With the biggest shopping days of the year around the bend, conventional retailers are frantically competing to squeeze every last dollar out of consumers’ wallets. But what about those of us who are looking to actually do some good with our money this holiday season? On Tuesday, December 3rd two movements—#FairTuesday and #GivingTuesday—are making it easy by connecting us with ethical shopping options and worthy nonprofits.
Started in 2012 by Global Goods Partners, #FairTuesday was created to promote ethical consumer choices for the holidays. As anyone familiar with fair trade knows all too well, the vast majority of gift options found in malls are created with exploitative labor practices, and the huge companies who make astronomical profits during the holiday season reap all the benefits. #FairTuesday invites consumers to explore all the amazing fair trade and eco-friendly options on the market by partnering with companies and organizations with awesome ethical goods that empower artisans and protect the environment.
Featuring 150+ organizations this year, their website is full of great products, amazing promotions/discounts and even fun giveaways. HandCrafting Justice is proud to be a partner two years running. Check out our page on their site for a special web coupon on the 3rd!
For those of us who would prefer to shrink our present piles altogether this holiday season, #GivingTuesday provides a truly altruistic way to create a little more “peace on earth,” by choosing to donate to worthy causes instead of buying gifts.
GivingTuesday was conceived by New York’s 92nd Street Y as an altruistic alternative to Black Friday, setting aside a day each year during the busy shopping season to encourage charitable giving as a way to meaningfully celebrate the holidays. In 2012, participating organizations reported an unprecedented increase in seasonal donations, and this year promises to be similarly successful.
In 2013, as of today there are 6,225 partners and growing registered on the #GivingTuesday website along with dozens of events scheduled across the country celebrating charitable giving for the holidays. As a new partner, HandCrafting Justice is proud to celebrate with their holiday fundraiser and provide NYC GivingTuesday supporters a meaningful way to shop beautiful handmade goods and give back at the same time.
So in sum: “JUST SAY NO!” to Black Friday and support #FairTuesday and #GivingTuesday this year. There is no better way to make your dollars count!
