Did you know the next pair of shoes you buy could impact the life of someone across the world?
You have the power to create a real-life “butterfly effect” in the most positive way. A study taken in 2015 showed that corporate companies donated a total of $18.45 billion with an increase of 3.9% from the year before. That’s a lot of money, but not compared to the number of individuals who donated; which was $373.25 billion. Yes, that means people were individually donating more money to charitable causes.
You may be thinking, “Okay, but how could I make a difference in those numbers? I don’t have a few millions lying around to donate.” But, there is a fully capable and affordable way for everyone… including you to make a difference. You can wear the change you wish to see in the world. What does that mean? It means that even if you are not rich, you can start off giving back by simply purchasing from a clothing company whose mission is to positively affect the lives of the less fortunate.
The first one that comes to mind may be Toms™, who is most known for giving a pair of shoes to youth in need for every pair purchased. But, that’s not all they do! Toms™ purchases also provide eye care services, education of safe birthing, and even bullying awareness. That sure makes me want to buy a pair of those cute and comfortable shoes. Another shoe company ready to make a difference is Guru Sandals™. Their trademark shoe is modeled after Mahatma Gandhi, the man who inspired the title of this article and urged others to “Be the change they wish to see in the world.” They plant a tree for every pair of sandals purchased, bettering the environment with each sale.
Other companies offer an array of culturally authentic and colorful jewelry, like Pura Vida Bracelets, Musana, and Article 22. Pura Vida, based in Costa Rica, works to support several charities while employing 80 Costa Ricans. Musana, based in Uganda, works to break the cycle of poverty by employing and educating Ugandan women through English and business classes. Article 22 jewelry is probably the most remarkable, the products are made from the material of actual bombs. It gives “beauty from destruction” a whole new meaning. Visible Clothing works to make a connection between the buyer and the maker of the clothing to end the abuse of workers overseas. BeGood, with a similar mission to Visible Clothing, produces only 10% of the waste that other companies create in an effort to minimize the negative effects on the environment.
So, with just a purchase of a new pair of colorful earrings, comfortable woven sandals, or honestly-made garments, you can do your part in changing the world around you. Thus, literally allowing you to wear the change you wish to see in the world
-Janay' Lee
Wear The Change You Wish
To See In The World
See In The World