One thing that is positively notable about this generation is their passion for giving back. Community matters, our planet matters and they are willing to step up and take action by buying from companies that do likewise.
Discover these 5 remarkable companies who inspire us by giving back!
Now that you’ve got an internship (or two, or three…) under your belt, chances are you’re looking for a great company to work at full time. Why not look for an organization with a cause? Since Tom’s first launched its one-for-one business model in 2006, mindful companies have been popping up everywhere—great news! Here are 5 of our favorites that also mark the “cool” checkbox.
1) Toms Shoes
One for One
Everyone’s heard about Tom’s, and most people by now have a pair. Tom’s shoes was one of the first pioneering companies to use the “one for one” approach to their business: for every pair of shoes sold, the company donates a pair of shoes to kids in need. Now, the business has expanded to eyewear, bags and coffee, and has gone beyond shoe giving to restoring sight and providing safe water. Tom’s now gives to 70 countries, has ranked up to 60 million pairs of shoes and has helped restore sight to 360,000 people.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Tom’s provides excellent employee benefits as well as plenty of volunteer work.
2) Warby Parker
Stylish Giving
Akin to Tom’s, Warby Parker’s business model operates on the “one-for-one” approach: for every pair of glasses sold, someone in need in a developing country receives a pair. What’s awesome about this company, too, is in addition to embodying an amazing cause, Warby Parker glasses are some of the most stylish around, and are less expensive than some other designer brands you’ll find at your doctor’s office. The company hosts regular volunteer outings for staff and are one of the only carbon-neutral eyewear brands in the world.
Headquartered in New York City, Warby Parker was named the #1 Most Innovative Company by Fast Company in 2015.
3) Harry’s
Supporting City Year
This company made shaving cool. Well, except for the Lumbersexuals out there. It’s also great at giving back: 1% of every purchase goes to City Year’s New York chapter. City Year is an organization that prepares young adults for the real world. Participants learn professional life skills which help fight high national dropout rates, while cultivating a passion for volunteering. But they don’t stop there! Employees give 1% of their time at work to City Year and other organizations who do similar work to get people ready for their next big step.
Harry’s is headquartered in New York City.
Empowering Businesswomen
Indego Africa’s mission is to empower and uplift artisan women in Africa through employment opportunities and education, so that they (and their families) are uplifted out of poverty and become empowered businesswomen. The company works with 25 groups of more than 1,000 Rwanda and Ghana women to make products with traditional techniques and local materials, and also help with education programs. Products include everything from handmade baskets, bags, hats and kids wear!
Indego Africa is located in New York City, and even if you don’t work there, you can get involved in their Regional Board.
5) Hydro Flask
5% back and planet-friendly
This durable and stylish water bottle (and coffee, beer and food container) is not only good at saving on plastic bottles: it gives 5% of its profits to various charities and non-profits. Every time you purchase a Hydro Flask product, you can contribute to a cause.
Headquartered in Bend, Oregon, this outdoorsy company was the first to launch the all-insulated bottle line-up in the market. And, it’s BPA-Free and Phalate-Free, helping the planet and our bodies out too.
How important is it to you that your next company is philanthropic?