September 21st marks the United Nation’s International Day of Peace. The event was established in 1981 as a way for the UN to commit itself to the spread of worldwide peace and encourage individuals, communities, and nations to work in cooperation towards this goal. By creating one day of global truce, the UN along with various international groups such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF have been able to reach previously inaccessible at-risk populations to provide them with vaccinations, food and humanitarian aide. We at Roozt believe wholeheartedly in this mission and are inspired to make our small mark on World Peace Day 2011.
To celebrate this movement, Roozt could not have teamed up with a greater life-changing, awe-inspiring company than This Shirt Helps to give away a free premium-quality shirt to one lucky winner! Company founder and apparel expert, Joe Huff, created the company after going through some tragedy of his own. In just one year, Joe had lost his father, his dog, and was separated from his wife. The painful chain of events forced him to reanalyze his life and figure out what really mattered. Instead of dwelling on his losses, Joe found strength and focused his attention on ways to positively impact the lives of others. He wanted to commit himself to making a difference for those who wouldn’t get the opportunities he was privileged enough to receive.
Thus, This Shirt Helps was born. Joe combined his skills for creating upscale, trendy apparel with his multiple philanthropic passions to create his dream job. TSH takes conscious consumerism to the next level by developing a transparent business model that allows shoppers to choose the cause they wish to promote with every purchase. When adding a shirt to your cart, you can decide if a portion of the proceeds will:
• Provide clean water for a year for a person at risk of
life threatening waterborne illnesses
• Enable a child to receive one week of schooling
• Plant 3 trees through much needed reforestation projects, or;
• Save an animal in a shelter, either through spay and neuter
programs or food and health services
A quarterly report will reflect all the aid the sales have contributed to and show customers just how many lives were improved through their purchases. TSH hopes to inspire and engage more companies to get involved in social contributions and work together to change the world.
The Contest:
Through the generosity of This Shirt Helps and the celebration of World Peace Day, Roozt is giving away a TSH shirt to one lucky winner! The winner will get to pick the shirt of their choice and also their preferred cause.
To Enter:
Simply “Like” This Shirt Helps on Facebook then “Like” and leave a comment on Roozt’s Page telling us what humanitarian cause you’d like to contribute to for World Peace Day and why. Enter before Sunday Night 11:59 P.M. PST. The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, September 26th to receive his or her free feel-good tee!
We’re so excited to watch Joe and his team bloom and prosper and hope everyone out there participates in World Peace Day on September 21st!
This Shirt Helps apparel will be displayed at Conveyer in Fred Segal, Santa Monica this month. Additionally, to celebrate its launch, TSH will be giving an extra week of schooling for every shirt purchased in the month of September! Want to know more? Find out about the company’s mission in this video.
Looking for a way to protect that shiny new back-to-school laptop? Enter for a chance to win a FREE Upcycled neoprene notebook sleeve from Looptworks! Made from the same durable, snug-fit material as comparable name-brand laptop sleeves, Looptworks manufactures their quality products with discarded wetsuit fabrics while incorporating a fun surfer style in every design.
All you have to do is sign in to your Facebook account and ‘Like’ Looptworks’ page as well as Roozt’s Facebook post about this contest! It’s that simple. Make sure you do so before our current Looptworks deal ends to be entered for a chance to win! The grand prize winner will be randomly chosen the day after the deal ends.
Save your laptop and wallet in true style with this great Roozt and Looptworks giveaway – Good Luck!
For those of you who have spent your valuable work hours poking around the Roozt site in hopes of further procrastination, you may have noticed White Apricot on our Partners page. Much more than just a whimsical name, our peeps (oh, the bad Roozt “hatchery” puns are SO much worse on a Monday!) over at White Apricot are one of THE top eco-fashion websites out there.
In fact, just recently Lucky magazine named them one of “5 Eco Sites to Love” and “the best place to go for Major Deals.” And because we love to brag about our good friends, we figured they definitely warrant a special shout out for all their hard work and success!
Much like Roozt, White Apricot was founded on the realization that there was a void in the market, and that something should be done to fix it. In this case, it was the observation that eco-fashion was evolving into the mainstream, but no one had created a spotlight specifically for the fashion and beauty industries.
So, what was to be done? White Apricot came to the intelligent conclusion that being a middle-man (or woman) platform for eco-fashion companies would give the brands the greatest visibility and be most convenient for the consumer.
It’s much easier to be environmentally conscious when you don’t have to sniff out these fashionable brands yourself, but have someone else do it for you!
Founder Carrie Pollare sums it up best when she says, “It’s all about making small changes in your life. You certainly don’t have to become a ‘treehugger’ to make a difference. Don’t give up your designer jeans, [just] pair them with tops made from sustainable fabrics. Try an organic skincare regimen, instead of chemically laden ones you’ve been using. In other words, just do whatever you can comfortably do, but try to do something.”
White Apricot carries everything from runway-worthy sustainable clothing to comfortable yoga wear, high-end eco-friendly handbags to lead-free lipsticks. Even if they weren’t our good friends, we would love them for the work they’re doing to continue mainstreaming eco-fashion.
If you’re a fan of Roozt, we really encourage you to treat yourself to White Apricot. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Recently the Roozt team was having a casual conversation that touched on the realm of natural/mineral cosmetics vs regular cosmetics. We’ve been working with a company called Alima Pure whose deal we just posted and were discussing what all the fuss about natural makeup was really all about. When told what goes into the average cosmetic product, I was in total disbelief. Between cow placenta, mercury and even pthalates (which causes everything from birth deformities in pregnant women to hormone imbalances) I couldn’t believe it. So how do we settle bets in 2010? Do some internet research. Here’s a compiled list of commonly found cosmetic ingredients, what health effects they can have on the users, and some other important things to know about your makeup:
Pthalates- These are generally referred to as “endocrine disruptors”. They have an estrogen increase effect (unnaturally) which upsets your body’s hormone balance. This can result in birth defects in men ranging from undescended testicles to a permanent testosterone deficiency. In women it can cause breast cancer, cervical cancer, early and more rapid pubescence, and even infertility. It has been closely linked to the rising childhood obesity epidemic and is something that should be avoided at all costs. Pthalates and other “endocrine disruptors” are estimated to be in 75-90% of products!
Nanosilvers- This is something I had never even heard of. Nanosilvers kill multiple strains of healthy and incredibly important bacteria. They’ve been linked to the growth of stronger, more resistant illnesses. Other than aiding viruses and unhealthy bacteria, the nanosilvers kill the healthy bacteria in your body causing problems with your digestion.
Almost No Regulation- The President’s Cancer Panel has been quoted saying that only about 11% of ingredients in the industry have been tested thoroughly. Incredibly unsettling considering the potential risks previously mentioned. What new risks will be discovered in a year? 5 years? 10 years?
Known Carcinogenic Ingredients- One chemical in particular, 1,4 Dioxane, is in 22% of personal care products (many even in children’s products) and has been directly linked to cancer
Cow Placenta- I know right? Terrible. It’s not just an ingredient that sounds disgusting, it’s terrible for you. The hormones in the placentas used are enough to show breast growth in toddlers… Girls are developing earlier but I think that’s a little too early
Mercury- Aw the liquid metal. While it looks cool, its effects are very uncool. Even in small amounts, mercury can cause brain damage. So why is it in cosmetics? As a preservative…
And on. And on.
So what should you take out of this? RESEARCH YOUR PRODUCTS! The side effects can be deadly. It’s a ton of work and it’s definitely going to give you a headache, but a research headache is better than one from brain damage.
Issues like this are why we hand pick specific vendors to be sold on Roozt. We do the choosing for you specifically because of our own experiences and research surrounding these products. If you’re looking for mineral makeup, look into a Roozt approved company called Alima Pure. They’re an all natural mineral makeup company that has an amazing mission. We’re featuring them as our deal through the weekend so give them a look!
What is the most sustainable business in the world? If I were to describe it, I would say one that takes potential trash and turns it into something of value (feel free to chime in with yours in the comments). Think about it, not only would you be saving the potential trash from a landfill somewhere, but you’re also providing people with something they would actually want to buy, effectively cutting down on the amount of trash total. This is exactly what a college duo did when they created BTTR Ventures.
The idea behind BTTR Ventures product is simple; take the coffee grounds leftover from various Peet’s Coffee locations (over 8,000 pounds) and use them as the fertilizing agent in a gourmet mushroom growth recipe. Not only is this model incredibly sustainable, but BTTR even takes the initiative after they have used the recycled grounds and donates them to local schools and gardens as fertilizer. This leaves them with literally zero carbon footprint, a way to cut down on coffee waste, a way to fertilize local gardens, AND a way to make a living! Social Entrepreneurship at its finest!
BTTR was founded by two college students going to Berkeley and has grown to a 12 employee company with an estimated 2010 revenue north of $500,000!
We talked with owners of BTTR because we HAD to have them on Roozt. Nikhil and Alex loved the idea so you can find them having their own Roozt deal on October 6! Come by tomorrow to get them 50% 0ff of $19.95!
Check out a video with a little info on the company…
She is a twenty-eight year old woman who lives in the slums of the Kadapa District in Andhra Pradesh, India. As with most slum children, Arifa was never educated and cannot read or write. She has an eight year old daughter and currently lives with her mother. Arifa’s husband broke his legs in an accident and his medical bills put the family in severe debt…
Her husband now works in Kuwait but barely earns enough money to cover the cost of the interest on the debts, leaving the family with nothing to live on. Arifa was in dire straits when she arrived for training and work. She had suffered two miscarriages and the death of one child, and was struggling to feed her daughter and herself. Her daughter was sent to the local village school and was not receiving a proper education.
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Arifa’s life has changed for the better since becoming a One Thread Fair Trade artisan. With the fair wages she earns, she is able to feed her family and improve their living conditions. Her daughter now attends the Aarti School in the city of Kadapa and is becoming a good student. When One Thread Fair Trade asked Arifa how she feels about herself now, she answered that she feels good that she is able to stand on her own feet.
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Arifa believes in family. Her dream is for her daughter to become an educated, successful woman and grow up to lead better life than what she had. Arifa is a wonderful mother and we are privileged to have her cushions featured on Roozt.com!
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- Arifa is a featured artisan from one of our vendors, One Thread Fair Trade. To see Arifa’s work and support her check out the OTFT cushions here.
What do Converse and PETA have in common? Well, not so much, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could find classic low-tops that were certified vegan (not to mention fair trade, organic, and eco-friendly)? Have no fear…
Just three short years ago, Autonomie Project set out to provide a hub for affordable and responsible shopping. From organic tees to vegan footwear to fair trade handbags, Autonomie Project has grown to do just that. And they have stylin’ clothes and shoes for toddlers (seriously, they’re a-dawr-able, go look).
But my favorite thing about this biz is the option to custom screen on organic and eco-friendly shoes and tees. Every year, I accumulate about another 20 giveaway tees that were made in China, shipped to my campus, and thrown in my face – I’m sure all you college kids out there can relate. This club, that sorority, the “school spirit” tees at basketball games – there’s no escaping it. Ever wonder where those come from and how they’re made? And how many are made? Imagine if every campus across the country switched to organic, domestically-produced t-shirts. Not only would such a climate-friendly switch be a lovely soil siesta, it would also support our domestic organic farmers. Be sure to add that to your club meeting agenda.
Plus, AP gives back to the world, raising awareness to inspire buyers to take action in their own lives and donating a percentage of funds to projects that support development where it’s needed most (e.g., providing a steady and safe water supply to a small village, building a health clinic - you get the picture).
The more I look at this site, the more I want to rock its style and throw my hard-earned money at its causes. In fact, I’m off to do that right now.
Check out the Autonomie Project site here and join the cause!
Most advertisements scream out at people to tell them how empty their lives are without a particular product or service. Here in LA, you can’t make it down the street without coming face to face with several of these 400-foot demeaning ads. When I’m cruising along, I tend to daydream of ripping down those billboards and making shoes out of them. But alas, that idea has already been taken. No joke.
Meet Jimmy. Jimmy loves to adventure and, after having bought a house on a lake, loves to walk around barefoot. But even for outdoor explorers like Jimmy, gravel and hot asphalt sometimes bring on the blisters and band aids. Jimmy was faced with a three-pronged choice: bear it, buy the hundred-dollar foot glove, or become an entrepreneur.
Lucky for Jimmy, the following summer offered him a job that involved the construction of a roof and the use of billboard vinyl as a tarp. Every year, the amount of this durable and washable vinyl that is tossed in a landfill could cover Massachussetts. Intrigued, Jimmy had first groundbreaking idea: build a giant slip ‘n’ slide. Indeed, it was a good one, but another idea seemed slightly more practical.
Introducing Paperfeet, the fair-trade and barefoot-emulating recycled billboard sandals that are produced ethically and domestically. There’s a world-improving mouthful, for ya.
Finally, you can literally stomp on those ads (power to the people!) and feel the glorious sensation of the barefoot lifestyle while saving yourself those band-aid and pumice expenses. Way to be, Jimmy.
And guess where you’ll be able to find these kicks at discounted prices? You know it.
Picture yourself trekking through the luscious Amazon rainforest in Ecuador and stumbling upon an indigenous, self-sustaining town. “Bienvenidos, amigos!” A hospitable woman offers you the age-old Amazonian shade-grown Guayusa tea, harvested in the field just across the way. This tea—with its unique balance of antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, and caffeine—leaves you feeling revived and refreshed without the jitters and crash associated with most caffeinated drinks. “Aaahhhh,” you say to yourself. “Ain’t this the life?”
Now bring it back to the here and now (although you don’t have to totally “snap out of it”). Established by three inspired students, Runa—Kichwa for “fully living human being”—is bringing this experience right to your living room while simultaneously supporting small organic farmers, promoting Amazonian conservation, and preserving the indigenous tribal cultures that have shaped the Amazon for thousands of years. How’s that for “making a difference”?
While this tea doesn’t come with the screams of howler monkeys and the aromas of the forest’s 40,000 plant species*, it does provide sustainable livelihoods for the 600 Ecuadorian farmers that Runa trains and supports through fair trade practices. Not to mention, their organic practices serve as an environmentally-friendly alternative to the slash and burn practices that contribute to immense Amazonian deforestation. Considering that Brazil alone cleared an area the size of California in a span of just 15 years**, practices like this will be essential in mitigating the effects of global and regional climate change.
Drink tea? Care about stuff? Runa’s your biz. Honestly, these folks are on to something, and we consumers can vote with our wallets for a brighter, more sustainable future for our planet. Spend wisely.
The more business owners I meet and work with in the realm of Social Enterprise the more I see a list of personality traits that are industry wide. The most obvious, of course, being that the Social Entrepreneurs weigh both profits and purpose on similar levels (in many cases with purpose being the primary focus). But a trait that occurred to me is that Social Entrepreneurs are really just big time problem solvers. They see a problem and they work to fix it. They see an opportunity and they work to create something new. They have a passion for both building and creating so they combine their passions.
This is the case with one of our partners whose story I thought was a perfect example. Jen Darling has been making her own clothing and shoe bags since 2008. It turns out the standard plastic bags were not only bad for the environment, but also for the high end clothes themselves. So what was Jen’s solution? Start producing her own quality bags of course. Bags that were good for both the environment and the clothes. Like a true problem solver she put the pieces together and by the end of the year her bags were being debuted in an event for London Fashion Week. Fast forward some more and you’ll see her bags featured by everyone from TreeHugger to NBC with celebrity fans ranging from Anne Hathaway to the New England Patriots (hey, even Tom Brady needs a fashionable, eco-friendly garment bag sometimes).
Jen Darling is definitely a problem solver. And the best part is her bags are Roozt Approved on all levels: Fair trade approved, eco-friendly textiles, eco-responsible and even made in California. She gives a portion of revenues to Surfrider! Check her out here and look for her bags coming to Roozt soon!
In fact, just recently Lucky magazine named them one of “5 Eco Sites to Love” and “the best place to go for Major Deals.” And because we love to brag about our good friends, we figured they definitely warrant a special shout out for all their hard work and success!
balance. This can result in birth defects in men ranging from undescended testicles to a permanent testosterone deficiency. In women it can cause breast cancer, cervical cancer, early and more rapid pubescence, and even infertility. It has been closely linked to the rising childhood obesity epidemic and is something that should be avoided at all costs. Pthalates and other “endocrine disruptors” are estimated to be in 75-90% of products!
educated and cannot read or write. She has an eight year old daughter and currently lives with her mother. Arifa’s husband broke his legs in an accident and his medical bills put the family in severe debt…
Arifa how she feels about herself now, she answered that she feels good that she is able to stand on her own feet.
Just three short years ago, Autonomie Project set out to provide a hub for affordable and responsible shopping. From organic tees to vegan footwear to fair trade handbags, Autonomie Project has grown to do just that. And they have stylin’ clothes and shoes for toddlers (seriously, they’re a-dawr-able, go look).
your club meeting agenda.
feeling revived and refreshed without the jitters and crash associated with most caffeinated drinks. “Aaahhhh,” you say to yourself. “Ain’t this the life?”
The more business owners I meet and work with in the realm of Social Enterprise the more I see a list of personality traits that are industry wide. The most obvious, of course, being that the Social Entrepreneurs weigh both profits and purpose on similar levels (in many cases with purpose being the primary focus). But a trait that occurred to me is that Social Entrepreneurs are really just big time problem solvers. They see a problem and they work to fix it. They see an opportunity and they work to create something new. They have a passion for both building and creating so they combine their passions.