October is Fair Trade Month!

October is a month recognized for its falling leaves and pumpkin farms. If I say October most respond Halloween, but October should not solely be defined by scandalous costumes and children high on candy corn. October also hosts important causes like Breast Cancer and, one that may not ring a bell, Fair Trade Awareness. The video snippet below will give you some background about Fair Trade USA and what it's all about.

I was approached by Fair Trade USA to help raise awareness about its products. I am a huge supporter of Fair Trade everything because profits are given back to those who count. The organization does so much good that I was honored to spread the word!

What is Fair Trade USA? <--- Click to check out the Web site!

Fair Trade USA is a non-profit organization which strives to cultivate a global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, consumers, industry and the earth. By certifying products and suppliers who protect local ecosystems and guaranteeing that farmers are paid a fair, honest price, Fair Trade USA works to help people make conscientious purchases. Fair Trade is just what it says: fair! Consumers often forget where their actually comes from, Fair Trade allows those respected suppliers (everyone from farmers to Mother Nature) to be recognized and shown appreciation; we'd be hungry without them.

                    

  

Not sure what a Fair Trade product looks like?

Look for either of these seals:

   

How is technology helping you locate Fair Trade products?

I think this is beyond nifty, it epitomizes the saying there's an app for that. To help consumers find Fair Trade Certified products more easily, Fair Trade USA is marking Fair Trade Month 2011 with the launch of a new social media initiative. The new “Fair Trade Finder” Facebook and mobile (iPhone and Android) application allows consumers to enter their location to find out where they can buy Fair Trade Certified products nearby and be among the first to populate the map with other Fair Trade Product locations. When I upgrade to an iPhone in a few weeks (I caved), I'm downloading this app pronto. 

Wow, that app sounds awesome! How do I get it?

I'm so glad you asked! Fear not, it's simpler than you think. To start becoming a socially-conscious foodie on the go (and why wouldn't you, you'll be the talk of the town) click the following links to download the ANDRIOD and iPHONE "Fair Trade Finder"! Don't have a smartphone, no worries! Click HERE to check out the Facebook application.

To stay connected and updated with Fair Trade USA,

"like" them on Facebook and follow @fairtradeusa on Twitter

Help me celebrate Fair Trade Month by either purchasing a Fair Trade product, volunteering within your community, or even small acts of kindness. Together we can make an impact and give back to those who sacrifice so much.

Team Continuum: Help Turn Cancer into Can & Win a Free T-Shirt!

This sponsorship is brought to you by Team Continuum 

who I have partnered with for this promotion.

I am so excited for this post; I have teamed up with Team Continuum to raise awareness about their Pixels of Promise. It is an organization that raises money and gives renewed hope to cancer patients. This is a great cause and I'm so excited to be a part of it!

What is Team Continuum? 

Located in New York City, Team Continuum is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families. They work hard to minimize the hardships that many cancer patients' endure, so they can instead focus on crucial medical care. Team Continuum offers personal and practical assistance  moral support, and friendship to these patients and their families. Like the LiveStrong event I participated in, Team Continuum helps raise money by hosting endurance contests (marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, etc.). It's a great way to help kick cancer in the butt while changing lives.

Want to learn more?

Interesting in donating to or learning more about this admirable organization ---> Click HERE! Remember when donating, every little bit makes a HUGE difference and is appreciated.

Want to participate in an endurance contest? 

Interested in participating in a marathon or other event ---> Click HERE! These events are amazing opportunities to meet people and become part of something larger than yourself, plus they're a lot of fun!

Want to win a Team Continuum T-Shirt? 

Of course you do! Leave a comment on this post and I will pick a reader by random! If chosen, Team Continuum will send you a free T-Shirt. Also, a free t-shirt is given to anyone who donates at least $25 to Pixels of Promise! Wear it with pride and show your cancer-fighting support!

Have you ever participated in an event that raised money for a great cause?

   

Good Search: Step Aside Google

I am a Google-holic; to the point where I use "google" in my everyday vocabulary as a verb (I was googling until late last night), noun (I am obsessed with Google), and adjective (His name is definitely googleable). If I need information, Google is my man (woman?).

On a different note, I do my best to donate to charities and do what I can to help them (I promise this will all come together). I am a charity's dream because I can't say "no", especially when it has to do with helping children or animals. When Santa rings that bell outside of Wal-Mart, he is really ringing the emotional strings of my heart. Even if I only have pennies, I try to give what I can at that time.

So you have learned two things about me: (1) I'm unnaturally addicted to Google; and (2) I am a sucker for a good cause. If only these things could be unified, together as one. BUT WAIT! So, I came across this search engine called Good Search (I made it click-able for easy navigation). It's like Google and the bell ringing Santa had a love child. This search engine will donate to any cause of your choice for every time you make a legitimate search. Bam, you no longer have to go to church (kidding). But, seriously, this is such a great site. They are donating to a charity of your picking for every search you make. And think about it, how many searches do you make within a normal day? It is such a great idea, and it is so easy peasy!

Please check out this site. I highly recommend it. I know muscle memory causes you to start typing Goog.., but just adjust that "g" to a "d" and you're half way there! Or set it as a bookmark like I did for an easy reminder. If you go to the site, scroll down to the lower left section that's titled Success Stories. Check out the difference a few "clicks" have made. Even if you just use it once, it's one more donation that you wouldn't of made that day. Now get searchin' you good samaritan, you.

I used GoodSearch to search for a picture of GoodSearch. Clever, eh?