Category: Clothing

5 Days of Holiday Gifts…Gift 5: Do Good

Gift #5: “Do Good” Tees from Cotopaxi

It seems like this past year is sticking out in people’s minds as a tumultuous one. One marked by some negativity, ill feelings, and some uncertainty. My hope is things will turn, and everyone who choose to focus their energy on the good, and not the bad. Take their uncertainty, and create change. Really, just Do Good each and every day.

Cotopaxi (www.cotopaxi.com) is an amazing company because they sell outdoor products, but they equally show a passion for creating change in areas far behind hiking gear…Health (Reducing preventable disease and under 5 mortality rates), Education (Improve primary literacy rates and access to quality education), and Livelihoods (Create opportunity for entrepreneurial training and job skills development). Cotopaxi “creates innovative outdoor products and experiences that fund sustainable poverty alleviation, move people to do good, and inspire adventure.” I love this. I will always buy from these types of companies first. Ones that take a platform and uses it to spread positivity and hope for those who really need it.

The product I love that spreads this message, is their “Do Good.” tees. So simple yet so powerful. They come in baby onesies, kids sizes, as well as men’s and women’s sizes. The material is soft and lightweight, and is available in various colors.

Is wearing this shirt going to change the world? Probably not. But you will be reminding yourself and others that the ability to do good and create change is there. It is inside all of us, and the outside world does not have to dictate that. Make a small impact each and every day, and even if the world doesn’t change…you will.

Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.

Val

5 Days of Holiday Gifts…Gift 3: Stylish and Charitable

Gift #3: Rising Tide Scarves

When I shop for gifts, I try to keep in mind a few variables…will they actually use it, is it meaningful, and is it a product I believe in. I know what you are thinking…why do you care if you believe in a Christmas gift? I try my best to spend money on companies or people that are ethical, local to the USA (and especially Colorado), products that are more environmentally friendly, and hopefully they are thoughtful in promoting health or the betterment of people. Rising tide is one of those companies.

Rising Tide (risingtide.com) has been around since 1989, when they developed a company based on helping low income artisans from developing countries improve their standards of living. Rising tide then takes their products, and markets them in the United States. They are currently assisting families and workers in northern India with educational, medical, and emergent costs that arise. Nepal is also a main focus, where they have partnered in a project that supplies teacher training, safe drinking water, and building improvements to public schools in rural areas.

One of my favorite products is the Chunky Woven Infinity Scarf. I have given this gift in each and every color, and everyone has loved them. Additionally, I have given this scarf to people of all ages, occupations, and clothing styles, and all have told me over and over how much they wear it. It is soft, warm, and the colors are so vibrant. It really is my go to gift, and if you are close to me, one year you will probably find one beneath your Christmas tree.

With all of the ways the world changes, taking a few minutes to think about the companies and people you are giving your money to, is more important than you may think.  Make your presents count with meaning, with thoughtfulness, and spread love in more ways than one.

Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.

Val