Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

fair wages

5 on Friday: Ways your money can make a difference

Chances are, you’re going to spend some money this month. Bills aside, many of us have a little extra to spend. So, if you knew that your money could do more than just buy stuff, would you spend it differently?

Here are five ways that your money can make a difference, in this country and around the world. dollars

1. This sustainable goods company provides a fair wage for women in Cambodia. You can read more about why I love them here. And until Sunday, if you spend $50 (not hard to do!) on the Website, you can get $10 off your purchase with the code “AutumnSale” at checkout. You can be sure that your purchase empowers women, provides a living for a family and has been responsibly made.

2. This filmmaker has a story to tell about trafficking in the U.S. but he needs our help to produce the film. Check out the giving options, which range from $15 to $500, and learn more about the project.

3. If you’re ready for a long-term commitment, consider sponsoring a child. I wholeheartedly embrace the work of Compassion International, and this month they are aiming to find sponsors for more than 3,000 children. And it’s a little more than a dollar a day.

4. For about a dollar a day, you can also be part of a team that rescues women and children from slavery. If you join one of the teams with a monthly commitment, the staff at The Exodus Road will provide you exclusive updates on real-life rescue happening in Southeast Asia.

5. Okay, so I know money is tight, too, and there are a TON of worthy causes out there. But you can also give any extra stuff you have sitting around the house. One organization that uses this giving method is Hope International. Check it out here. You can donate your stuff. Another company sells it and the proceeds benefit Hope, which offers small loans to entrepreneurs in impoverished countries, helping them learn financial responsibility while maintaining their dignity and acknowledging their creativity. It’s un-charity, as they call it.

Not an exhaustive list by any means, but if you’re looking to make a difference with your dollars, these are some quality options. Feel free to add more in the comments section!

Do you know where your clothes come from?

Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought in the past, but when the news reports stories like this and this, then I have to wonder if the clothes I’m wearing are breaking someone else’s back.

It’s a complex problem without easy solutions, but that doesn’t mean we need to sit back and wring our hands.

Can I introduce you to a company that offers products that are good for the planet, for the people who make them and for you?

Imagine Goods is an organization I whole-heartedly support. And I think you should too. IG logo

Here’s why:

First, the clothes, bags, aprons, tablecloths and the like are GOR-geous. I don’t go gaga over new clothes or home furnishings too often, but these products are classy.

Second, the company offers a symbol on each of its products representing the worker who made the item. On their Website, you can learn a little bit about the person who made your dress or apron or tablecloth.

Third, the owners Michelle and Aiyana are dedicated, hard-working and hands-on. They’ll be taking their 13th trip to Cambodia this weekend to buy fabric at the local market and meet with the workers they employ. From start to finish, they know the ins and outs of their business.

Fourth, the work Imagine Goods offers gives marginalized people a fair wage which helps families, and a chance to learn a trade. On the Website, you’ll notice clothes labeled “second.” Those have been made by people who are learning to sew. Rather than throw out work that may not be perfect, Imagine Goods offers them at a reduced price.

Fifth, do you need more reasons? If so, then I dare you to visit Imagine Goods on the Web and not be inspired by the work they are doing. I’m planning to buy  my next dress for a wedding from there. And next year, when my daughter needs an  Easter dress, I’ll be heading to Imagine Goods.

It’s past time that we–shoppers, consumers, Americans–take responsibility for our part in the world’s problems. Imagine Goods makes it easy to feel good about the clothes you buy and to make a difference–a real, lasting difference–in the life of a real live person on the other side of the world.

Enough talking. Now go check out their Website!