It’s human nature to look after others in need when they need it the most.
Most people like to donate through charities but there is another way you can help: online shopping.
The more consumers that support businesses who strive to give back, the more companies will follow suit and make it their priority.
There are many businesses out there that already want to make a difference in the world, through programs such as ‘buy one and donate one’ to giving a proportion of profits away.
Either way, with every product they sell, they make sure they do something positive.
Here's a list of 9 awesome companies that sell products online and give back to their communities.
Kool 8
Kool 8are in the business of reusable water bottles. Their product is made from stainless steel, meaning that it won’t rust after long contact with its contents and is highly insulated to maintain the desired water temperature.
Every time that they sell a water bottle, 20% of the profits go towards making products for underprivileged people who need it the most.
When a customer purchases one of their products, they receive an email that contains videos and images of how their purchase goes to helping others all over the world.
Soapbox
Soapbox sell a variety of hygiene products, including hair wash, hand soap and body wash.
The business is focussed on providing the world with better hygiene. The founder of Soapbox, David Simnick, was frustrated with the way regular water donations were used after working with USAID.
So he created Soapbox and as such, with every Soapbox product sold, they donate a bar of soap to someone in need and will combine it with proper hygiene education. To date, over 3 million lives have been changed for the better and this number can only get bigger.
DivvyUp
Another company that gives back is DivvyUp, who is an online socks retailer that lets the customer completely customise the design. They are based in the United States and donate socks to homeless shelters across the country.
The business was founded with the goal to provide socks to those that need them in a sustainable fashion. The founders visited a local homeless shelter in Florida looking to help.
To their surprise, the number one thing that these people wanted was socks and so the company was born. DivvyUp has donated over 300,000 pairs of socks since it began in 2014.
Project 7
Based in Orange County, California, Project 7 is a speciality gum, chewies and mint brand that create unique and memorable flavors.
The brand name comes from their mission to use part of their profits to help support the 7 areas of basic humanitarian needs in the US and across the world. They aim to give at least 10% to the cause but have always exceeded this, giving between 30-50%.
To date, Project 7 has planted more than 4.5 million trees, provided over 4 million meals to people in the US and have helped fund over 130 thousand malaria treatments to those suffering from the disease.
Yellow Leaf Hammocks
Yellow Leaf Hammocks are another ethical company that gives back. They sell original, hand-dyed, weaved hammocks online. Their weavers are empowered to earning a good income through ‘prosperity wages’.
They believe that ethical job creation is the key to winning the battle against long-term poverty. By focussing on the peoples’ livelihoods, they can get the money directly where it needs to go - in the hands of the people working there.
They have shared a fascinating case study after following a small tribal community, the Mlabri, whose lives have been dramatically improved by Yellow Leaf Hammocks’ efforts.
TOMS
TOMS is an online footwear business that sells high-end style products without the high-end prices. WIth every pair they sell, they donate another.
Each pair they make is brand new, made-to-order shoes in a variety of styles
to meet the needs of children that need them. To date, TOMS has given more than 86 million pairs of shoes.
They have also expanded their programs to eyesight, providing people in need with a full eye exam by trained medical professionals and potential sight-saving surgery, and giving access to clean water to those that don’t have it.
Twice As Warm
Twice As Warm is another brand that gives back. They sell winter clothing accessories online, such as hats, gloves and scarves. Their goal is to provide new winter clothing to those in need.
Their products are made in the US and each time that someone purchases a product, they donate the equivalent. They donate to local shelters and organisations that struggle to provide warm clothing.
The business was founded in 2010 and in their first winter, they were able to give away over 200 products in their community. This exceeded their original goal of 150.
Good Spread
Good Spread sells organic peanut butter through Amazon, containing probiotics that help boost the immune system and improve health.
Each time they sell a jar of peanut butter they send fortified peanut butter called MANA, to malnourished children. They believe that the socially conscious buying can put a dent in global malnutrition.
When a customer purchases a jar, they get a unique tracking code to see exactly where their MANA packet is headed. Good Spread partner with local aid organizations to make sure every purchase has a real impact with the children who need it most.
Happy Blankie
Happy Blankie wants to spread as much happiness and comfort to the world as much as they can. They combine a blanket with a stuffed animal to create something that brings a smile to anyone’s face.
They operate a ‘One to Love, One to Give’ program, where they give away a product for free every time they sell one. They have partnered with a host of children’s hospitals and organizations all over the world to provide children with their products.
As long as they’re spreading joy to the world, this business is a success.
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