As we move from July to August, a lot of collegiettes are prepping to do some serious Back-to-School shopping. But, even as visions of new boots dance in our heads, try to consider where your money is going. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid anything that once saw a sweatshop, there are plenty of designers giving you a chance to give back. You can contribute to almost any cause you believe in, just by supporting a company selling a product with profits going directly to charity. Here are some brands that use their power for good, supporting a huge variety of valuable causes!
TOMS: One for One Movement
Most of us already know the TOMS cause: for every pair of stylish canvas slip-ons you buy, from classic black to sparkling ruby red, the company donates a pair to a child in need. Besides looking good, new shoes protect these kids from crippling blisters and risk of infection. Plus, it helps make sure they can go to school, since a lot of education institutes are now requiring sturdy footwear on all students. However, TOMS has recently gone one step further by adding eyewear to their mission. One pair of TOMS glasses now funds sight correction for one person in any of 12 developing nations, plus the United states. This donation takes the form of prescription glasses, sight-saving surgery, or other medical treatment.
MAC: Viva Glam
MAC’s Viva Glam line of cosmetics donates all of their profits to the MAC AIDS Fund, a foundation established in 1994 to support AIDS sufferers in neglected or underserved communities. The sale of one Viva Glam lipstick will go towards providing safer-sex kits, therapy sessions, nutrition counseling, children’s party packs, groceries, blood glucose monitoring strips, or any number of services to better the lives of those affected by AIDS. Celebrity supporters of Viva Glam have included Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Ricky Martin, and Nicki Minaj!
LUSH: Charity Pot
Since 2007, LUSH Cosmetics has given back to over 250 charities worldwide through the sale of their Charity Pot hand and body lotion. One hundred percent of the retail price (minus sales tax, of course) go towards the support of grassroots charitable organizations working for relief in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights (although any organization aligning with the LUSH mission may be considered). As always, all LUSH products are vegan-friendly and packaged in recycled materials!
Out of Print: Books for Africa
Out of Print Clothing has always partnered with Books for Africa, donating books to developing African communities. Their original line of T-shirts inspired by a range of iconic book covers has since expanded to bags, stationary, coasters, and more. With more titles than ever available, don’t miss your chance to do some good while rocking your favorite literary work!
Warby Parker: Buy a Pair, Give a Pair
Similar to TOMS, Warby Parker provides a pair of glasses to a person in need every time they sell a pair of their own glasses or sunglasses. The Warby Parker twist comes in their donation process: the company provides funding and/or glasses to non-profit partners like VisionSpring, who then turn over the glasses, along with technical training, to low-income entrepreneurs in developing countries , who can then sell affordable eyewear to visually-impaired members of their local community and therefore support their own economies.
Nike: #BeTrue
Nike’s #BeTrue line of clothing and accessories expanded this June, in honor of Gay Pride Month, to include these amazing new running shoes. Profits will be donated to the LGBT Sports Coalition, a non-profit organization committed to ending anti-LGBT bias in sports.