Changin it up

I want to make a commitment to doing something that matters in this world.

I’ve done the volunteer in my community thing, and I love how that feels, but I want to expand on that.

I read an article, on accident yesterday by the Owner of Zappo’s, it was about his plan to reinvent Las Vegas – This inspired me. This man, is committing his hard earned money to truly make a change. We all love visiting Las Vegas, but this guy moved his headquarters there, therefore his staff there, and therefore put the wheel in motion to make a difference in this community. Those people will pay taxes, spend money and start reestablishing a community that has fallen prey to the economy.

Now, I don’t have $400 million to reinvent a community, but I can make better choices with what I do have.

How can I make an impact? By supporting companies that support making a difference, by donating excess funds that I have to outreach programs, and by increasing my awareness.

A few years ago Toms were huge (they are footwear) and they still are, but the hype has gone away. Toms donates one pair of shoes for every pair purchased to a community in need. I was looking for a new pair of shoes (what girl doesn’t shop for shoes on her lunch) and I thought, do I really need another pair of chucks? And most of me said yes, the other part of me said – TRY THE TOMS. Make a difference.

So I have ordered TOM’s.

And I have started researching what the companies I shop at stand for.

I recently learned that Starbucks is putting their name behind, in support of, gay marriage and equal rights, and they are already fair trade. So they continue to have the green light for me.

Walmart and Target – though I despise Walmart, and Target isn’t much better – they are very budget friendly, my goal with these two companies is to find products within them that help me feel better about where my funds go.

The list goes on- I think that this year my support of the big box will be reduced greatly in favor of the mom and pop shops that at one point were the bread and butter of this great country. Small business Saturday was last month and to be honest – it should be all the time. You and I both know in our heart of hearts that it’s those stores that got us to where we are, and it’s companies like Zappo’s and Tom’s and so many others that want to do good with the profits they make that will make this country truly shine once again.

What can you do to make a difference? Every small change add’s up and creates a ripple affect, so never discount the little things that you do.