As a student in Chicago, I have yet to see
the weather warm up yet (I don’t think this city understands the concept of
“spring”)! I’m mostly keeping warm with one of my favorite pieces—a light
sweater (also a perfect transitioning piece from winter to spring!). But spring
sweaters only provide external warmth and happiness—however will I keep my
insides warm!?
The obvious solution--buying from
socially-responsible philanthropic brands! There are thousands of brands that
not only create their products from completely fair-trade and eco-friendly
materials, but also donate much of their profits to a noble cause--everything
from animal welfare to combating human trafficking and child labor! (See?
Aren't you warming up already?) c;
Using a spring sweater as the starting
point, the three boards below are created from stores that are not on the Boycott List (see I told you you can be fashionable without shopping at
J.Crew or Gap!) and then have one additional item from a philanthropic
brand!
You don't have to be dressed head-to-toe
in philanthropic clothing, but even having just one or two little things from a
company that is supporting a great cause can make a difference--both to your
outfit/happiness and to people around the world!
But you're probably thinking "oh gosh
this is probs super expensive tho" because we think (okay fine it's kind
of true, too) that most charitable and socially-responsible companies are also
way out of our budget--we're so used to the cheap clothes brought to us by
exploitation and child labor. But with just a bit of looking you can find
all-around amazing organizations that have designed and created beautiful and
affordable pieces! And here, I already did the looking for you--all you need to
do is sit back and enjoy (and support them!)
Lush, an all-around amazing brand, not only
creates all of its hand-made products ethically with natural and healthy
ingredients, but is also incredibly philanthropic! In fact all of the profits
from the purchase of their Charity Pot lotion goes directly towards
small, grassroots organizations globally. They've already donated 350+
charities around the world that are helping with everything from environmental
conservation to animal welfare!
Check out their Charity Pot
Lotion (from only $5.95-$22.95) and read more about its work here:
Hand crafted by Cambodians who are from underprivileged
backgrounds or suffering from disabilities, 10% of proceeds from the Brave
Collection bracelets are donated toward fighting human trafficking. So not only
are you helping create jobs in Cambodia for people who would otherwise be
denied work, you're also helping in the fight against a horrible human right
violation!
Check out the Brave Collection ($38.00) here: http://thebravecollection.com/pages/shop
This statement Sunburst Necklace is handmade by artisans in India
who even helped during the design process--in fact Mata Traders employs a team
of 600+ Indian artisans who are heavily involved in the entire production
process! Moreover the organization takes a prominent role in fighting poor
child labor laws in India!
Check out the Sunburst necklace (also available in yellow!) ($32.00)
here: http://www.matatraders.com/handmade-necklace/sunburst-necklace-white/prod_809.html
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See? Buying socially responsible pieces that give back are not
only easy and make you feel (and look!) good, but they are also affordable for
most budgets (the total range of these items are from $5.95-$38.00)! Just their
presence on the sets above just lifted the whole mood of the mood board (yes,
trust me, if you took them off the whole board got dark and gloomy), and warmed
them up--inside and out, and I'm sure they will do the same for you! c;
Also, if you didn't like my picks be sure to check out their site
anyway--they all have quite a variety of do-good items!
Hope you have a lovely day, and thanks for reading!
<(‘)
Hoda is an
Iranian activist and fashion blogger from
Oklahoma going to school in Chicago. Her blog,
JooJoo Azad, meaning "Free Bird" in Farsi, is filled with photography
of personal style and discussions on social-responsibility within the fashion
industry. Warning: this site is more than just pretty pictures.
You
can find her on her blog, Facebok
page, Twitter, or Instagram
