What if we told you that you could change the world just by shopping? It might sound too good to be true, but it’s a reality when you shop at charitable companies. Whether you want to give back to your community or save the environment, you can do it with your purchases. You just need to know which companies are committed to making a difference with efforts like buy one, give one programs and donations to worthy causes.
At RetailMeNot, we want you to feel good about the companies you buy from. As a result, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite companies that give back to charity. Read on to find out which companies are making the world a better place and how you can help by shopping with them.
Allbirds
Allbirds shoes and flats have gained quite a following among fashion fans who value comfort just as much as they do style. The brand’s comfy footwear and clothing are made from natural materials that include wool and eucalyptus. Using natural fibers is just one way that Allbirds strives to be a sustainable company.
You can help Allbirds reverse climate change by shopping at Allbirds ReRun. There, you’ll find “slightly imperfect and gently used products” for less. By shopping there, you can find deals and save the planet at the same time.
Ben & Jerry’s
If you love ice cream, you know Ben & Jerry’s has some of the best flavors. From Cherry Garcia to Half Baked, these little pints are so delicious that it’s hard to eat just one. Thankfully, you can feel good about keeping your freezer stocked with Ben & Jerry’s because this company is famous for giving back to charity.
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation has been supporting social justice groups since 1985. The foundation provides grants to U.S. organizations that fight for racial equity as well as social and environmental justice. We love that buying ice cream can translate into a donation for good.
Better World Books
You can indulge your reading habit without putting a huge dent in your wallet when you shop at Better World Books. This online bookstore offers deals on both new and used books and matches each purchase with a book donation.
In addition to offering book donations, this socially conscious business also uses its sales to support literacy and education programs around the United States and the world. Since its founding in 2003, Better World Books has raised $33 million to support literacy and donated more than 32 million books.
BLQK Coffee
Justin Watson, a former NFL player, founded BLQK Coffee to share his love of coffee and community building with the world. You can enroll in the Coffee Club to receive regular shipments or purchase coffee and accessories whenever you want using the brand’s website.
You can feel good about purchasing coffee from BLQK Coffee because it donates 25 percent of its profits to charities that focus on social justice. Additionally, the brand ethically and sustainably sources its coffee, so much so that only 1 percent of coffee around the world meets its standards.
Bombas
When it comes to socks that are just as comfy as they are stylish, Bombas is one of the biggest names in the game. However, the brand doesn’t just limit its products to its paying customers. It also donates its socks and other essential clothing to those in need.
Through Bombas Giving, this company makes and donates the top three most requested items at homeless shelters. It also uses its network of more than 3,500 partners to give away an item every time you make a purchase. This has translated into 100 million items (and counting) being donated to the people who need them the most.
Out of Print
If you literally want to wear your love for your favorite books right on your sleeve, you’ll want to shop at Out of Print. This retailer sells apparel and accessories that feature literary classics that range from “The Great Gatsby” to “Anne of Green Gables.”As a bookworm-friendly business, it makes sense that Out of Print helps support literacy. The brand has donated more than 5 million books to communities in need and works with charitable organizations like We Need Diverse Books, Books for Africa and GLSEN’s Rainbow Library. Buying from Out of Print helps support efforts like these.
Patagonia
Patagonia has always been a charitable and eco-minded company. The brand has focused on making affordable products that cause less harm to the environment. It has also been giving away 1 percent of its sales for decades, which has sent millions of dollars to charity.
Now, Patagonia has taken its do-good attitude to the next level by “going purpose” instead of “going public” with the brand. This means 100 percent of the company’s voting stock goes to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, which protects the company’s values. As for the non-voting stock, 100 percent of it transfers to the Holdfast Collective to defend nature against environmental threats.
Roma
When rainy days are forecasted, some people feel bummed. However, if you own a pair of Roma rain boots, you probably get excited because you get to wear boots that are just as cute as they are comfortable. This footwear can do more than brighten up a rainy day for you. It can also bring smiles to those in need.You can “make the world a better place with one pair of shoes at a time” when you buy boots from Roma. That’s because Roma donates a new pair of boots to a child living in poverty every time you buy a pair for yourself. Over the last 12 years, this generosity has translated into 10 million dollars in boots going to more than 30 countries around the globe.
Thinx
Thinx has revolutionized how women handle that time of the month by creating “underwear that absorbs your period.” Its goal is to create sustainable solutions for menstruation while empowering the people who need them.
It probably comes as no surprise that Thinx is a company that gives back. Its program, which is called GiveRise, strives to change the lives of millions through charitable efforts throughout the year. So far, Thinx has donated thousands of pairs of period underwear and more than $400,000 through its cart donation program. When you make a purchase, you can help Thinx continue to donate items and funds that make a difference.
Thrive Market
If you have specific dietary needs, grocery shopping can be a nightmare. Thankfully, Thrive Market offers a grocery delivery service that can cater to nearly 100 diets and lifestyles. Best of all, this retailer offers affordable pricing, making it easier to stock your pantry and refrigerator.
Thrive Market also works hard to make food available to people in need. Through Thrive Gives, you can give back when you get a paid membership to Thrive Market. That’s because the brand gives a free membership to someone in need with every paid membership. The program also provides grocery discounts and food donations after natural disasters.
TOMS
When it comes to fashion for your feet, the iconic alpargatas from TOMS stand out. These shoes, and all the other footwear styles from this brand, feature a winning combination of comfort and style. However, this isn’t the only reason to shop at TOMS.
This brand has committed to donating one-third of its profits to “cash grants and partnerships with community organizations” that support mental health through the TOMS Grassroots Good program. The goal is to help more people access the mental health resources they need.
Uncommon Goods
As you might have guessed from the brand’s name, this online retailer specializes in selling unique gifts and products. However, you might not know that Uncommon Goods is a company that lets you give back to charity.
The Better to Give program makes it easy to give to charity. Every time you make a purchase with Uncommon Goods, the brand will donate $1 to the Better to Give partner of your choice. If you’re a Perks member, this donation increases to $2 per order. Since the program started in 2001, Uncommon Goods has donated more than $2.9 million.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker is one of the biggest names in the eyewear space. This brand sells everything from eyeglasses and contacts to sunglasses. It also provides services like eye exams and home try-on options. As if these things weren’t enough to make you love Warby Parker, this eyewear icon is also charitable.
Through the Buy a Pair, Give a Pair model, Warby Parker donates a pair of eyeglasses to one of their nonprofit partners when you purchase a pair of your own. These nonprofits then give the glasses to the people who need them the most. Since starting the program, Warby Parker has given away more than 13 million pairs of glasses to people in countries ranging from Bangladesh to Zimbabwe.
Zenni Optical
While we’re on the topic of charitable eyewear retailers, we also want to mention Zenni Optical. Not only does Zenni sell eyeglasses, sunglasses and even protective eyewear for “everyone,” but it also strives to serve vulnerable populations in need of eye care and eyewear.
Zenni believes that everyone deserves high-quality eye care. As a result, it works closely with like-minded brands and non-profit organizations to bring everything from eyeglasses to vision screening to children, families and communities. The result is 1.3+ million glasses being donated to those in need.
The post Our A-to-Z Guide to Charitable Companies That Let You Give Back With Your Purchases appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
