Best in Crowdfunding: March 2014

Here is the latest batch of Crowdfunding projects I've selected from the plethora of projects around the internet. I'm really starting to enjoy the "hunt" while I seek out what I find to be the projects and campaigns most worthy of my consideration (and hard-earned funds!)

KooShoo

Fast fashion is a global system that is causing social injustices for garment industry workers, catastrophic levels of pollution, and a throw-away culture. Convertible apparel is one trend that can help to reduce the negative effects of fast fashion on our planet. One convertible wardrobe piece can replace multiple pieces, meaning you can wear it more and buy less. When they're made ethically, using eco friendly fabrics and dyes, their environmental impact almost vanishes. Convertible apparel is also super fun, trendy, and seriously cool. The KooShoo Journey Shawl is a piece that can be worn a dozen different ways. It's beautifully hand-dyed in the world's only solar-powered dye house. And it's lovely.
Campaign Goal: $10,000
Deadline: April 3
Platform: Kickstarter

The KooShoo Journey Shawl

8th Annual Small Press Book Fair

The Small Press Book Fair has become one of my favorite annual events in Buffalo. It's a really unique show and sale unlike anything I've encountered. It takes place in the Karpeles Manuscript Library, the perfect setting for an event focused around the art of the printed word. Every year, I'm blown away by the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into the work presented. I've always been absolutely delighted by what's available for purchase at the small press book fair, and have never gone home empty-handed. This year, the creators of the event are seeking a little help to fund equipment rentals, guest speakers, and other costs. Contributors will receive small press artwork when they make a pledge. Be sure to attend the Small Press Book Fair on April 5 and 6. Admission is free!
Campaign Goal: $2,000
Deadline: April 4
Platform: Kickstarter

Open Source Bee Hives

I want this. I've said numerous times that once I own my own home, the first thing I want to do is get bee hives. Bees are so crucial to healthy global food systems, and to our survival as a species. The rate at which bees colonies are dieing is really alarming to me, so I'm relieved to see people working to save them. This campaign will fund the development of a system that will monitor bee colonies and track things like air quality, temperature, pesticide presence, and colony size. Creators hope to use the data gathered from the hives to determine what is causing the loss of bee colonies around the globe. The hives themselves are gorgeous to look at. If you're not ready to purchase and maintain a beehive, you can still get some wonderful rewards for contributing to the campaign, like fair trade honey, or the files to build your own hive.

Campaign Goal: $20,000
Deadline: April 4
Platform: IndieGoGo

That Bites

"That Bites" is a documentary film being created by a really talented film maker who suffers from severe food allergies. His name is Jack and he's only twelve years old. Jack hopes to help people understand the severity of food allergies and he's using his passion for amateur film making to do it. Jack also hopes to raise money for Food Allergy Research & Education (F.A.R.E.) This kid seems really smart and driven, and I can't wait to see the end product of his hard work.
Campaign Goal: $5,400
Deadline: April 16
Platform: Kickstarter

KNO Clothing

I'm pleased to see another t-shirt company moving to a manufacturing process that doesn't exploit workers. KNO will manufacture their shirts in the United States using premium, eco-friendly, American-made materials. Like Buffalo's own You and Who t-shirt company, KNO donates a shirt to someone in need for every shirt sold, as well as funds to organizations helping homeless around the country. It's definitely not a bad thing to see more than one t-shirt company following this model!
Campaign Goal: $10,000
Deadline: April4
Platform: Kickstarter