There are two new Toms that you should add to your memory bank.
The first is Tom's of Maine, a natural personal product company that I absolutely ADORE. Tom's
1) does not utilize animal testing.
2) uses no artificial colors, flavors, fragrance or preservatives in its products.
3) uses recycled content in its packaging, and aims to allow for recycling of its used products.
4) requires its employees to devote 5% (12 days) of their time to volunteering.
5) donates 10% of its profits to "human and environmental goodness."
6) uses sustainable practices and discloses every ingredient, purpose and source willingly on both the Tom's website and product packaging. Do they have to? Under current laws, not at all.
In fact, last night at Wal-mart (yeah, not mah fave place but it's cheap) I bought Tom's Natural Aluminum-free Apricot deodorant ($4.24) and Antiplaque/Tartar Control Plus Whitening Peppermint toothpaste ($4.18). Those are the Wal-mart prices though, and they're about two dollars more expensive each elsewhere - though, in my opinion, worth it. With what I've learned, I'm willing to pay the money. Tom's doesn't use any of the same gunky chemicals as conventional personal care products. (To learn more about this, I suggest you visit the Skin Deep website, which will teach you all about the scary realities of our totally outdated cosmetic and skincare chemical-testing system in America [the Toxic Substances Control Act]...aka it hasn't been amended since 1979, and doesn't require companies to test their own products for safety nor does it regulate the health claims on the packaging. But I'm rambling.)
Buy Tom's of Maine: http://www.tomsofmaine.com/home
The second is [just] TOMS, an online shoe store with a radically new philosophy: ONE FOR ONE. What does that mean?
"With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need."
What a beautiful concept.
Why shoes? (just a few reasons taken from the website)
"Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:
- A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
- Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
- Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential."
Now admittedly, I have not bought from them yet. Why? Because I'm in college...and if I want something, I pay for it myself. Alas, TOMS shoes usually fall within the $50-80 range. But they are super cute and the next time I have some extra cash for a socially conscious shoe, you can bet where my money is going. (Note: "Environment" here is all-encompassing...it's not just trees. It's the air you breathe, the food you eat, the environment in which you live; an endless series of factors that contributes to one's living conditions, and social consciousness is included. We are the Earth's community, you see.) There is a lot of variety in shoe, style, pattern, color, etc. They just added women's wedges to their repertoire. Sometimes they contract artists to design shoes; they have vegan shoes as well. You can also get an e-newsletter to keep you updated.
The pair I want?
Tyler Ramsey Hand Painted, $68
Other faves are Maklai Women's Vegan Classics ($54) and Earle Organic Cotton Women's Vegan (also $54).
Remember, human kindness is eco-friendly!
Buy TOMS: http://www.toms.com/
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keep it green!