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giving happiness global impact

Day 281: Everything Ends Up in the Ocean

I am feeling like everything ends up in the ocean, everything. My walks on the beach are showing more items washing up on the shore and I feel I am not doing enough to stop this. My husband heard how upset I am and did a great give today.

One of the many ways my family gives back is through ethical purchases.
We may not have millions dollars to donate but we do have to shop. My husband and are trying to make a difference with our purchasing power. Today my husband completed the give as he bought a new pair of sandals that are supporting our planet and giving back by a company that puts giving at the front of their mission.
Day 281: Give 281

We have somewhat traditional roles in our family except for one. My husband loves to shop for cloths. Shoes, shirts, pants, sweaters – it doesn’t really matter he just likes to shop. It took some time but I finally have got him on my shopping rules. When shopping the items have to say discount, sale, 50% off or free! He has has that part down to a science and now he looks for items that give back. Tags may read organic, recycled or a portion of your purchased donated.

Today he brought home a product he couldn’t wait to show me. Not only did he get the required “sale” price but most importantly he got a new pair of sandals from a company called Ocean Minded that give back to the planet with every purchase.

“We feel that as both a corporation, and a group of individuals, it is essential to understand that‘eventually, everything ends up in the ocean.”

Ocean Minded has partnered with The Surfrider Foundation whom I posted about on Day 233. To date they have donated over $10,000 to help support this Foundation that also gives so much back to the planet. One of the things that impressed me most about Ocean Minded is not only do they donate a portion of each sale to charity but how their product is made. They make every effort to used materials that are:

Recycled
Organic
Vegan
Metal Free
Water Based Glue
Hemp

It doesn’t stop there the giving just keeps going. Over the last 2 years they have hosted over 70 volunteer beach clean ups and collected over 25,000 pounds of garbage. Just when I thought I was a good beach garbage picker!

Companies like Ocean Minded are popping up everywhere. From shoes, to soap, to your food –  you can make a decision to give back with many of your purchases. Before you buy something today think about how it will be impacting our planet?

Let us know what great products you purchase that are giving back. Leave a comment.

Cost: donation made by the company with the purchase

Time Commitment: 0

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)