Dear Milkshake readers,

We founded Milkshake five years ago to promote “all that’s good.” We created a space where we could promote positive people, products, and ideas. We need to use this platform to make a real change. We need to fight for better gun control.

On September 29th, another shooting occurred in a public space (a space that should be safe) in which a single gunman targeted innocent students at Oregon’s Umpqua Community College. Like many of our readers, we watched in horror as the news unfolded. Ten were killed and numerous others were injured. It was tragic, but not unavoidable.

It’s no longer enough for us to post to Facebook and hope for the best. As Obama said in the aftermath of the violence, our “thoughts and prayers” are not enough. We can’t wait for things to change and think positive. We have to be a force for change, especially when it comes to this disturbing and horrific topic.

School shootings—and shootings at gyms, churches, malls, and other public places—are an American tragedy. It is sickening that this continues to happen, and it should sicken all of us. But again, being shocked and appalled isn’t enough. Being deeply moved isn’t enough.

Our laws are ever evolving and continually changing. We change our laws to make riding in a car safer: seatbelts. We change our laws to make our bodies healthier: no trans fats. We change our laws to make the environment safer: emission controls. Yet, we go through tragedies like Columbine, Blacksburg, Salt Lake City, Newtown, Aurora, Charleston, and Oregon over and over again. This hasn’t happened once or twice. It is not enough to shrug and say “stuff happens,” as presidential hopeful Jeb Bush did on Friday. That response is toxic and it makes us complicit.

We can’t let this happen again. We need to wake up. We need to prevent gun violence. We need to keep weapons from being purchased and wielded by the wrong people.  

We believe in the second amendment and the right of the people keep and bear arms. However, that right is a privilege and should only be granted to those who earn and qualify for it. Our laws must ensure that we all are safe. Gun laws need to change to make that happen.So, the question is: How can we be agents of change? How can we work together to make our country a safer place for children, students, citizens, and refugees?

We don’t have all the answers, but we are determined to get them. We are committed here at Milkshake to identify, develop and promote passage of legislation designed to enhance gun safety. This is not a political issue. This is not a gender issue. This is an American issue that affects all of us. We hope you will join us and make our country safer and stronger. Here are a few things you can do to take action:

1.     Join a State Affiliate. Every state has an organization working towards making gun laws safer. Find your state and join. 

2.     You may be invested in gun companies and not even know it. Visit Unload Your 401K to check, and then follow the steps to get your money out.

3.     Call your elected representatives in Congress and tell them you support safety measures like background checks on all gun sales, a ban on military-style assault weapons on our streets, and a limit on high-capacity magazines.

4.     Sign up for Ceasefire USA: The GVP Report. Stay up-to-date with the latest on gun violence prevention news, advocacy and research.

5.    Become a single-issue voter. As President Obama noted this week, pro-NRA voters are often single-issue voters. We need to respond in kind. Before you vote for your state representative, find out where they stand on gun control. If they take money from the NRA, do not vote for them. If they are against gun control, do not vote for them. No matter how much you may like this politician or agree with them on other policies, do not vote for them. Tell them why. We need to make it known that we find gun violence unacceptable. 

Warmly,
Amy Jurkowitz
Co-Founder, Milkshake

On June 26, a divided Supreme Court ruled to legalize gay marriage in all 50 states, thus scoring a big win for love (and a big lose for bigotry). States are no longer allowed to ban same-sex marriage, which means a lot more happy couples are about to take that short walk down the aisle. Although engagement rings and wedding bands are only a teeny, tiny part of what makes a great wedding, we’re excited to help celebrate love by highlighting one of our favorite jewelry companies: Bario Neal.

Handmade in Philadelphia, their gorgeous engagement rings and wedding bands are created from reclaimed precious metals, Fairminded gold, ethically sourced stones, and created with environmentally conscious practices. The designs are modern, fresh, and fascinating. Some veer toward the geometric end of the spectrum, while others feel downright organic. Perfect for the offbeat bride (or brides, or grooms!).

Are you planning on tying the knot? Or perhaps America’s embrace of all-gendered couples has got you feeling lovey-dovey? Check out Bario Neal's epic jewelry line and let us know what you think in the comments! 

Ah, summer! It’s the season of cookouts and barbecues, picnics and backyard bashes. And that means there's no better time to get Cheeky.

They make all the paper party products you might need (plates, napkins, cups, etc.) and in super fun patterns to boot. They’re punchy and pretty and perfectly Instagram-ready. But Cheeky is more than just a cute hashtag. It’s also part of the movement to end hunger in America.

With every Cheeky product you buy, the company helps feed one person a meal in the U.S.  Hunger in America affects one in six per year—that’s 49 million people—so this is a small step, but a significant one. So far, Cheeky has donated one million meals and they’re well on their way to two million.

Check out Cheeky’s cute line with Target and then go learn more about how you can help end hunger by visiting FeedingAmerica.org. 

What do you want to accomplish in your lifetime? It’s a loaded question, but one well worth asking. Instead of posing this provocative problem at a party, artist Candy Chang decided to engage with the idea head-on, creating a beautiful, inspiring series of public works titled “Before I Die.”

This interactive art series was intended to be a singular experiment, but the original Before I Die wall was such a success that it has spread to cities around the globe. Chang had the idea for this brilliant bucket list project following a period of depression. A natural introvert, she wanted to find a way to connect with others, to reach out and speak to people in her New Orleans community without actually speaking. And so she provided a blank space and a sentence to be completed: “Before I Die…”

Now, Before I Die is a cultural touchstone, a meaningful question that spans continents and connects individuals through the simple act of sharing their hopes and dreams. Answers are varied and fascinating. Some people have simple goals (“to lose this damn weight”) others are more lofty (“to go to the stars”) and others are just plain sweet (“to help my neighbor”). And in 2013, Chang compiled the various projects from around the world in one gorgeous coffee table book, filled with lovely graphics and thoughtful quotes.

Of course, Before I Die is more than a book. It’s more than a project. It’s a way of remembering how to live—with hearts full of hope and eyes full of beauty. What will you do before you die? 

This year we’ve sworn to stop stressing about “swimsuit season” and just enjoy the warm weather. Because really, what’s a “beach body” anyway? If you need a little body-positive inspiration to help brave the surf—and a sleek suit to do it in—check out this great new line of swimsuits by eco-warrior Laura Wells.

These adorable suits come with a badass message about accepting your body, no matter what size it is. The line is called Swim Sexy—but don’t be intimidated, sexy is more about a frame of mind than a state of (un)dress for Wells. An environmental scientist and a model, Laura Wells struck out to create swimwear that was good for the earth and felt good to wear.

The result is a collection of one-pieces and bikinis that you can mix and match. They take design cues from the natural hues of the ocean. Think: pretty coral prints and vibrant green palm fronds. The suits are all made from eco-friendly and recycled fabrics and are available up to size 24. See for yourself and shop the line at swimsuitsforall.com. 

Starting with Coachella and running through September, Festival Season is when all the laid-back ladies head out to see live music in their finest bohemian threads. And this year is shaping up to be a true summer of love, with hippy-inspired looks as far as the eye can see.

Dig this style? Try it out with a tough-yet-pretty crystal bauble from UNCVRD.

We really love their look; gold-dipped rough-cut gemstones hang from delicate chains for the perfect tough-pretty vibe. The necklaces in the Beacon Collection would go equally well with a structured dress or cut-up denim shorts (and they're afforably priced, too at around $50 USD). 

The best part? 40% of all proceeds go to ending human trafficking. Learn some stats on human trafficking and read the story behind UNCVRD on their website. 

Obstacle races are all the rage right now, but all too often we skip singing up. (Secretly, we’re scared of a possible Hunger Games-type scenario or something similarly daunting.) But this May, Milkshake is stepping up to the starting line and taking a new challenge: The Spartan Sprint.

On May 9^th at Citi Field, teams will compete in a three-mile obstacle-filled race that raises money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Unlike some other über tough, super intimidating races, the Spartan Sprint at Citi Field is a completely do-able course. All you need is a little determination and a willingness to get dirty. Should you choose to forgo an obstacle, you don’t have to forfeit—just grit your teeth, rock out 30-burpees, and you’re good to go.

This will be the first time the Spartan Race Stadium Series welcomed a charity as an official partner. The MMRF Team for Cures are looking to raise $1,000 per person to fight this common form of blood cancer. Sadly, multiple myeloma has one of the lowest five-year relative survival rates of all cancers. There is no cure (yet) but researchers and doctors are making progress every year.  

Want to help Milkshake fight cancer? Of course you do! That’s why we’re urging you to join our team. Feeling a little funky after a long winter of junk food? Work it out on the field! Looking for a fun new way to meet people this spring? Come get messy with us! You don’t have to be a pro athlete to run this race—and you don’t have to be a billionaire to make a difference.

Sign up to run with Milkshake here. You can also support the MMRF’s efforts by donating to the cause. Remember: in the fight against cancer, every little bit helps. 

Need a slouchy bag to help you schlep your stuff in style? Looking for a cute cover to keep your laptop from getting crushed on the train? Let's talk about Della, a line of affordable bags that skip sweatshop in favor of socially conscious practices.
 

This LA-based company works directly with craftspeople and seamstresses in West Africa to make hobo bags, tablet and laptop covers, and, thanks to a collaborations with Vans and Urban Outfitters, even sneakers and clothes—all with a gorgeous Ghanaian twist.
 

But what we really love about this company is how Della doesn’t treat their employees like they're interchangable. Seamstresses and team leaders are featured on their website along with quotes from each individual. We learn that a good lookin’ guy named Nii Addotey runs a porridge company out of his grandmother’s kitchen. And the team leader listens to Rhianna while she’s working to keep focused (thus proving that a badass playlist is essential in every workplace).
 

Della provides literary classes for their employees, weekly money-management training, a volleyball league, and childcare. Employees are also encouraged to work at the Happy Kids orphanage to teach the next generation their skills.

And while some do-good brands can get a little pricey, Della keeps our shopping habits manageable. Hobo bags are just $42 and MacBook cases are $42. Intrigued? Browse the collection online here.

Haven’t heard of Steven Izen? That’s okay, because he’s not a celebrity or a high-profile guru or anything like that. Izen is the founder of Lokai, a company that makes simple, pretty bracelets that contain water from the snows of Mount Everest, and mud from the shores of the Black Sea, the highest and lowest points on earth, respectively. And while these bracelets have some very famous fans, that’s not the real reason we’re digging them; 10 percent of the net profits from Lokai are donated to fantastic charitable organizations like Pencils of Promise, charity: water, the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, and others.

The message of the flexible, wear-anywhere accessory is as simple as its design: When you’ve reached a high point, stay humble, and when you’re reached a low point, stay hopeful. Inspired by Izen’s own experience of hitting a terrible low point after receiving the news that his grandfather was ill with Alzheimer’s, the bracelet is a symbol of the cyclical nature of happiness and pain. Everyone’s life is filled with some wonderful joys, but on the other side of the coin, every life also has moments of sorrow.

In the spirit of the Lokai bracelent, in 2015 we will try to find balance and gratitude in every experience. A whole life is made up of both good and bad, high and low, light and dark. Let’s look for wholeness—a more complicated matter than happiness, but one worth striving for. 

It’s not often that two big-ticket trends come together in one glorious accessory. Many lesser bags buckle under the weight of even a single fashion fad. (Remember the awful label-covered purses of the mid-2000s? Sadly, we do.) But Future Glory found a formula that works. Not only are these purses dead-on trend, they’re also practical, oh-so-cool, and built to last.

Combining the bucket style, which is primed for a resurgence, and the bold textiles that have been popping up in shops from coast to coast, this Walking Rock Bucket Bag bag is a stunner. While Future Glory makes multiple styles, including sleek leather totes and cool fringed clutches, the Pendleton-esque print puts this one ahead of the pack. Don’t worry that it could prove hard to match—these neutral hues play nice with a variety of bright and muted colors. We think the geometric pattern would look amazing with a striped sweater and a military-style jacket. Few looks are cooler than smartly mixed patterns. Just keep all colors in the same palate (and maybe adding on some metallic tones for fun) and your look will be solid gold.

Now for the really good part: All Future Glory products are made by hand in San Francisco and a portion of the proceeds are donated to women’s organizations in the area. “We believe that business is a means to support social change,” writes the founders, Theresa and Jennie, on their website. “As women, our hearts go out to the most vulnerable of women,” including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Future Glory also recently launched an apprenticeship program to teach women in need a sustainable trade, which is just the first step toward building a women-run manufacturing center in Northern California, a longtime dream of the Future Glory founders.

Women helping women and style piled on style? Praise Glory! We just found our next statement bag. 

Feeling glum, gray, washed out, and generally a bit exhausted? Yup, it's the February slump. We've all been there, that last stretch of winter that won't seem to end. But wallowing won't get you anywhere. Instead, brighten up your space with some positive words. Here are five prints, all made by independent sellers on Etsy, that will put a little spring in your step—and on your walls.

Connecticut-based social entrepreneur Anne Wells, founder and director of the social organization Unite The World With Africa, is inviting select parent and child groups to join her this June on a unique service safari. Kids aged 13-18 will be able to travel alongside their parents and participate in hands-on work throughout central and northern Tanzania. They will also be able to experience wildlife safaris in some of the world's most magnificent national parks, including the eighth Wonder of the World, the Ngorongoro Crater.

But let's also address the service aspect. There is so much work to be done in Africa that it makes particular sense to participate in a voluntourism trip. On the June 2014 trip, participants will have the chance to help refurbish school buildings, build libraries, deliver goods like mosquito nets, clothes, food, and other medicinal supplies, and host marginalized students on safari into bush where they will see their country's wildlife for the very first time ever. Anne Wells assures us that each trip will involve plenty of cross-cultural exchange—you'll get to know your Tanzanian peers, learn from them, and in turn, they'll learn from you.

Unite The World With Africa works to advance health, education and micro finance programs across East Africa. Unite Tours is their safari arm designed to empower safari-goers to -- in addition to seeing the wildlife—experience real life in the villages and witness first-hand the transformative work being done by Unite and its multiple partner organizations.

So what are you waiting for? Stop dreaming and start doing. For more information please email anne@unitetnz.org or visit unitetnz.org.

Photograph by Anne Wells

This awesome and inspiring site challenges users to spend 100 days practicing any skill—any skill at all—while documenting it all on video. Each day, participants upload a very short video in which they document their progress. the goals range from relatively modest (one man wants simply to touch his toes) to the truly intimidating (developing psychic intuition). Some are highly specific, while others are very general. One woman would like to do something artist every day, while another wants to learn American sign language.

Browsing the site is extremely addictive. The videos, though short, tell such amazing stories. One woman in particular has captured the attention of many with her now-viral videos. LaKeisha states her goal simply: "Losing weight and finding love in myself." She's been documenting her progress for months, and watching it play out is simply inspiring. It also highlights one of the best features of the site: it allows you to follow and watch others, giving support and receiving pick-me-up comments from others as you tackle your goals. It's a community, and that's a beautiful thing.

Show LaKeisha some online love here or sign up for your own 100 day challenge here.

We all agree that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food. But the reality is, many people live in food deserts, where they don't have access to nutritious meals. And many other people simply can't afford to buy good food. Fortunately, Second Helpings has stepped up to the plate, serving people in need and in the process, finding use for the food that is far too often discarded.

Second Helpings is an organization based out of Indianapolis, Indiana that aims to (in their words of their mission statement) "transform lives through the power of food." More than a soup kitchen or food pantry, Second Helpings functions as a community kitchen, where job-seekers can learn a new career through their free culinary training program, and hungry families can fill their bellies with tasty, warming meals. You know the saying "give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"? Second Helpings takes that to heart, teaching disadvantaged adults how to find careers in the food service industry.

As if that wasn't enough, Second Helpings also works to eliminate food waste by "rescuing" prepared and perishable food from wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants. People in America throw away a lot of food—up to 27% of our available food supply ends up in the trash. Second Helpings seeks to liberate that food from the destiny of the landfill by working with distributors, caterers, restaurants, and grocers. They take the unwanted food and turn it into great meals for children and adults.

Eliminating waste, providing healthy meals to people in need, and training people for exciting new careers? Talk about a cool cause! But of course, this couldn't happen without the help of volunteers. Find out how you can become involved with Second Helpings by clicking here.


Image via Flickr

 

Every year around this time, people around the world sit down and create the annual list of resolutions. Some people want to get thinner. Some people just want to floss more. Some people have bigger goals—to finish a degree, have a child, buy a house—but all these hopes and dreams have one thing in common. They're about change.

The New Year is about change, but this year, we challenge you to do something radically different and instead of making out a list of 20 small things you want to "fix," just do this one thing: become an enthusiast.

According to an article from NPR, we are living in an age of enthusiasm. There have never been more opinions more readily available, or more content so accessible. But all this stuff—all these thoughts and products and ideas and things—doesn't always make us happy. Sometimes it makes us critical, sometimes it makes us angry. Instead of letting it pull us under, this year we're going to avoid the negative, recognize it and step aside.

Instead of consuming, we'll create. Instead of criticizing, we'll celebrate. We're going to try new things, go new places, learn a new language. We're going to be as thirsty and brave as we can be, and we hope you will, too.

Don't just lose 20 pounds this year. Gain a new outlook. Let yourself be enthusiastic, even embarrassingly so. In the often-quoted (yet always relevant) words of Gandhi: "be the change you wish to see in the world."

Image via Flickr

We’re deeply mired in the holiday season, but some of us still haven’t finished all our shopping (yes, we admit that we’re a bit behind). Unfortunately, if you order now, you might not get your items shipped in time. But that’s just another reason to give the gift of charity. Give in someone’s name—or just give on your own—and just wait for the seasonal stress to melt away. Trust us, it will.

On November 8, 2013 Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, cutting a brutal path of destruction through six islands and effecting the lives of over 12 million people. A month later, the extent of the destruction is still unclear, but one thing is obvious: we have to help.

Philanthropists from around the world have stood up and started giving back, and today we want to highlight one particularly innovative project: Artists Heal PH. Created by sisters Nancy Mungcal, Michelle Mungcal, and Neysa Bowers, this is a pop-up shop that features works donated by talented artists and craftspeople. All proceeds will be donated to benefit The International Rescue Committee.

Only open from November 28 - December 31, Artists Heal PH is a wonderful example of what happens when trendy do-gooders combine their talents (and the ever-popular concept of a pop-up shop) with the urge for altruism. Browsing through the online shop, one thing immediately stands out, and that's how many great works have already been donated to the cause. Pretty paintings by Clare Elsaesser sit alongside crafty animal prints by Taylor Dunfee. Whether your apartment needs a cutesy new print or an inspirational message, you'll find something to adorn your walls here.

Or perhaps art really isn't your bag. That's okay—we can't all be Monets. But perhaps you'll enjoy the creative jewelry for sale. From delicate pendants to statement pieces, there's a wide range of styles available. We're particularly taken with this architectural necklace, made by Sarah Safavi. Pretty and tough at once, it would make a great accessory come summer months.

Oh, and did we mention these good would make a great holiday gift? So what are you waiting for—get shopping.

Gifts are always lovely to give or receive. But these gifts? They’re something else. They’re show-stoppers. They’re jaw-droppers. They’re the kind of gifts that you never, ever forget. Perfect for the most important lady in your life and sure to put a smile on her face. Or if you’d rather, you can print out this list and slip it to Santa. Hey, you’ve been good this year, right?

From the team at Milkshake, have a very happy Thanksgiving!

XOXOXO

Amy

Year after year, shoppers are all atwitter about the big retail "holidays," also known as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But there is another important day we should remember: Giving Tuesday.

Haven't heard of it? It's a global movement, dedicated to giving back, sharing the wealth and raising awareness. On December 3, retailers, organizations, and individuals will come together to support their favorite causes. Some may donate money, others will give their time, and still others will work to shed light on community issues through social media and other channels. Over 6,000 companies have joined up as partners, including the United Nations Foundation, an early adapter that has done a truly amazing job turning this concept into a well-known, well-organized, and completely awesome event.

And if you can't wait until December 3rd to get your giving on, don't worry: the altruism starts now and continues throughout the holiday season. More information on how to give back can be found online, both at their official site—givingtuesday.org—and on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and even Instagram (use the hashtag #unselfie and #givingtuesday to promote your images!). Tell your friends, tell your colleagues, and let every shopaholic know: Tuesday is the new Friday.

How do these shoes do good and give back?
When starting this business, I decided to make sure we "source right." That means that I make sure to look at a number of factors besides just price when selecting our suppliers and materials. The main things I look for in suppliers are ethical treatment of workers/members, fair pay, passion for their craft, expertise and quality of workmanship. For example, our principal supplier is a village cooperative in India comprised of second and third generation shoe-making artisans. The cooperative was set up by an Indian NGO and uses a microcredit style model to ensure artisans are paid fairly and can "break the cycle of poverty." The cooperative also helps the artisans to build valuable business/entrepreneurial skills.

These shoes are clearly beautiful and have a style all their own. But what else makes them unique?
It's a combination of the materials and the people who make them. The main material in each pair of mohinders is leather. We use two different types of leather (both full-grain), and each has its own story.

Our men's and women's city slippers are made with bag-tanned water buffalo leather. This is leather that is tanned by hand in artisans' front-yards-turned-tanneries using only vegetable tannins. This intricate tanning method has been used in villages in India for centuries. And at a pure fashion level, what makes them unique is their versatility. You can wear mohinders pretty much any time anywhere!

What made you want to do shoes in particular?
Consciously, nothing. This all seemed to happen organically. Subconsciously, both my grandfather and my father were in the shoe business. So, who knows!?

What is your favorite cause to support (or organization, aside from your own?)
I love supporting any brand that has found a way to "source right" and still create a superior quality product compared to what's out there. Yellow Leaf Hammocks is a great example of this! I've also had a lot of fun volunteering for Teens Turning Green, a bay area based non-profit that my wife is involved with.

Do you have a favorite inspiring quote?
Never really loved a quote until I read this one: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein

Founded by Sydney-native Belinda Pasqua, The Sway is a collection of clutches, purses, totes, and jackets created entirely from reclaimed and recycled materials. The styles range from sleek and polished to shaggy and punk, but one thing is clear throughout the lookbook: this lady knows her design. Of course, Belinda has a pedigree background working for corporate fashion, which gave her the tools to create such a cohesive collection—as well as the motivation to do something a little more sustainable than the average, big name company.

In the interest of being green, Belinda decided to create her goods out of the leather that would typically end up in landfills. Scraps discarded by tanneries and other manufacturers get new life in The Sway's New York City workroom. Every piece is cut and fashioned by hand, using ingenious sewing techniques to ensure that nothing goes to waste. And because the bags are made-to-order, each piece feels that much more personal, more loved.

While The Sway is probably most famous for that outrageous textured look ("Most people think it's a live animal!" said Belinda in an interview) we're currently crushing on the pretty metallics. We think the Shag Clutch (get it here) would be perfect for upcoming holiday parties. Wear it with a simple black dress, some big chunky jewelry, and you'll suddenly find yourself swamped with compliments. Just don't forget to tell your friends you found it here first, deal?

See more of Belinda's bold designs at www.theswaynyc.com.

Hi!

We wanted to update you on what’s happening at Milkshake.

Emails are going out once a week rather than daily. While there is more than enough good news, inspiring people, and incredible ideas to cover, we know people’s inboxes are inundated and less is always more.  

We are using our time to brainstorm ideas on expanding Milkshake into new businesses. Many avenues are being investigated, ranging from designing products which incorporate a one for one model, to an educational platform, to an innovative “good” shopping outlet which features design-driven products that give back and make a difference.  

No matter where we end up we are committed to continuing our focus on finding the good in everything and supporting everyone who does the same.  Please continue to send in your good finds and good thoughts and we will make sure to share.  

Thanks for reading MILKSHAKE and being an important part of our community.

Xoxo

Amy

Image by James Jordan/Flickr

For many of us trying to live a life that makes a difference, the sheer amount of causes and choices can be overwhelming; there are so many outlets for change that if we want to make a dent, we just have to start where we are and do what we can.  For those who hear the call to roll up those shirtsleeves and throw ourselves all the way into the global mix, though, there's a brilliant way to document injustices and personally effect change: it's all possible thanks to the treasure trove of education tools offered by an advocacy organization called Witness.  

Co-founded in the early '90s by musician Peter Gabriel with seed money from the Reebok Human Rights Foundation, Witness gives budding changemakers a wealth of wisdom about video advocacy, arming them with the tools needed to effectively tell the stories of those who need help.  Offering everything from technical advice on how to get good sound to the subtleties of conducting an interview with a victim of gender-based violence, Witness breaks down the basics of storytelling through video and provides digital toolkits, free of charge, to those who want to get involved.  Videos captured around the world by its participants have been shown in every imaginable forum, from the global press and large legislative bodies to tribunals in need of evidence and community groups wishing to advance a cause. 

Last year, Witness took things a step further and partnered with Storyful to launch the Human Rights Channel, a dedicated space on YouTube where verified citizen videos are available for public viewing.  The channel itself provides context to help viewers understand exactly what they're seeing, as well as assurance from a trusted source that each video is the real thing and not a hoax or piece of propaganda.  So, for those of us who aren't on either side of the camera, there's now a way to get to the heart of complex matters, develop a deeper understanding of what's happening and learn how we can help make things better.  

Witness' mantra, "See It. Film It. Change It." is more than just a catch phrase; for many, it can become a way of life, and for the rest of us, it can lend us insight on how we can make a difference in our own way.  After all, if a picture tells a thousand words, just imagine what projects like these can do.

In a world in which we're constantly barraged with messages from marketers, employers, clients, family members and friends, it can be a struggle to feel like we're keeping ourselves afloat in the sea of emails, texts and other requests for our time.  Sometimes, the simple pleasure that comes with giving our time and energy to those who aren't even expecting it is enough to give us the kind of perspective that's so easy to lose sight of.  

Knowing that there are often more volunteer opportunities out there than people who are willing to jump feet-first into them, VolunteerMatch takes the guesswork out of deciding on a cause or activity in which to get involved.  Searchable by location, cause and even specific keywords, the website makes world-shaking a little bit easier by helping you narrow your focus toward the perfect way to spend your spare time.  

If you love animals and live in a big city with lots of shelters and rescue programs, VolunteerMatch places comparison tools at your fingertips to make your decision easier.  Want to get a workout while putting your time to good use?  Habitat-building groups and community center activity programs abound; the website can point you to the ones closest to you and most aligned with the sort of experience you'd like to take part in.  In short, this valuable resource makes it easier than ever to make a real difference with just a little bit of effort and goodwill.

Whether moving across town or across the country, the relocation process has long been a milestone associated with excess: packing peanuts in single-use cardboard boxes, gallons upon gallons of gas used to fuel huge moving trucks, and lots of emphasis on the value of material things. Thanks to a few enterprising minds, though, moving is becoming an increasingly eco-friendly event against all odds.  

Say Goodbye to Boxes

While it's wise to invest in lightly-used cardboard boxes, giving them a second chance to fulfill their objective, it's even wiser to rent plastic bins from companies like EZ Bins and Rent-a-Crate. For a sense of scale: while a cardboard box typically lasts through up to four moves, a plastic bin can get the job done 500 times before retiring.

Pass on the Paperwork

In the increasingly paperless society in which we live, a smart company called Moveline takes the guesswork out of the inventory process and handles the quote process entirely on its clients' behalf.  Eliminating the need for moving companies to drive out to customers' homes and fill out checklists of items to be moved, Moveline handles the entire process digitally, through video chats and specially-assigned "Move Captains" who keep the process running smoothly. No need for wasted fuel, paper, time and energy with a company like this around. The best part: its services are free.

Eliminate the Excess

No shortage of resources exist to keep you from tossing out stuff you don't need as you move from one home to another: ShredX (a service of Rent-a-Crate) can privately shred and recycle your old documents and E-Stewards can redirect your used computer equipment away from the landfill. Meanwhile, Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program recycles those old sneakers into rubber running tracks and playground surfaces, and sites like Bib+Tuck, Twice and Thred-Up offer cash-back, trade and donation programs to help you pare down your closet.

image credit: thumbtack.com