consumerism for good

I got into a good chat with a coworker this morning on the way that America consumerism is much too focused on what we don't have vs. enjoying the amazing blessings we do have; the focus is different outside of the U.S. - in general, people in other countries get by with what they do have and are not as blinded by the "American Dream" of having more and more unnecessary material things.

I want people to know that the daily choices you make can have a real impact on the lives of others.
For example:

My favorite necklace/bracelet is made by a woman in Uganda; it came with her picture and story, and all the money paid for it goes towards sustainable incomes in Uganda.
They also sell bags, other jewelry, and shirts. {By the way, I ordered my first batch of necklaces to sell - contact me if you are interested!}
http://lightgivesheat.org/humanitarian

Another bracelet I wear daily was made by a woman who was freed from sex slavery in Nepal; now the freed women guard the borders in order to prevent more sex-trafficking and also make bracelets to sell to raise awareness and end the injustice. There are also many other countries and handmade crafts represented on this website, from jewelry and bags to artisan papers and silks.
http://www.eternalthreads.org/redthread/

My picnic basket that I adore - made by a woman in Ghana, paid for with "Success Wages" (higher than fair trade), through a non-profit run by a single man working with artisans in 15 different African countries and the Fair Trade Federation.
http://www.basketsofafrica.com/

Coffee with a mission to help a community in Rawanda torn apart by genocide, also with higher than fair trade wages, what they are calling "Community Trade":
http://www.drinkcoffeedogood.com/

Someday I aspire to open a missions-minded business with others in mind; a coffee shop/bakery with a boutique that sells only fair trade merchandise, something like this:
http://www.ourmomentum.com/


For more amazing stories of non-profits across America, please follow my friends at:
http://www.onthegoodroad.com/blog


Other places you can help end brutalities, poverty, and hunger:
http://www.sixty1.org/home.htm

http://pickapocket.showitsite.com/

http://www.hscv.org/

http://www.endfgm.eu/en/

http://www.project7.com/