Tis’ the season for giving back, which means many people choose to go out of their way to make donations or volunteer with various charities. Of course, most people know of brands like TOMS that started the one-for-one deal where for every pair of shoes purchased, another pair is donated to someone in need. However, I wanted to take the time to research some lesser-known brands that give back. It’s a triple-win—you get a high-quality product, the satisfaction that you’re supporting a smaller business, AND giving back to a great cause.
1. TenTree
For every item purchased, they plant 10 trees. Not only that, but all of their products are made out of sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, cork, and coconut. By 2030, their goal is to have planted 1 billion trees worldwide.
2. Fazl Socks
These socks are handmade by local Himalayan women who are given fair wages for their labor. The company donates 50% of the profits towards supporting homes in India for orphaned children who need food, shelter, clothing, and education. They believe in their slogan “Wear the change you want to see in the world.”
3. Olori
This company was founded by a woman named Tomide Awe, from Nigeria. “Olori” means Queen in the West African language, Yoruba. They make and sell “elegant and timeless” handbags that help to empower and support women by providing tuition fees and scholarships for underprivileged girls. They work with artisans and female-owned businesses in order to preserve the craftsmanship that they feel is important.
4. Yuhme
Yuhme makes “the world’s most eco-friendly water bottle,” and if that isn’t enough, they also partner with the charity Water for Good to supply 6 months of clean drinking water for every water bottle sold, to a family living in the Central African Republic.
5. Marc Skid
Marc Skid produces underwear for both men and women, and $4 from every pair is donated to the charity of your choice. Each pair is made out of organic pima cotton, and the waistband is made from recycled plastic water bottles, making them a double whammy for sustainability and charity.
6. Purple Buddha Project
Purple Buddha Project creates jewelry out of the remains left behind from war, like shell casings and bombshells. They strive to provide aid to one of the most bombed and land-mined countries in history – Cambodia. The company partners with Project Cambodia to sponsor schools in war-torn areas of the country so children affected by war can be provided with necessities like food and school supplies.
https://www.purplebuddhaproject.com/
7. Endangered Species Chocolate
This company produces a wide variety of fair trade and ethically sourced chocolate bars. They donate 10% of their net profits to their GiveBack Partners (including Wildlife Conservation Network, Rainforest Trust, Chimp Haven, and many more), promising a minimal annual donation of $10,000. You can buy their chocolate from the website or any of their retail partners (like Whole Foods).
8. Savvy Rest
In need of a new mattress, sofa, or bedding? Savvy Rest offers customizable and 100% sustainable pillows, bedding, and furniture featuring all natural materials. They are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, and a certified B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation that partners with American Forests – the oldest nonprofit conservation agency in the nation. For every purchase, you can rest easy knowing they donate 5 trees to be planted in struggling forests.
9. SoapBox
Founded in 2010, this company sells quality soaps, body wash, hair care, and other body care necessities. They donate one bar of soap for every product sold and pair it with proper hygiene education for someone in need. Funding also goes towards research on water sanitation and hygiene education at The Carter Center and the F.I. Proctor Foundation.
10. Out of Print
Each purchase from Out of Print goes towards funding literacy programs and book donations to underserved communities. They also support the authors, publishers and artists by celebrating their contributions to literature and pop culture. On their website, you can find clothing, accessories, mugs, notebooks, and other gifts featuring literature favorites like Harry Potter and The Great Gatsby.
Whether you’re Christmas shopping or just looking for a way to give back this season, (or at any point during the year), I hope you consider these brands and many more that exist that want to make a difference to you and the world.