As I've gotten older, I've become more conscious of the things I buy and how what I buy affects people around the world. I think many people always feel like they want to make a difference but are not really sure what they can do. How about shopping? Shopping? Yes, shopping and buying the right brands can not only score you some new things but give back to great causes in the process. Here are six of my favorite brands:

1. Better Life Bags

If you're looking for a cute bag or wallet that gives back, Better Life Bags is a great option. What I love about the bags is that they are custom to you. You have the option to choose from different patterns and styles ranging from over the shoulder to bookbags. My favorite part about this company is that they hire women who have various barriers to employment to make our custom leather and fabric bags. So for each bag you buy, more women are hired, helping the unemployment gap in Detroit! Also, your bag comes with the name of the lady who made it which is a sweet reminder that your purchase was not only useful to your needs but to another person's life.

2. Broken Chain

Cute necklace for a cause? Broken Chain Co. has you covered. Broken Chain's mission is to see "poverty eradicated". Broken Chain donates 20% to charity; "water for every longline necklace sold. Each chain sold helps provide people in developing nations with clean, safe drinking water." The chain comes in gold, silver, black, and even ROSE GOLD. Get your chain today and help people get drinking water!

3. Charlotte+Asher

For all the mamas and soon to be baby mamas that are also #GIRLBOSSES, this one is for you. This diaper bag is not only functional for your baby's needs but also looks professional for the workplace. Bonus: for each bag sold, charlotte+asher provides five vaccinations to children in need. Their mission is to raise awareness about vaccinations and protect children, so they can go on to live healthy and happy lives. I personally don't have kids but I own one of these bags for school and it's very functional and holds all my things. Buy a bag and help vaccinate our kiddos.

4. Love Your Melon

This is one of my long time favorite brands so it had to be added to this list. Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well as supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer. Since I first discovered this brand, the products offered have grown from just beanies to hats, headbands, mugs, scarves, and etc. Hop on over to their site and lets fight childhood cancer.

5. Project 7

I stumble across the Champagne Dreams Gourmet Gummies one day at Target and after some research I learned about the Project 7 company and instantly fell in love. Their mission is to We to bring great flavor back into your day while at the same time giving back to 7 areas of need: Save the Earth, House the Homeless, Feed the Hungry, Quench the Thirsty, Heal the Sick, Teach Them Well, and Hope for Peace. Who knew buying a pack of gum or candy could help all of these causes? Go out to Target and pick up a couple packs of Project 7 gum, available in a variety of flavors including Girl Scout cookie flavors! YUM!

6. FIGS

As a medical student, this is a company I purchase from a lot. FIGS scrubs are the most comfortable and stylish scrubs I have ever bought. I have a black pair of scrub pants that resemble skinny jeans. How dope! The greatest part about this company is, of course, that they give back. For every set of scrubs sold, FIGS gives a set to a healthcare provider in need through their thread for threads initiative. To all the doctors, nurse, and healthcare professionals, why not try to buy from a company that is not only comfortable but charitable?