The holidays are coming, and everyone is gearing up for everything that comes along with the most wonderful time of the year: the family, parties, music, lights, cookies and of course, the shopping. We associate Christmas, a holiday based solely on faith and family, with excessive and mindless consumerism. We have turned the season into an excuse to buy and collect more stuff that we don't need. As Americans, we are obsessed with material possessions. It is destroying our planet, and it certainly isn't doing anything positive for our overall well-being.
Consider this: 3.1 percent of the world’s children live in America, but they own 40 percent of the toys consumed globally.This is absolutely absurd, but that pretty much sums up the American-style psychosis of consumerism.
On that note, I'd like to suggest that you shop with a purpose this year. Everyone loves receiving holidays gifts, believe me, I know. I'm not trying to be the Grinch and steal everyone's fun. I'm only encouraging you to consider buying less and invest in more thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. On that note, here is a list of companies with great products that are doing awesome things for amazing causes that have made some great gifts this year!
1. Sevenly
Sevenly is an incredible company based on the idea that everyone has the power to make a change. Every week, Sevenly partners with a different organization to design t-shirts to raise awareness for different causes. Then, they donate (you guessed it) seven percent to The Sevenly Foundation, which in turn gives 100 percent of that amount toward the non-profits.
2. Sand Cloud
Attention all beach lovers! Head over to Sand Cloud for super adorable boho beach towels and blankets. Plus, Sand Cloud is dedicated to protecting the oceans. They donate 10 percent of profits to a ton of different ocean causes, everywhere from plastic pollution to saving the sea turtles, and they support numerous organizations including Surfrider Foundation, Pacific Marine Mammal Center and San Diego Coastkeeper.
3. United by Blue
United by Blue not only sells high quality outdoor gear and clothing, but they are also dedicated to cleaning up our water. For every purchase, United by Blue removes a pound of trash from the world's oceans and waterways. UBB sponsors clean-ups across the country, so check out their page to read more about their mission, sign up for a clean-up event near you and check out their super cool products online or in one of their stores!
4. Klean Kanteen
First, let me say from experience that Klean Kanteen makes a damn good water bottle. Klean Kanteen is based on creating alternative solutions to plastic pollution, creating safe consumer products, supporting land and water conservation organizations and inspiring environmental stewardship. Need I say more?
Check out Klean Kanteen and United by Blue's super rad collaboration products!
5. Pura Vida Bracelets
Check out Pura Vida's awesome story about a college graduation trip turned into a business with a purpose. They sell handmade bracelets from Costa Rica, and the profits go to charities all around the world.
6. Biolite
Biolite's mission is to bring energy to those in need around the world while creating a carbon neutral company. Biolite creates clean-energy camp stoves, solar powered lights and charging panels. Their motto is simple: give good energy.
7. World Wildlife Fund
Of course, there are lots of places and ways to do it, but symbolic adoptions of endangered wildlife species is a perfect way to make a difference and give purposefully. There are so many different species that need your help!
