The thing we love most about our Darling High Fives is that they continually remind us of how connected we all are. Everything comes from somewhere and whether buying a bar of soap or directly volunteering our time, no human (or animal) exists in a silo.
The brands and organizations that understand this, we believe, are the ones that will last and so we hope the below inspires you to notice the big and small ways you can follow in their stead.
ASPCA
Happy Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month! Though it’s been at work for over 150 years, the ASPCA is a perfect organization to spotlight during April for its work to end animal abuse and fight animal cruelty. From stricter dogfighting penalties to trying to alleviate shelter overpopulation, the ASPCA advocates tirelessly to support a safer, more ethical world for our furriest friends. Consider joining their cause for as little as $25 a month.
Thistle Farms
As a Nashville-based, globally-minded social enterprise, Thistle Farms creates more than just amazing body scrub, calming candles and healing essential oils. It’s creates a platform upon which women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction can rebuild their lives. The company does this by providing safe and supportive housing, the opportunity for economic independence and a strong community of advocates and partners — believing that love is the most powerful force for change in world. Who doesn’t want to soak in that?
Dude. Be nice.
Quality, ethically-made clothing is quickly becoming the norm, and we love to shout it out as many times as we can. Enter: dude. be nice. They check the boxes of fair wages and conscious production but don’t stop there; their (super soft) line of tees and accessories encourages wearers to focus on building supportive communities in inventive ways. Check out their blog for first-hand stories of the culture they’re creating.
The YES Bar
Made in small batches right here in LA, The YES Bar was founded by mom Abigail Wald to make saying “yes” to healthy snacks easier for parents and more delicious for kids. She was frustrated by how many times she had to tell her son “no” because the ingredients countered his many food allergies, so she created The YES Bar to taste like a cookie but forgo any grains, fillers, preservatives, soy or refined sweeteners. Every bite is a little bit different, but a lotta bit delicious. Plus, its recyclable packaging and compostable display boxes help say “yes” to the environment, too.
Community First! Mobile Village
Building community where it matters the most. We love this practical and purposeful — not to mention, creative — approach to solving homelessness and restoring dignity to those affected by it. Located in Austin, the Community First! Village is a 27-acre master planned community for the disabled and chronically-homeless in Central Texas through the work of Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Watch the video for some added inspiration to “love your neighbor” today.
Have a great brand or project that you’d love to see shared? Be sure to tag #DarlingHighFives on social to keep us in the know!
Feature Image via Beth Cath
