UncommonGoods | Sustainable Living

Manufacturing standardization in general has taken a step away from sustainability and fair trade initiatives, BUT a U.S. based brand has a surfaced with an UNCOMMON way of doing business.  UncommonGoods’ specializes in unique gifts and creative finds with an emphasis on sustainability, quality customer service, and online retailing innovation.

Recieving their B-Corporation certification in June of 2012 – you can see on paper that UncommonGoods is committed to doing good through their operations.  Their intuitive interface gives consumers the ability to interact with a quality online brand that offers a variety of products that are creatively designed, high quality, and affordable.

In the video above, The Stump Collection is reviewed.  From the ideas to how the product is manufactured – you’ll see and feel the inspiration that UncommonGoods strives to find in each of its manufacturers.  They’ve also launched a program called “Better to Give”, where customers can give UncommonGoods the opportunity to contribute to a non-profit organization each a customer shops with them.

UncommonGoods operates on standards that all businesses should follow, and that consumers should support.  UncommonGoods’ business functions around social and environmental responsibility and has become a change agent for the online retail world.  Check out their goods and various initiatives at www.uncommongoods.com , and be sure to review their B-Corporation Impact Report at www.bcorporation.net/uncommongoods.

Warning | The Mo Bros are Coming

The most manly of months is nearly upon us. November 1^st will mark the day that men around the globe will have but one duty, the manliest of duties, and that being, the growing of a legendary MUSTACHE. (cue guitar wailing in the background)

Not only does the sprouting of glorious upper lip whiskers display manliness, but the Movember organization has created a lasting platform for raising awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancer, among other men’s health issues.  Throughout the month, the gallant men (a.k.a Mo Bros) will promote the cause by encouraging private and public conversation around these issues.  By way of support from the women in their lives (a.k.a Mo Sistas), the Mo Bros will raise funds through sponsorship for their brave and heroic upper lip growth throughout the entire month of November.

The month will be capped off by magnificent soiree’s celebrating the noble efforts of all participating men and the donations the month accumulated.  These gatherings are either personal parties with close friends or the legendary Movember Gala Partés held around the globe.

This cause has real effects with over $120 million dollars raised in 2011 alone.  The dollars go directly towards the strategic initiatives outlined by the identified programs for prostate and testicular cancer.

Log on to Movember on the 1^st to help support, praise, congratulate and admire the cookie duster best friends that will grow throughout the month.

The Vanity Project | clothing with a cause

What Do You Stand For?

The Vanity Project (TVP) uses this multi-layered question as the underpin for their clothing design. They directly collaborate with non-profit organizations to produce clothing based on the social and societal causes these organizations represent.  TVP provides the platform of support to elevate the awareness for the issue and 51% of each sale goes back to the organization featured.

TVP began in Chicago and has since morphed into a holistic outreach system encompassing several areas of focus: Education & Youth Development, Hunger and Poverty, Disease Support, Social Equality, and Environmental.  This is greater than just a clothing company, but a chance to choose and represent the causes you are truly passionate about.

Check out their stylish designs HERE and if you don’t see a cause you care about, contact them and a start a collaboration today.

People Water | Drop For Drop

People.  Need.  Clean Water.

Give H2O through your water consumption habits with People Water.  People Water isn’t a charity nor is it a non-profit organization but a cause based for-profit organization who is committed to alleviating the global water crisis.

Their Drop For Drop commitment looks to develop or restore sustainable water sources in areas of need.  In looking at the simple idea of making it easier to help people, People Water has developed a way for people to do good through each sip of water they consume.

For an alternative/eco-friendly way to consume water and give back to those in need check out People Water at www.peoplewater.com.

Giving made easy.  That’s People Water.  Enjoy.

BioLite | Energy Everywhere

Ever found yourself out in the wild wishing that you had a way to both build a fire and charge your electronic devices?  Well a remedy has come to your aid.  Introducing BioLite, the advanced energy product that’s creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable stove products that can be used for both camping and home use applications.

Biolite’s advanced technology maximizes efficiency by managing airflow and converting heat into usable power via USB outlets on the stove that can charge phones, lights, and other gadgets.  They’ve developed this technology into their CampStove (compact camping stove) and HomeStove (larger scale home stove) products.

Did you know that nearly HALF of our PLANET cooks on smokey fires causing nearly 2 million premature deaths each year?  The Biolite HomeStove REDUCES carbon monoxide by 91%, smoke by 94%, and fuel use by 50% creating a safe/efficient energy source.  Sales of the CampStove helps support the one-time market establishments for these HomeStove projects around the world.

Having the ability to purchase a cutting edge camping product that reduces your carbon footprint, allows you to charge mobile devices, and gives back to aid energy development in less than fortunate countries is the holy grail of DO GOOD products.  Check out a different way to camp at www.biolitestove.com!

BioLite | Energy Everywhere

Ever found yourself out in the wild wishing that you had a way to both build a fire and charge your electronic devices?  Well a remedy has come to your aid.  Introducing BioLite, the advanced energy product that’s creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable stove products that can be used for both camping and home use applications.

Biolite’s advanced technology maximizes efficiency by managing airflow and converting heat into usable power via USB outlets on the stove that can charge phones, lights, and other gadgets.  They’ve developed this technology into their CampStove (compact camping stove) and HomeStove (larger scale home stove) products.

Did you know that nearly HALF of our PLANET cooks on smokey fires causing nearly 2 million premature deaths each year?  The Biolite HomeStove REDUCES carbon monoxide by 91%, smoke by 94%, and fuel use by 50% creating a safe/efficient energy source.  Sales of the CampStove helps support the one-time market establishments for these HomeStove projects around the world.

Having the ability to purchase a cutting edge camping product that reduces your carbon footprint, allows you to charge mobile devices, and gives back to aid energy development in less than fortunate countries is the holy grail of DO GOOD products.  Check out a different way to camp at www.biolitestove.com!

Lifestyle Of Change Rwanda Water Campaign | A charity: water Project

It’s time to ACTIVATE and SUPPORT the global shortage of clean WATER in developing nations.  Joining the charity: water’s September 2012 Campaign, The Lifestyle Of Change Rwanda Water Campaign will be building further awareness and supporting sustainable water resources in the country of Rwanda.

Have you ever said, “I’m dying of thirst?” and really meant it?

If you’re like us, you don’t spend too much time thinking about water — it’s everywhere we go.  When we’re thirsty, we flip a handle or push a button.  When we’re dirty, we twist a shower knob.  When our garden needs watering, when our pasta needs to be boiled, when we use the bathroom — water is just there for the taking.

But for almost 800 million people on the planet, it’s not. Millions of women and children have to walk hours each day to get water from muddy ponds and rivers.  And much of that water is infested with bacteria, parasites or leeches.

When the Lifestyle Of Change team learned that an average of $20 can give someone access to clean, safe water, we decided to start a campaign to help.  Our goal is to raise $1,000.  charity: water will use 100% of the money to directly fund the water projects in the field.  Even better, when the projects are complete, they’ll show us just where our money went. That’s right — we’ll be able to see the GPS coordinates, photos and other details about the community we’ve impacted!

Most of us probably haven’t been dying of thirst.  I’m sure we’d all like to see a world where no one does.

Together, we can make a difference in the global water crisis. I hope you’ll consider helping on our Rwanda Water Campaign.

Take a look at the trailer for the Water Project above, and be sure to check out our Lifestyle Of Change Rwanda Water Campaign page at www.mycharity.org.

Thanks in advance for your support to this cause.

– Lifestyle Of Change Project Team

Lifestyle Of Change Rwanda Water Campaign | A charity: water Project

It’s time to ACTIVATE and SUPPORT the global shortage of clean WATER in developing nations.  Joining the charity: water’s September 2012 Campaign, The Lifestyle Of Change Rwanda Water Campaign will be building further awareness and supporting sustainable water resources in the country of Rwanda.

Have you ever said, “I’m dying of thirst?” and really meant it?

If you’re like us, you don’t spend too much time thinking about water — it’s everywhere we go.  When we’re thirsty, we flip a handle or push a button.  When we’re dirty, we twist a shower knob.  When our garden needs watering, when our pasta needs to be boiled, when we use the bathroom — water is just there for the taking.

But for almost 800 million people on the planet, it’s not. Millions of women and children have to walk hours each day to get water from muddy ponds and rivers.  And much of that water is infested with bacteria, parasites or leeches.

When the Lifestyle Of Change team learned that an average of $20 can give someone access to clean, safe water, we decided to start a campaign to help.  Our goal is to raise $1,000.  charity: water will use 100% of the money to directly fund the water projects in the field.  Even better, when the projects are complete, they’ll show us just where our money went. That’s right — we’ll be able to see the GPS coordinates, photos and other details about the community we’ve impacted!

Most of us probably haven’t been dying of thirst.  I’m sure we’d all like to see a world where no one does.

Together, we can make a difference in the global water crisis. I hope you’ll consider helping on our Rwanda Water Campaign.

Take a look at the trailer for the Water Project above, and be sure to check out our Lifestyle Of Change Rwanda Water Campaign page at www.mycharity.org.

Thanks in advance for your support to this cause.

– Lifestyle Of Change Project Team

Ashoka | enabling change

Established in 1980, Ashoka works to aid the development of a better tomorrow.  The organization supports a network of social entrepreneurs, innovationists and anyone whom aims to create and inspire real systemic change.

They focus on 3 critical areas of change:

1)      Individuals: They invest and assist in the formation of social start-ups that have tangible social impacts.

2)      Groups:  They enable and coordinate resources in efforts to create the most serious level of impact and followers.

3)      Sectors: They make the connections that must be made at the high-level of financing, academics, infrastructure, and business relationships.

Ashoka has vowed to assist and create a world of change-agents. To learn more about their projects and ways to get involved click HERE.

Change is possible, aid the transformation that will shape tomorrow.

Ashoka | enabling change

Established in 1980, Ashoka works to aid the development of a better tomorrow.  The organization supports a network of social entrepreneurs, innovationists and anyone whom aims to create and inspire real systemic change.

They focus on 3 critical areas of change:

1)      Individuals: They invest and assist in the formation of social start-ups that have tangible social impacts.

2)      Groups:  They enable and coordinate resources in efforts to create the most serious level of impact and followers.

3)      Sectors: They make the connections that must be made at the high-level of financing, academics, infrastructure, and business relationships.

Ashoka has vowed to assist and create a world of change-agents. To learn more about their projects and ways to get involved click HERE.

Change is possible, aid the transformation that will shape tomorrow.