Green Charities

“Reuse and recycle” is one of the oldest green maxims around and any half-witted individual knows old electronics certainly apply to such an adage. With hazardous chemicals such as lead, mercury, and many others, most electronics are comprised of a toxic synthetic cocktail that can seep into the environment when thrown out.

Reduce harmful e-junk by donating old electronics to charitable causes that reuses the equipment

While there are recycling centers and programs throughout the country (there’s likely one in your area) specifically for the proper disposal of electronics, it may not be the best option for getting rid of your old electronics. It’s estimated that nearly half of all the electronic waste, or “e-junk”, disposed of in the U.S. ends up overseas in underdeveloped areas where the waste is disposed with little regard to environmental or human concern. On the contrary, there are a myriad of organizations and causes that accept the donations of old electronics on behalf of a good cause. Here are a few ways to put your outdated equipment to good use while keeping them out of landfills.

Cell Phones – It seems more than any other electronic gadget, cell phones become outdated remarkably fast as new technology continually emerges. Thus, if you are anything like me, you probably upgrade your phone at least once every one to two years, which means you also have likely amassed quite the collection of old phones. Instead of just throwing them in the junk drawer – or even worse, out – why not donate them to a good cause? The organization Cell Phones for Soldiers collects cell phones that are sold to a company that responsibly recycles them and the money received is used to purchase calling cards for troops serving abroad. Another notable non-profit is the 911 Cell Phone Bank, which distributes old phones to law enforcement and victim services agency to give to individuals in need of emergency phones (think seniors who live alone or victims of domestic violence). Similarly, Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program turns donated cell phones into support lines for domestic violence victims.

Computer Equipment – I happened upon Computers with Causes a few years ago when I wanted to get rid of an old laptop I no longer needed. The organization repairs and properly prepares donated computers, laptops, and other IT equipment for “placement into an educational environment or other cause [they] support.” Much of the property donated ends up in community centers, foster homes, libraries, and schools in need of funding.

Television Sets – Many homeless shelters, senior centers, and women’s shelters welcome the donation of old television sets, DVD players, radios, and digital clocks for the use of their dependents. Contact local ones in your area to see if they are currently accepting donations.

If you would rather simply get rid of your old electronics through a recycling program, opt for a government sanctioned one (I’m a big fan of Earth 911) and thoroughly research any recycling programs offered through manufacturers and retailers prior to using their services. Want more ideas? Check out Inhabitat’s creative ways to get rid of old electronics.

More than two weeks after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the nation of Haiti, relief efforts continue to build in order to bring aid to survivors. The Haitian government has confirmed the death toll to be well over 150,000, while another quarter of a million individuals sustained injuries. Thousands of buildings were destroyed, leaving countless Haitians homeless and the Red Cross estimates that as many as 3 million people have been affected by the quake.

A young victim of the earthquake receives medical attention. Image via guardian.co.uk

Given the utter devastation and enormity of the situation, I felt it was important and appropriate to highlight just a few of the many ways we can help those in need.

The American Red Cross – As one of the nation’s most well-established and reputable emergency response organizations, the Red Cross offers neutral and global humanitarian care to victims of war and natural disasters. Financial donations through the Red Cross are used to support emergency relief efforts in Haiti, including providing life-saving supplies such as food, water, blankets, and temporary shelters for displaced survivors.

Hope for Haiti Now – Hope for Haiti Now was a global benefit that was nationally televised on Friday, January 22 in order to raise funds for earthquake relief. Hundreds of celebrities participated and more than 80 million people tuned in. Thus far, $57 million has been raised through Hope for Haiti Now, which supports a myriad of prominent non-profits, including the American Red Cross and Oxfam America. The Entertainment Industry Foundation is providing philanthropic support to ensure proper administration of all donated funds.

Partners in Health – Another organization excepting cash donations for quake relief is Partners in Health, which works to bring modern medical care to poor communities in nine countries. PIH has been working in Haiti for the past 20 years and is instrumental in providing urgent medical care to quake victims.

World Food Programme – WFP is dedicated to fighting hunger worldwide and since the earthquake hit, has served millions of meals to survivors in Haiti. Cash donations to WFP will be used to continue providing life-saving meals to victims of the quake.

Craft Websites – Donating cash directly isn’t the only way you can help; a number of websites that sell handcrafted items are donating profits to Haiti relief efforts. Indie Fixx is running a silent auction of donated items while Etsy has “Handmade for Haiti” which lists sellers that are donating profits to relief efforts.

Musicians – Blink 182 and Lady Gaga are just a few of the many celebrities jumping on the Haiti bandwagon. Both artists are selling t-shirts and donating 100 percent from each sale.

5000Shoes.com – Soles4Shoes and Jessica Simpson have teamed up to send shoes to Haiti, a much-needed commodity for survivors who must walk amid the broken glass, twisted metal, and raw sewage. The charity has is working to acquire 50,000 pairs in just 50 days and has pledged one million pairs in total. For the price of your daily coffee – just $5 – you can provide someone in need with two pairs of shoes.

As a reminder, always make financial donations to reputable charitable organizations that you know and trust to ensure your donation is properly utilized.

Most environmentally conscious individuals give of themselves often to try and make our Earth not only healthier – but a better place as well.

 During the holidays, most people tend to recognize their many blessings – and therefore, give more freely. If you’re considering donating but you’re not sure which charity should receive the goods, you’re in luck. Here’s a look at some amazing charities that are most definitely worth donating to.

These presents pull double duty: Not only do they add a little light to whomever you give them to, but they help make the world a bit brighter too, by bringing money or attention to worthwhile causes. These picks are for family members, friends and coworkers who appreciate good causes more than material clutter. Make sure you also check out our eco-charity list from last year.

Global Green: To help stem global climate change, Global Green works to build sustainable buildings and cities. Projects across the country abound, but the group is probably best known for its Rebuilding New Orleans undertaking.

Heifer International: You pick the animals and region; Heifer provides livestock and agricultural training to impoverished people around the globe. Recipients pay it forward by sharing animal offspring with neighbors.

Green for All: Founded by former White House Special Advisor for Green Jobs Van Jones, Green for All works with businesses, government, labor and grass roots communities to create much needed jobs in the clean-energy economy.

Charity Water: On billion people lack access to clean drinking water, but through charity: water just $20 can bring one person water for 20 years. 100% of your donations go directly to digging wells.

Microplace: This microfinance operation (a branch of eBay) helps you lend, not hand out,  money to third-world entrepreneurs. Invest as little as $20; you’re guaranteed to earn your money back in interest.

The Girls Effect: Statistics show that young women in developing nations are often the most effective agents of change, but they largely go unnoticed by societies and the media. The Green Girl Effect provides education, health care, job training, and more to help them thrive.

Reverb: The music fans on your list will love Reverb, which helps artists seriously green their tours. Founded by Guster lead singer Adam Gardner and his wife, Lauren Sullivan, the group has worked with more than 80 major tours.

FEED Projects: Cofounded by model and activist Lauren Bush, FEED uses the give-one/get-one model to nourish school children and support aid workers in conjunction with the U.N. For each stylish bag you purchase, a donation of food or supplies goes to kids or field workers.

What’s the price of human life worth? Most wouldn’t be able to put a price tag on it, but if we really had to, most of us would probably agree that the value would be in the billions. Consistent with the bases of our democracy and our professed beliefs in the inherent dignity of human beings, I’m sure we would agree that all humans are created equal, and differences of sex, ethnicity, nationality and geography do not change the value of human life.

I believe that giving should be something we all strive to do. This hasn’t always been my belief, but it has become an embedded part of how I now walk this earth. Most people are motivated to give based on a desire to find meaning in life. For some, meaning is intertwined with community connections, (defining community as narrowly as “family” to the full community of life). It’s a great feeling to explore a sense of connection and a sense of purpose.

It’s true that many people give to charities simply to expose their names, but to others it feels good just to give. Some experience a rush after sending in a check or dropping off a donation to a charitable cause; a feeling that can last for days, weeks, or even months. It’s awesome knowing that you have brightened someone else’s day!

My friend Apple Levy of The Green Girls has been nominated as a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year. I am honored to be able to help with this cause.

Apple has said,

“Part of my vision with TheGreenGirls.com was to promote good deeds & helpful causes. With this campaign, we can be part of a cure & make a huge difference in the families affected by this disease.

I’m running for woman of the year because I want to do everything in my power to help other families and children experience the incredible joys life has to offer”.

Charities in their finest are an act of the creative imagination. At some point, most of us will have passed through many different stages of life — from vulnerable to invincible. We should be able to relate to and care for one another. That’s the beauty of what makes us human. By opening ourselves to giving, we enhance the richness of the world and liberate the creative energies of the human heart, mind, and spirit. Have fun giving.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,

“It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

To support the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and help fight against blood cancer donate online here or by mail, here. Remember your entire donation is 100% tax deductible and you’ll be funding life-saving research, grants & providing support to thousands of patients and their families.

If you live in Canada and are passionate about conquering cancer, you can donate to a cycling journey that will ride form Toronto, CA, to Niagara Falls. For more info, click here:

Enjoy the journey of generosity.

It’s that Holiday time again when most people start frantically running around to find that perfect gift for loved ones.

It’s awesome to watch those you love elate over something you thoughtfully surprised them with. However, most of us spend our time thinking about what things we want, how we would like people to treat us and how great it would be if we had this, that and the other thing, that we forget it’s by giving, that we receive.

It’s not just the gratitude you get in giving to a person or organization, but more so the heightened feelings of satisfaction you receive by this pure and simple act.

Whether you give money, things you don’t use anymore, a helping hand, a kind word, a boost of confidence, a high-five for a job well done, you have given and by giving of yourself, you have given to yourself.

For this Holiday season, I decided to compile a list of what I consider to be the top eco-friendly charities and fair trade sites.

Give to humankind, and the betterment of life on earth, or to someone else’s life, which will make a mark on your own heart and soul. Giving charitable donations creates a feeling unlike any other. Buying from websites that give back to indigenous communities, creates a global unity. Just knowing that you are doing a small part to better this earth we inhabit makes all the difference in the world.

Here are my favorites. Pass this along and if there are fair trade sites you feel should be listened, or charities, please add them to our comment section.

Lets make an eco difference this holiday season and feel good about ourselves in doing so!

• I just wrote about “I’m Tired” a few days ago, but to me, they are number one this year. Make a small purchase…Make a big difference! That’s how this will work. The concept behind “I’m Tired” is that you purchase very inexpensive, but fashionably cool eco-bracelets, and in doing so, you’re making donations to a multitude of causes.
• The “I’m Tired” bracelet concept was sparked by the success of Lance Armstrong’s effort to raise money for cancer with a simple silicone bracelet. For every $10 bracelet you purchase, I’m Tired donates $5 to the cause. You pick the cause and the donation will automatically be made on your behalf. Think about it. If you bought 10 bracelets for 100 bucks, you would have 10 great eco gifts to give those you love and you would also be giving $50 to the charity of your choice. It’s a win, win situation. What are you “Tired” of? Pick your cause!
• If you don’t think Great Aunt Betty would fully appreciate the anti-gorilla poaching patrol, you can give her a gift certificate so she can choose a charity she’d like to support. “Just Give” is a creative team of charitable advocates whose dedication and expertise work together to connect individuals with the causes they care about most.
  To donate go to justgive.org where you can purchase a gift certificate for any amount.
• If you have a cause, but not a specific charity in mind, think about getting a “charity gift basket” from Just Give. Choose from a list of causes like “Animal Place“, or “Save the Earth“. Check out justgive.org for their full list of gift basket options.
• What Is Fair Trade you ask?
  Fair trade is an organized movement and market-based concept that empowers developing countries to produce and promote sustainability. The movement warrants the payment of a “fair” prices as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods.
• These are a few well-respected fair trade organizations that verify each product has a positive impact on the people and the planet that helped create them. Their goal is to ensure that every choice you make here is a good one. Buy your coffee and chocolate for those office holiday parties from fair trade companies this year!
• WorldofGoods.com is the world’s first online marketplace to assemble thousands of people positive and eco positive sellers and products all in one place.
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• Equal Exchange envisioned a food system that would empower farmers from third world countries, as well as consumers, to support small farmer co-ops and use sustainable farming methods.

• The Kallari Association is an amazing self-governed coalition of Amazon artists and organic cocoa producers. Kallari was created to facilitate sustainable income in Kichwa, Equator. Buying their fair trade coffee and chocolate can fulfill basic family needs without logging their rainforests or selling their land.
  To purchase products, click here
• At “A Better Footprint“, (formerly Worldgoods Fair Trade), is dedicated to economic development in some of the world’s poorest areas. Their store is your place for fair trade, earth-friendly, organic, and multicultural products. Shop there and leave a better eco-footprint.
• For more than 45 years, WWF, (World Wildlife Federation), has been protecting the future of nature. WWF is the largest multinational conservation organization in the world, working in 100 countries and supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally.
  Their mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment, and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Adopt an animal, or give an adoption card here.
• “Plan-international” is one of the oldest and largest international development agencies in the world, working in more then 49 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas. “Plan-international” is the largest child-centered community development organization in the world. With no religious or political affiliations, “Plan-international” works with children, their families and communities to make lasting improvements to childrens lives.
• Greenpeace stands for positive change through action, defending the natural world and promoting peace. They investigate, expose and confront environmental abuse by governments and corporations around the world. Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, protect, conserve and promote peace towards the environment.
• For more than 75 years, “Save the Children” has been an independent force for change in the lives of children in need, making it possible for them to grow up healthy and safe. “Save the Children”, offers great opportunities and choices in areas such as providing micro-nutrients and medicine to children, educating a child for one year, or helping children in the U.S. break the cycle of poverty. For more info, click here.
• “Friends of the Earth“, makes life better for people by inspiring solutions to environmental issues. The dedicated staff fights to protect the rights of all people to live in a safe and healthy environment, both at home and in countries around the world. Their campaigns demonstrate a belief that the fight for justice and the movement to protect the health of the planet are part of the same struggle. By supporting “Friends of the Earth”, they promise that your donation will be wisely invested in the future well-being of this planet and its inhabitants. Click here for further details.
• “Rainforest Rescue” is committed to saving the rainforests for current and future generations. Their projects involve rainforest restoration, research and property purchase and protection. Rainforests support half of the species of life on earth and absorb massive amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. The biodiversity provides vital ecosystem services upon which all of humanity depends.
  All donations to “Rainforest Rescue” are tax deductible and you can indicate your preference for supporting specific projects.
• “Tools for Self Reliance” supports grassroots development projects in Africa by providing practical help to practical people. Working with partner organizations, they deliver effective, targeted aid to people in poor communities. This allows people to start up or expand their small businesses, giving them the means to afford a living, send their children to school and build a better future for themselves and their families. With every tool shipment, “Tools for Self Reliance” moves one step closer to putting the rural poor of Africa on the path to prosperity and self-reliance. To give to this cause, click here.
• H2O Africa Foundation. Give a village in Africa the gift of the resource we all take for granted, clean water. A gift to this partnership not only goes 100% directly to providing clean water in Rwanda, but every dollar donated will double their grant matching relationship.
• Give the gift that keeps on giving. Donate money to a needy family with anything from a cow to a flock of chicks. A gift from Heifer’s Gift Catalog will provide animals and training to help families build a better future for themselves and their communities.

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• “Oxfam America” is an international relief and development organization that creates solutions for poverty, hunger, and injustice. Together with individuals and local groups in more than 120 countries, Oxfam saves lives, helps people overcome poverty, and fights for social justice. Your support fuels “Oxfam America’s” work in poor countries, where local community groups help people lift themselves out of poverty.
  For info visit oxfamamerica.org.

I hope this has been helpful and I hope that we all take the time this Holiday season to think about what’s important to us, how we can help the planet, our communities, or people in geographical locations were we’re far removed from.

Even with these tough economic times, we are a nation that has much more then many other countries around the world. A little bit of effort on our part goes a long way in other parts of this world. Remember we’re all under the same sun, the same moon and the ever present changing times.