Archives

The Uncommon Life

World Wildlife Fund

November 3, 2010

Who hasn’t come across the renowned World Wildlife Fund (WWF) panda logo before? World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change.

I embrace WWF’s work because I see the organization as very caring, responsible and credible. I’ve learned from early on how important it is to conserve earth’s resources and that it’s more efficient to work with nature instead of against it. From the Amazon to the Arctic, WWF is building a future where human needs are met in harmony with nature. By 2020 their goal is to conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and significantly change global forces to protect the future of nature. Their experts are active at every level – from field work to government – conserving the largest tropical rain forests, the most diverse coral reefs, and the world’s most endangered species.

Some of WWF’s current projects include:
• advocating for the protection of Arctic species including the polar bear and western gray whale
• calling for moratoriums on gas and oil exploration in the Arctic, as well
• advancing grassland conservation in the Northern Great Plains by establishing conservation areas and protecting species, such as bison and prairie dogs
• empowering communities in Namibia to manage their natural resources
• creating protected areas in parts of Asia where tigers are losing their habitats due to deforestation

There are so many reasons why the work of WWF is so important and should win the Better to Give contest. Most importantly, conservation and restoration is something that needs to happen on a large scale and on a global level and WWF has the resources to reach out to and work with people all around the world. In order to achieve its goals, WWF partners up with different groups, such as other NGOs, governments, businesses, scientists, investment banks, farmers, fishers, businesses and local communities.

WWF also uses its resources to run public campaigns that are designed to influence decision makers and educate people on how to live a more sustainable life. Thinking about the big picture of our changing climate, it is apparent that a behavior change needs to happen on many levels and having a widely-recognized brand and strong public outreach programs helps in getting things done.

– Trini Gantner, UncommonGoods Sustainability/Product Development

Agree with Trini, our sustainability expert? Vote here to put WWF into the final round for the Better to Give contest.

The Uncommon Life

East New York Farms

November 3, 2010

East New York Farms is no regular farm. It is an “urban farm” that was created in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The organization literally transformed once abandoned lots into beautiful fields of fruits and vegetables. Its farmers are the young people who live in the community. The food they grow is sold at a bi-weekly farmers market, only to residents of East New York at a price they can afford. They also provide workshops and cooking demonstrations to make health eating more accessible.

They hire a small staff a folks who oversee the operations and development of the youth, including my friend Sarita, who is honestly one of the happiest people I know. It is clear to me she is fulfilled by the mission of organization.

I am passionate about this organization, because I too have been transformed by produce. I got interested in cooking ten years ago after discovering a farmers market across the street from my office. I made simple dishes based on quality ingredients, and slowly over time noticed my health improving. I eventually lost 30 lbs and had a number of health conditions clear up. My experience taught me that improving our food is the best way to improve our health.

It’s the unfortunate truth that poorer neighborhoods, like East New York, generally have higher incidents of obesity and diet-related health conditions. And I think a big reason for that is little access to fresh food and less education about the issue.

East New York Farms is the perfect model to address these issues. I encourage your support by voting for ENY Farms on Facebook.

– Ameet Maturu, Online Marketing Manager

The Uncommon Life

826 National

October 18, 2010


Two years ago, I started volunteering with Capitol Letters, a DC-based nonprofit that taught creative writing to students K-12. I got to teach middle schoolers about the archetypal hero’s journey, work with high schoolers on getting radio essays ready for NPR, and I learned a lot from my students’ imaginative stories.  Last year, Capitol Letters became 826DC, the newest chapter of 826 National.

Founded in 2002 by award-winning author Dave Eggers and award-winning educator Nínive Calegari, 826 National is a network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping students ages 6-18 with expository and creative writing, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Their mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

826 chapters are located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Ann Arbor, Seattle, Boston, and Washington, DC, each with its own unique creative atmosphere. They offer free student programs include after-school tutoring, in-school visits to assist teachers with special projects, workshops, and field trips. Many of their programs result in students receiving a copy of their published work – a book, a newspaper, or even a movie – which they helped produce. 826 is especially committed to supporting teachers, strengthening neighborhoods and communities, and helping young people express themselves creatively, confidently, and in their own voice.

I can tell you there’s nothing like seeing a student go from struggling to write the first sentence, to seeing her name published in an anthology at the end of the year. With so many arts and creative programs being cut from school budgets around the country, extracurricular groups like 826 National can make a huge difference.

But should 826 National become our next Better to Give partner? That’s your call. Click here to vote.

The Uncommon Life

Project Laundry List

October 18, 2010


One simple way that all of us can make a difference is by switching to line-drying. At least that’s Project Laundry List’s stand.

“Project Laundry List leads the air-drying and cold-water washing revolution,” says founder and executive director Alexander Lee. Project Laundry List informs Americans about these and other simple, effective ways to save energy and money. Right now they are raising money for a Clotheslines Across America Tour and a series of 1,000 house parties and screenings of a new documentary: Drying for Freedom.

Project Laundry List is a strong advocate of the Right to Dry movement, which believes that we should be able to hang up clotheslines and dry our laundry outdoors, without interference from towns, neighborhoods or condo associations.

UncommonGoods is committed to line-drying; earlier this year, our CEO Dave Bolotsky was a guest judge in the Levi’s Care to Air Challenge. And you’ve told us how much you love line-drying.

Dave says:

“At a time when we’re looking to save energy, for both environmental and financial reasons, line drying makes more sense than ever.  We’ve been doing it at home for the past 10 years and it doesn’t take much extra time.  It’s also refreshing to have one activity a day that does not involve technology.”

Should Project Laundry List become our next Better to Give partner? Click here to vote.

Gift Guides

Wrapped Up

October 14, 2010

Thanks to all of you who voted last week! Erin writes:

“The votes are tallied and the results are in! The winning sari scarf is the Blue Purple color combination, which means it will be featured in our Valentine’s Day 2011 print catalog. But we saw a lot of votes for other colors too. You never know what you might be able to find on our website during Valentine’s Day ;)”

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: Coming Soon

October 14, 2010

I’ve been learning to knit with the iMitt DIY mitten kit. Not quite done yet, but here are some steps along the way:

Just figured out how to create that ‘ribbed’ look.


Almost a whole mitten!


Look ma! No fingers (yet)!

Check back soon to see two finished mittens and a full Gift Lab on the iMitt DIY mitten kit.