Earth Balance

   Not long ago, I discovered that the Earth Balance company made a donation to a charity that feeds starving people around the world without harming any animals. What could be better?  www.awellfedworld.org is the cruelty-free version of Heifer International or World Vision. And Earth Balance makes dairy-free spreads and oils which, up until recently, I was unable to find. However, my local supermarket just started carrying their products, so I am officially a customer now. It feels great to buy from an ethical company that also believes in giving back.
www.earthbalancenatural.com/

Lousy Company

The first recipient of my 'blog of shame' award goes to Enterprise Rent-A-Car. I don't own a car and have been renting on a monthly basis for roughly 13 years. I have never had an accident, always bring the car back clean and gassed up, and have never had a payment problem. How do they repay this loyal customer... they ignore my single complaint. My first email was initially followed up on, but then they just let it go. I complained on their facebook site and was told they would check into it. They said my complaint was being sent to management but, again, nobody responded. I haven't rented in 6 months and I will not go back until they resolve the issue to my satisfaction. It was the smallest complaint; easy to rectify. Yet, they chose to lose thousands of dollars and every potential customer that I get to first. Nice going.

One Hope Wines

My neighbors will tell you... I have given them many lousy wines. I'm always looking for a bargain, but I'm not entirely cheap. I just want a decent wine at a reasonable price. I have used the ratings system, word of mouth, and recommendations from store employees, but I rarely pick a winner. So, when I was shopping for a gift during the holidays, I was really excited to come across One Hope Wine at my local supermarket. They give 50% of their profits to charity. Aside from companies like Newman's Own, when have you ever heard of one that gives as much as 50%. I was so impressed that I pointed it out to the store clerk... who looked at me like I was nuts. Each variety helps a different cause. Cabernet Sauvignon proceeds go toward Autism research. Zinfandel supports the troops. Merlot funds AIDS research. Even if the wine stinks, it's not a total loss. I got a bottle of Cabernet for less than $15 in store.

http://www.onehopewine.com/

Lather.com

I read about this company on the cruelty-free, beauty blog "My Beauty Bunny". Not only do they manufacture healthy, cruelty-free soaps, they are going to donate to "Clean The World" with the purchase of any olive oil soap. This charity collects and recycles soaps from hotels, companies and individuals and distributes them to poor people around the world.

Here are the soaps you can choose from: Yuzu, Seven Seed Lemon & Rosemary, Rose Tangerine Lavender, Clove, Wild Mint, Lemongrass, Rosemary & Peppermint, Oatmeal Lavender, Honey Almond, Lavender Lime, Orange Peel, and Patchouli.

The next time you are looking for a gift that gives back, consider Lather.com

The Living Christmas Tree Company

We are so thoughtless and destructive. How did this ritual of killing trees for just a few weeks of enjoyment come to be. Not to mention the $50 going straight down the toilet. This fantastic company will rent you a living Christmas tree, delivered and picked up at your home. It does cost a little more, but quality always costs more. And the secret to affording quality items is to purchase fewer items. You also have the opportunity to teach your children about the value of trees; what they do to purify the air we breathe and how to care for them. This company is located in Southern California, but there are others. You just have to search them out. And this company just happens to be incredibly generous. It makes sense to use your money in accordance with the type of person you are or would like to be. www.livingchristmas.com

HALL OF FAME/ BLOG OF SHAME

Lousy companies do whatever they please, knowing consumers don't pay attention and there won't be any ramifications. Good companies fly under the radar and their charitable deeds go unnoticed. I'm devoting this blog to mindful consumerism.