes. If you’ve been stumped as to what to get your punk rock/vegan nephew, your 10 year old, your grandma, your husband or your boss this holiday season… your search is over! EVERYONE loves TOMS! This shopping blog will highlight just a sampling of their mighty One for One line of shoes, tees and accessories — but you’ll get the picture — their simple design and simple concept packs a mighty philanthropic PUNCH!
We love everything TOMS but we’re especially enamored by the mini TOMS that are sure to please all the wee ones on your shopping list. Whether they’re pink camos or hand painted by artist Tyler Ramsey, there’s no doubt about it… kids look cute in TOMS! Tiny TOMS come in many colors and patterns and are perfect for pre-walkers or run-all-overs! Here are some action shots that will REALLY make you want to adorn your little pumpkin in a cute and durable shoe. Knowing that every purchase puts shoes on someone else’s little pumpkin will take the chill out of even the coldest of winter days.
TOMS has a variety in women’s shoes ranging from cozy slippers to sexy boots. Corduroy on the outside, fleece on the inside… that’s the winning combo for this pair of TOMS. Once worn you’ll find ‘em hard to take off. East Coast to West Coast and all parts in between — knee-high boots are always in style and TOMS Rust Wrap Boots are no exception. They’re not only good-looking and well designed, they’re vegan to boot — the perfect gift for both people and animal lovers! Gotta say tho — my personal favorite is the Gandhi quipped “you must be the change you wish to see in the world” canvas slip-on — the best bit of wisdom right there on your shoe — just in case you forget.
The corduroy slip-on is a no-brainer for any guy. If it feels like a slipper but can also be worn to dinner…what’s not to love? If your guy is feelin’ really fancy, he can sport the always classic — plaid and chocolate brown slip-on. These shoes are so versatile — they can be worn on the beach, in the bush, on the street, in Manhattan, Milan, Melbourne or Malibu. Wherever you call home and whatever you may do, it’s always cool to help others — and wearing TOMS combines both compassion and style.
Good job! Now your family and a family in need are all shod. But why stop there? TOMS has a few extras that will help you cross every last name off your gift list. The “Drop TOMS Not Bombs” vintage-feel Tee is simple, cool and sends a very timely message. While the “be the change” onesie will make a guru out of your enlightened little one, the FEEDbag is designed to raise awareness and funds for hungry children. Each FEEDbag sold will provide a school year’s worth of meals for one child in need while at the same time providing an educational opportunity for that same child. Whether you tote your FEEDbag to school, work, play, or around town to shop, remember that your bag is helping to FEED and EDUCATE one child for one academic school year! Which simply said means HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW TODAY!!!
from stocking stuffers to show stoppers… it’s the nonprofitshoppingmall.com GREEN GIFT GUIDE! all items are either Recycled, Sustainable, Made in America or all of the above
We’ve highlighted this amazing company before in our blogs and well… we’re at it again. We’re not playin’ favorites either, it’s just that they seriously have some of the most unique recycled, reused and sustainable gifts out there! At uncommon goods, your whole family can be satisfied and greenified in a one-stop, shopping binge! But if you don’t believe me, see for yourself.
For Mom: Elegant and sophisticated beauty. Melissa Borrell 18KT “Pop Out” Earrings, $58. Recycled red record Vinyl Cuff Bracelet, $55. Josh Jakus Modern Wool Clutch made from excess industrial wool from American factories, $95.
For Dad: Masculine and unique…Modern Ring handmade from stainless steel and ebony — designed by Ryan Wither and Paul Lewin, $45. Pool Ball Bottle Stoppers made from found pool balls, $30. Handmade Philips Head Screw Cuff Links – designed by LeeAnn Herreid, $85.
For The Teens: Accessorize your favorite young-person with the coolest of green fashion! Recycled Skateboard Earrings, $32.00. Wool Felt Wrist Cuffs, $39. Guitar Picks get a second-life as jewelry, $30 – $60. And what goes around comes around with these necklaces made from vintage record-parts, $25.
For The Home: Clean n’ Green! Nagelburste nailbrush and household cleaning “toothbrushes” are handmade in Berlin at the former Home for the Blind by its team of 15 blind craftspeople. Nail brush $28, set of “teeth” for $80.
Us greenies, who love technology, practical, good-looking design and who dream of using sci-fi inspired gadgets, have been dying for this technology to finally be on the market. So without further ado… The Voltaic Generator: Solar Powered Briefcase Bag that has enough juice to charge your laptop for hours! For the tech-ecoist in your life, this is THE perfect gift. $599.
When you’re ready for the “grown up” apartment or simply upgrading your current living space, make Vivavi your first stop. Welcome to sustainable modernity at it’s best! For every room in your house there’s a classic eco design sure to add style and sophistication to your increasingly greener home. Recycled steel The Hive Bench $1,790, Molded Wool Soft Bowls $39, Bamboo iPod Dock $150.
Again – here’s a company that you’ll want to check out if innovative design, coupled with sustainability, is your rap. On top of your nonprofitshoppingmall.com contribution, Feel More Human will give 1% of your sale to the planet through their 1% For The Planet initiative. For a fashion forward gift for two, take a look at Nixon’s extraordinary wrap-watches in Bamboo, $200-$225.
Should you find yourself in a shopping quandary because your gift’s recipient is someone who seems to have just about everything — here’s a gift idea that’s unique and sure to grow smiles. Arrange for your gift tree to be planted in the state or listed country of your choice. Each TreeGivers gift tree supplements the natural resources of our Earth and brings life and beauty to the world around us. Plant a tree to honor your special gift recipient and help offset our collective carbon footprint for as little as $39.95.
— the perfect gift for both people and animal lovers! Gotta say tho — my personal favorite is the Gandhi quipped “you must be the change you wish to see in the world” canvas slip-on — the best bit of wisdom right there on your shoe — just in case you forget.
