I won't lie, I love gifts. However, I really don't like junk (anything I don't need or that is wasteful). Gifts should be thoughtful, useful, and sweet. I am extremely drawn to products that are cause related. This post was not only inspired by my personal gift season, but by two subjects that I came across recently.
As a consumer driven holiday, Valentine's Day is hard to hide from. It's great, though, to find out about "love" related items that are doing more than putting a smile on your boyfriend or girlfriend. Named "Willy Wonka with a philanthropic streak" by Oprah Magazine, Shawn Askinosie started Cocoa Honors, a program for high school students to learn the ethics of business. The students learned about chocolate making, from the business aspects to traveling to Tanzania to meet with the bean suppliers. Giving back to the country they were working with, the students worked with the village to provide clean drinking water and school supplies. Askinosie believes that one shouldn't just "show up, do business, and leave," it's about making a difference. Askinosie has now launched Askinosie Chocolate (available at Whole Foods and specialty stores), Chocolate University, and other programs to teach children and teens about trade, sustainability, and entrepreneurship while supporting farmers and suppliers.
I also recently came across a segment on PBS about different strands of roses benefiting different nonprofits and foundations. When you're sending flowers to your loved one this Valentine's Day, be sure to be purchasing the most special bouquet, one that is organic and benefiting a cause you believe in. Organic Bouquet, Organic Style
Cause Capitalism, Cause Shoppe, and Sweet Charity (local store benefiting Seton) are also great places to pick up a gift for a loved one! For an additional list of gifts that give back, click here.
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