Whoever these 'middlemen' are - the ones that are guilty of squirreling away our money when we shop online - they're likely to be feeling pretty badly-off at the moment.
I'm referring here to the trend for online stores to donate fees generated by site advertising and donating it to good causes. A fantastic idea that allows you to get on with your normal shopping while giving to charity at the same time.
One of the best I've seen yet is Give Or Take, which has a straightforward interface as well as interesting features like most popular charities chosen by readers. All you need to do once you've decided where you're going to make your next purchase is find that store's logo on Give Or Take, click through to that site, and shop as usual.
Continue reading >>
Yesterday, Treehugger alerted us to the newest ethical social network, Razoo. These are online havens specifically for those who wish to do good in the world, be it through encouraging greener lives, raising awareness and money for charity or simply "promote social good".
This last quote came from the mission statement of Razoo. This is a network devoted to making a difference by starting discussions about everything from sustainability and water to AIDS and homlessness, through human rights and education. And that's just a fraction of the topics. By promoting discussion and swapping tips and ideas, the entrepreneurs behind Razoo hope to inspire ideas that just might save the world (or, rather, us). And it's certainly not the only sight with lofty ideals. Just take a look at the many different ways in which social networks are encouraging us to fight the good environmental fight...
Continue reading >>
According to UN figures, more than a billion people around the world exist in a state of dire poverty and gross inequality, around 70 per cent of them women. But don't despair; today is the 20th World Poverty Day, and there are all sorts of activities to get involved with that can help you make a difference to a problem being largely driven by our addiction to cheap goods.
In today's Independent, Action Aid has produced a supplement which outlines simple ways you can join the fight against extreme poverty and hunger all around the world. The charity has recently been working to raise awareness of the appalling conditions caused by supermarket price wars and their low-cost products.
Meanwhile, People Tree has chosen to mark the event with some really fun 'price tag' t-shirts at £20 each, with a £2.50 donation to Action Aid for each purchase (you can check out the designs ). If you'd like to spread the word to your friends and colleagues, you can forward this eshot to encourage them to add their support. The more awareness we collectively raise, the more Action Aid can do to campaign for basic rights to livelihoods, food, water and services
Continue reading >>
If you're finding your daily grind unsatisfying, and you long to get up every morning with saving the world on your mind as well as paying the bills, then this guide could well provide you with some food for thought. 'The Ethical Careers Guide' offers a range of advice on different careers, as well as fascinating case studies of people in positions ranging from a Campaigns Officer in a charity to a social worker working for a local council.
I was given a copy of this book by a friend after I left university. I'd decided my next step was to find some voluntary work - with the eventual aim of doing some paid work for a charity - and I definitely found the book useful in terms of inspiring me in my quest. In particular, I think the fact that it includes a large number of case studies makes things sound a little less daunting, as the case studies make you feel as if you're having an informal chat with someone rather than reading a 'guide' per se.
If you haven't used the Giving Machine before, here's a quick lowdown on how it works. Once you've registered with the site (takes about two minutes) you can support your favourite charities every time you shop online.
There is a list of shops taking part here, and it's a surprsingly big list. Most of my most-used shopping sites are here, including Amazon, Ebay, Boots and HMV. And the list of charities is even longer: most good causes are represented here, and there are new ones being added all the time. The newest member here is Elephant Family, a young charity which works to conserve the endangered Asian elephant
So why not sign up today? It's a great way to take some of the guilt out of shopping!
After last week's charity post, we are working on creating the definitive list of charity craft projects for 2007, which should be up at the end of October. Thanks to everyone who's sent in suggestions so far; thanks to your help, we've got another great list of suggested activities this week.
If any you've heard about aren't covered here, please email me. Here's what's come in this week:
Warmwoolies: Knitting for orphans
Warmwoolies is a non-profit organization whose volunteers knit warm clothing for poverty-stricken children who would otherwise suffer from the cold.
In 2007, they'll be focusing 
on supplying woolen clothes to orphanages in Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia and on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge tribal reservations in South Dakota. Most wanted items are baby blankets, followed by mittens, hats, gloves and scarves. You can find out how to contribute, here.
Follow the jump for more causes.
Continue reading >>
Do you ever want to do something creative to help those less fortunate than you? Or do you have a compulsive knitting habit that isn't being put to any purpose other than keeping your fingers busy? Here's a great list of good causes that those of a crafty disposition (or even eager amateurs) can put their talents to between now and Christmas, first published on Crafty Crafty.
1. Innocent's The Big Knit
The Big Knit is a great idea for keeping older people warm in winter, devised and run each year by Innocent. Hundreds of volunteers send in miniature bobble-hats (in all kinds of inventive styles!) to fit on the tops of smoothie bottles. Then each time one of the hat-wearing smoothies is sold during the run-up to the festive season, Innocent donate a very generous 50p to Age Concern.
Innocent are currently seeking more knitters to take part in the project, and reach their ambitious 400,000 hat target (last year, they received £230,000 hats)...
Continue reading >>
digg this | del.icio.us this
| 
Stumble It!
