Even when it’s your own hard-earned cash, there tends to be a tiny side of guilt that comes with spending money on things that aren’t absolute essentials. “Do you REALLY need a fourth pair of rose gold sneakers?” that little voice in your head asks. Or, “shouldn’t you be putting that $70 into savings, rather than spending it on a new Naked palette?”
But at the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with treating yo’self when you’ve got the rest of your finances in place. You work hard – you deserve it! But for a shopping spree you can really feel good about, why not splash your cash on philanthropic businesses that give part of their proceeds to good causes?
Scroll through the gallery for 9 of our favourite do-gooder companies that give back with every purchase.
1. Sun Bear Sunscreen
If you’re in the market for a sunscreen that’s good for your skin, the environment and adorable animals, look no further than Sun Bear. Not only is the Australian-made brand incredibly sustainable, natural and cruelty-free, they also donate a whopping 80% of their profits to protecting endangered sun bears, the world’s smallest bear. Since you’re going to buy it anyway (because we don’t want to get burnt), why not make your decision a little more conscious?
Find out more about Sun Bear Sunscreen.
2. Who Gives A Crap
Okay, so toilet paper is more of an essential than a ‘treat yo’self’ item. Even more reason to make it count! Who Gives A Crap pride themselves on being good to the people, good to the environment and good for your bum. The company donates 50% of the profits from their super soft, 100% recycled toilet paper to help build toilets for people in third world countries. Oh yeah, and their packaging is super cute, too!
Learn more about Who Gives A Crap
3. Spiritual Gangster
We have to admit that we were already obsessed with Spiritual Gangster’s yoga, active and swimwear before we discovered how charitable they are. But now that we know they donate a meal to someone in need for every item they sell, they’re even closer to our hearts. They also donate some of the proceeds of their sales to the Cambodian Children’s Fund, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Make A Wish.
Check out Spiritual Gangster.
4. Thankyou
Australian social enterprise Thankyou puts every last cent of their profit towards ending global poverty, by helping to get safe water, sanitation, food and child and maternal health programs to people in need. And with the company now selling everything from water bottles and museli to body care and baby products, there are plenty of practical ways to give back.
Learn more about Thankyou.
5. TOMS
While TOMS was once known for their iconic canvas slides, they now sell a range of different shoes, bags and accessories. But while they’ve upped their fashion game, their ‘one for one’ model remains the same — with each purchase, shoes, water, vision and bullying prevention services are provided to someone who needs it.
Find out more about TOMS here.
6. Frankie Peach
Frankie Peach is an example of a small Aussie company doing BIG things. Founded by Sali Sasi, a breast cancer survivor herself, and bestie Charlotte Backlund, $1 from every purchase of their gorgeous silk scarves goes to Pink Hope — an organisation that aims to help women reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
7. FEED
Slinging a stylish handbag on your shoulder could help put food on a hungry child’s table, thanks to FEED. While some companies add a charity aspect as an afterthought, giving back is the focus of FEED’s business model, with each purchase of their bags providing between 1 and 75 (depending on the bag) meals to a child in need.
Learn more about FEED.
8. Cotton On
Cotton On has its own foundation that aims to provide education and infrastructure to places that have been deemed impossible to help. So far, they have established 5,300 educational places and sponsored 1,750 students among many other things. The Cotton On Foundation products are sold in over 1,000 stores globally and 100% of these proceeds go to their global projects.
Learn more about Cotton On Foundation
9. Reformation
Everything that this company uses from the fabrics and hangers to the green building infrastructure they have for their factories and stores is all in efforts to minimize their waste, water, and carbon footprint. Even for their employees birthdays, they donate to Tree People and plant a tree in their name.
Check out all of Reformations sustainability practices
