Bags for a Cause: Reusable Shopping Bags

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Reusable shopping bags are a great alternative to single-use paper and plastic bags.  Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and they contaminate the soil and water.  Each year hundreds of thousands of whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine animals die after eating discarded plastic bags they mistake for food.  Paper bags are equally damaging on the environment.  In fact, in 1999 14 million trees were cut to produce the ten billion paper grocery bags used by Americans that year alone.  However, it can be very difficult to remember to bring your reusable bags when going to the store.  Here are a few simple tips you can use on your next shopping visit:

1.)    Every time you come home from shopping, make it a habit to unload your groceries and immediately put your bags back in your car or hang them on your door knob.

2.)    If you make a grocery list before you go shopping, add “remember your bags” to the top of your list.

3.)    Purchase reusable bags that you will enjoy carrying.  Many places such as www.reusablebags.com offer numerous eco-friendly styles. 

4.)    Keep at least one bag in your purse. There are several ultra-compact styles available which make it easy to always have one with you.

5.)    Build up a good collection of reusable bags so you’ll have enough even if you are buying a lot of groceries. Also, having more bags allows you to keep some at home, some at work, and some in your car.

Coffee for a Cause: Facts about Fair Trade Coffee

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

1.)    Americans consume one fifth of the world’s coffee supply, making the US the world’s largest consumer.

2.)    The majority of the coffee consumed in the US is imported from South America, Asia, and Africa.  The conditions and wages in these areas are often very undesirable for coffee growers. In fact, many farmers receive less money per pound for coffee than it costs them to produce it.

3.)    Fair Trade Organizations focus on improving the conditions and wages of farmers through eliminating the middlemen.  This allows more of the consumers’ money to go to the producer.

4.)    Fair Trade Coffee means that the coffee you drink was grown, processed and purchased under strict regulations that are fair to the producer, the consumer and the environment.

5.)     Many large coffee retailers have also taken note of this new trend in coffee and carry Fair Trade Coffees in their stores. Find out where you can find Fair Trade Coffee near you!

6.)    Next time you buy coffee, make the purchase that benefits so many people and makes a difference!

Celebrities for a Cause: Stars Urge Fans to Sign a Petition to Restore the Gulf

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Since the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, more and more people have stepped up to make a difference.  Recently many popular celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, Blake Lively, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews, Emeril Lagasse, and Peyton and Eli Manning have all appeared in the “Be the One” public service announcement by Women of the Storm. The stars urged fans to use their voice to sign a petition in support of the providing restoration to the Gulf.

“Women of the Storm” is a non-partisan grassroots organization of Louisiana women whose families, businesses, and lives were affected by Hurricanes Katrina.  Through utilizing social media tools, this grassroots campaign seeks to get long-term funding to restore and protect the Gulf Coast and wetland area affected by the spill. The initiative does not advocate a particular piece of legislation; it simply seeks to demonstrate to national leaders the strong and deep support across America for the essential funding for Gulf Coast restoration.
Now is your chance to be the one to make a difference! Add your name to the petition at http://www.restorethegulf.com/

Jewelry for a cause: Lauren Conrad Teams Up with Mark to End Abuse

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Lauren Conrad is most commonly known for her role in the MTV’s hit reality show The Hills.  However, recently Lauren is gaining attention for the positive role she is making in ending the cycle of abuse.  As a spokesperson for the Mark, Lauren has teamed with the company to create jewelry that benefits the philanthropic initiative m.powerment by mark.  The goal of this program is dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. For each piece of jewelry, 100% of the net proceeds are donated to help raise funds and awareness of this cause. The “Have a Heart” collection features a bracelet ($12) and a matching necklace ($22), available in both silver and gold.  Since the organization began in September 2008, over $400,000 dollars have been raised and awarded to organizations that are devoted to domestic violence issues.

To learn more about the “Have a Heart” jewelry collection visit MeetMark.com. And to find more jewelry that supports charity, go to Uptown Liz!

World Cup for a Cause

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

This year soccer fans from across the world watched the World Cup in South Africa.  These fans watched more than soccer this year; they also learned more about the issue of human trafficking.  Many of the fans in attendance were given “red cards”, which typically symbolize a serious offense in soccer.   However, these red cards are a little different. These cards had messages on them that emphasize the serious crisis of human trafficking. 

Human trafficking is a modern day form of slavery.  It is the illegal trade of human beings for commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor.  And it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world.  South Africa’s lax laws governing this issue, and its reported rise of prostitution and human trafficking all make this an interesting location to spread this message. 

The Red Card campaign was created by Martin/Williams Advertising. The cards have a variety of different statements on them such as “Child slaves outnumber pro footballers. Makes you wonder what our favorite pastime really is”.  Each card also includes the message “Stop Offenses against Children.”  These cards were distributed throughout the World Cup and will hopefully educate individuals about this issue.

Visit Not for Sale to learn more about the human trafficking and how you can stop it.

Musician for a Cause: Drake Pledges to Green Your Block

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

On his recent college tour the popular hip hop artist, Drake, has been trying to spread the message of environmentalism.  He teamed up with the national nonprofit organization, Green for All, to help people understand why and how to be green.  Drake has always been very passionate about working toward a sustainable future, and now through his tour, he has been able to raise consciousness about the issue.

To further the message of going green, Drake even made sure his tour was as environmentally friendly as possible.  He travelled in bio-diesel buses and also worked with the concert venues to improve upon recycling. 

People all across the U.S. are learning about how they can go green and the number of opportunities available in a green economy.  At every stop, hundreds of fans took the “I will green my block” pledge.  These simple actions help curb pollution and save people money. The concert website offers tips that can reduce your carbon footprint such as, using less water, unplugging electronics when you’re not using them, and buying less stuff. People also learned how they could mobilize by organizing monthly green events in their communities and sending a message to their state senators asking for action to strengthen the green economy.

Drake is using his celebrity to make a positive impact around campuses and in the community.  See how you can get involved by pledging to green your block.

School Supplies for a Cause: Nikki Reed teams up with DoSomething,org and Staples

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

As the school year is fast approaching, millions of students will be stocking up on school supplies for the upcoming year. However, 13 million students each year go back to school without the adequate supplies. Twilight star Nikki Reed is trying to change this and to make sure that these students have a chance for a better education.

The actress has recently teamed up with Staples and DoSomething.org to encourage people to make a difference this summer by collecting and donating school supplies. Staples will be collecting supplies from July 4th through September 18th to help students who cannot afford basic supplies. Each Staples store is teamed up with a local non-profit organization that will ensure your supplies will help students in your community.

To find out how you can get involved and run a local school supply drive, visit www.DoSomething101.org!

Twitter for a Cause: JustCoz is making a Difference through Social Media

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

In just the past four years the social networking site, Twitter, has grown immensely into the social media phenomenon it is now. In fact, there are currently over 100 million people worldwide who are registered on this networking website. Now, the new company JustCoz has found a new way to use tweeting for social good.

JustCoz allows Twitter users to help support the causes they are passionate about by automatically donating a tweet away from their personal accounts to one or more non-profits of their choice. Since its debut in June, over 1,200 people have signed up to donate tweets through JustCoz. The list of organizations includes ASPCA, The Nature Conservancy, Oxfam America, Autism Speaks, and Doctors Without Borders, just to name a few.Learn how to donate a tweet a day on JustCoz.org and spread awareness for your favorite causes. Also be sure to check out Uptown Liz’s Twitter page to find more ways you can make a difference!

Spelling for a Cause: John Krasinski and Dianna Agron participate in A Spelling Bee for Cheaters

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

I will be the first one to admit that I am not the best when it comes to spelling; the thought of even entering a spelling bee makes me a little nervous. These celebrities, however, are not afraid of rolling up their sleeves and entering into a spelling bee…well, one that involves “cheating.” The Office’s John Krasinski and Glee’s Dianna Agron participated in 826LA’s “A Spelling Bee for Cheaters” on August 14.

For a cost in this spelling bee, participants were allowed to access hints, pass on words, and even spell fake words. Teams of two or more raised money through fundraising in the weeks leading up to the tournament. The more money your team raised, the more ways you could buy yourself out of elimination. All of these funds go to 826LA, a non-profit Los Angeles tutoring center dedicated to supporting students with creative writing skills through tutoring, workshops, and field trips.

Knitting for a Cause

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Knitting isn’t just your grandmother’s hobby anymore. Over the past few years people of all ages have begun picking up this skill. The sense of personal accomplishment and the calming qualities of knitting make it no surprise in the rise of popularity of this art. But today thousands of people are making a difference by knitting for charity.

There are several different ways in which people knit for charity. Whether it is a sweater for a soldier fighting overseas, a blanket for someone homeless, or a cap for a premature baby, there are many people in need you can knit for. People can also knit items that are later sold to raise money for an organization. For instance, each year knitters create garments and items in pink that are sold to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Also, people can use knitting to raise awareness for another cause. In 2007, I Knit received almost 100,000 donated blue knitted squares from all corners of the world to raise awareness of the 1.1 billion people without access to safe water.

A knitted item is a comforting, personal, and thoughtful gift that shows recipients you really care. Find out how you can knit for charity and use your skill to help others in need! Visit http://www.KnittingforCharity.org.