Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.
Full disclosure: I belong to the Given Goods Co. affiliate program. I may get a commission if you decide to purchase something from Given Good Co. through a couple of the links in this post.
Given Goods Company is a marketplace for products that give back. All of the products you see on the website make a “tangible social impact” when purchased.
The company was launched in November of 2012 by founder Cammy Houser. As a consumer, Cammy had always wanted to buy products that had a story and were interesting. She wanted to work in a “do good” space but wasn’t interested in working in the nonprofit realm. Without any work experience in retail or e-commerce, Cammy put her passion for wanting to “give in good conscience” into good use and found vendors that were socially conscious. Cammy tells me she saw a business early on in offering products that gave back with each purchase.
When Given Goods Company launched last year, not everyone understood the concept of gifts that gave back, save for well-known companies like TOMS. This year is a whole different story, Cammy explained, as more and more people are shopping with a conscience.
Some of Given Goods Company’s most popular products for women.
Since its launch, Given Goods Company has worked with over 200 vendors. Each vendor goes through a careful process to ensure that they live up to the Given Goods Company brand name. The first requirement, of course, is that the vendor needs to be socially responsible and give back in some way. The second requirement is that the products must be of high quality and something that the Given Goods Company customer wants. You’ll find wearable / usable products that are beautiful and have a story.
What I love about the Given Goods Company website is that the vendor’s story is included with the product descriptions. You learn the story and the impact you will make when you purchase the product. Some products might provide jobs, while others might plant trees or donate proceeds to a charitable organization. There’s also a impact map that shows you in real time the impact being made around the globe through purchases. You can even create an account and build your own Personal Impact Profile.
Since Given Goods Company is all about giving back, the company itself also gets into the game. They’ve partnered with nonprofits to raise money and to donate to food banks during Thanksgiving. Cammy says she wants Giving Goods Co. to be known for giving and making an impact. Period.
She’s also interested in hearing what you want to see from Given Goods Co. Cammy is always happy to talk with customers via email or by phone (603.568.8002).
What products do you want to see on Given Goods Co website?
this post was also published on pplkind.com
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says
December 13, 2013 at 7:33 amThanks for sharing another incredible way to shop with a conscience. I haven’t heard of Given Goods Company, but I’ll definitely check them out. I’ve still got loads of holiday shopping to do, and I’d love for my purchases to give back in some way!
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anotherjennifer says
December 15, 2013 at 10:24 amThey’ve got lots of great options, Nicole. So fun to discover these companies that give back!
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Michelle says
December 13, 2013 at 8:01 amI hadn’t heard of them, but I will be by to check them out this weekend. It’s a wonderful concept!
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anotherjennifer says
December 15, 2013 at 10:25 amIt really is, Michelle. And their stuff is gorgeous!
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Ilene says
December 13, 2013 at 12:09 pmMore good stuff, Jen, and super inspiring for me, as I try to figure out the best ways I can give back to my community as I build my little empire 🙂
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anotherjennifer says
December 15, 2013 at 10:29 amI love that you are thinking of ways to give back right from the beginning, Ilene. Let me know if I can help you in any way!
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Tamara says
December 13, 2013 at 12:38 pmYou’re finding some real great ones, so close to the holidays! Very awesome. I love the impact map. I love the drinkware and I love how you can narrow down the goods by cause, region and color.
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anotherjennifer says
December 15, 2013 at 10:31 amIsn’t that awesome? It combines the story and the impact in such a visual way. I love it! And I, too, love the drinkware. 🙂
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Chris Carter says
December 13, 2013 at 11:13 pmWOW! This is just amazing Jen! I love that you can find all the best ways we can give back- and all the amazing companies that are founded on this principle. Just so cool.
I will definitely share this one too. It’s too good NOT to share!! XO
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anotherjennifer says
December 15, 2013 at 10:33 amThanks, Chris! I love finding these companies. I find that they are starting to come to me these days, directly and indirectly. Love it!
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The Dose of Reality says
December 14, 2013 at 10:27 amLuckily I haven’t even done half my Christmas shopping this year. While it’s making me feel antsy to be so behind, I’m happy because I am DEFINITELY shopping at Giving Goods. I love the concept and the items are GORGEOUS!! I love that infinity bracelet, but the triple brass bracelets are so pretty, too.!! –Lisa
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anotherjennifer says
December 15, 2013 at 10:34 amI think I love almost everything on the Given Goods website. Everything is so pretty! I kinda just want to shop for myself. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..How I’m Shopping With a Conscience This Holiday Season on GOOD.is