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There is finally a way to shop and feel good about it afterwards. The Buy One, Give One programs, also known as One for One programs, work by donating the product that you purchase to someone in need. Most of us don’t give purchases like soap and toothbrushes a second thought, but what if these small purchases could help someone else? Making the decision to consciously purchase a product through a company that will help give back to someone in need is a simple way for us all to give back.
The shoe company TOMS made the One for One program popular back in 2006 when founder Blake Mycaskie decided to donate a pair of shoes to a child in Argentina for every pair that was bought. Ever since TOMS Shoes became popular, the movement has grown and now people can purchase almost anything through a Buy One, Give One program.
Here are a few of our favorite companies that we think are doing a great job with the Buy One, Give One program.
Happy Blankie
Everything Happy was started by David Holdridge in 2008 when he was only 7 years old with inspiration from his little sister to combine her two favorite things–blankets and stuffed animals. From this idea, Happy Blankie was born and now children in Uganda, South Korea as well as the U.S. receive a Happy Blankie for each one sold. Kids can register their Happy Blankie online and choose where they want their other blanket delivered. Blankets range in size from small to large and price from $20 – $96. Everything Happy also now makes stuffed animals and clothing, which are also Buy One, Give One.
Jack’s Soap
Jack’s Soap is an L.A. based company that makes organic, vegan and cruelty free bars of soap, made in the U.S. and packaged with recycled materials. For every bar of soap sold, a bar of locally produced soap is donated to a child in need. The company has started its efforts in Ethiopia but will continue to grow the program to other areas as well. In third world countries, disease and infection linked to poor hygiene accounts for more than 5,000 deaths of children under five years old per day, according to the company’s website. Jack’s Soap is addressing this huge problem by providing bars of soap, and spreading awareness on the importance of hand washing and proper hygiene. Having the soap produced locally helps the recipient’s local economy and also reduces Jack’s Soap’s carbon footprint, compared to if they were to transporting the soap from the U.S. You can purchase a 3-pack of Jack’s Soap in refreshing mint, citrus or lavender scents for $12.99.
P.L.A.Y. (Pet Lifestyle and You)
Pets can help do their share of giving back as well with P.L.A.Y.’s Warm Bellies Initiative. The San Francisco based pet company P.L.A.Y. (Pet Lifestyles and You) creates eco-friendly, designer pet beds and recently launched their Warm Bellies Initiative where they are teaming up with PetFinder.com to help give back to animal shelters across the U.S. For every Artist and Original Collection pet bed sold on PetPlay.com or at participating retailers, P.L.A.Y. will donate a Special Edition Chill Pad to the Petfinder foundation, who will distribute the beds to shelter and rescue dogs. P.L.A.Y. pet beds from the Artist and Original Collection range in size from XS to XL and in price from $85 – $189.
Smile Squared (www.smilesquared.com)
Smile Squared was started in 2010 when Eric Cope and his wife were visiting Central America on a humanitarian trip. They noticed that many of the kids they were working with had severe dental problems, many of which were preventable, but most of them didn’t even own a toothbrush. Eric and his wife set out on a mission to help kids all over the world improve their oral health and regain their confidence and help children smile again. For every toothbrush sold by Smile Squared, another is donated to a child in need. Better yet, the toothbrushes are eco-friendly with biodegradable handles and packaging. There are two types of brushes, one for kids and one for adults, both are $5.95.
WeWood Watch
A watch company based in Florence, Italy, WeWood takes a different approach to the Buy One, Give One concept. The company has partnered with American Forests, the nations oldest non-profit conservation organization, to plant a tree for every watch purchased. Within its first three months, WeWood has helped to plant 5,000 trees. The company also helps to keep our planet healthy by making their watches out of 100% natural wood that’s hypoallergenic and toxic free. The watches come in numerous styles and range in price from $119 – $139.
We would love to add to this list, share your favorites and why you love them below!
