Best in Crowdfunding: November 2014

Of all the Crowdfunding posts I've written, this month is by far my favorite. In fact, this may be the first time that I'll actually back each of the projects I feature in a Best in Crowdfunding post. They're all that good.

The Simply Co. - 3 Ingredient Laundry Detergent 

I'm in the habit of seeking out blogs with similar themes and values as my own. That's how I came across Trash is for Tossers. Blogger Lauren documents steps she takes in her own life to eliminate waste and live sustainably. Some of her posts include recipes for homemade household cleaners. When her readers started asking where they could find similar products, Lauren decided to launch The Simply Co. Her first product is a three-ingredient laundry detergent. It's vegan, biodegradable, and basically awesome.
Campaign Goal: $10,000
Deadline: November 28
Platform: Kickstarter

Forced to Flee: Visual Stories by Refugee Youth from Burma

Forced to Flee is a book that will be a compilation of original artwork by young Burmese refugees. Here in Buffalo, we have a large population of refugees, and a significant portion of them are Burmese. I have found that refugees can contribute a great deal to a community, and that they have incredible stories to tell. The artwork from this project is inspiring, and 100% of proceeds from the book will go to Burmese youth leadership programs.
Campaign Goal: $12,000
Deadline: November 24
Platform: Kickstarter

Artwork from Forced to Flee

Handmade Beauty Box

For Christmas last year, my nearest and dearest received baskets of all-natural bath and beauty products, hand-made by me. When I was making things like bath bombs and body butter bars, I discovered that I liked some of the homemade products even more than store-bought alternatives. Making bath products at home is a great way to eliminate unnecessary packaging waste, be positive that you know exactly what's in the products you use on your body, and it can save you loads of money too. One of my favorite online resources for bath product ingredients and tutorials is Bramble Berry. Subscribers to their Handmade Beauty Box will receive all of the ingredients and the instructions for a different complete DIY bath or beauty product each month. I can't wait to see what the first project will be!
Campaign Goal: $3,000
Deadline: November 21
Platform: Kickstarter

Lily Cup Compact

This thing is cool. It took me a LONG time to even warm up to the idea of menstrual cups. I admit, I was grossed out. After years of being closed-minded, I finally realized that they help to keep lots of waste of out landfills and waterways, keep unwanted chemicals away from my most sensitive and important body parts, are way more inconspicuous and convenient than tampons, and can help save money. I tried out a few cups and determined that they may not be the best fit for me, but this is making me reconsider. The material is softer and more flexible than other cups, and the design is much more convenient. If you're sick of dealing with the hassle of tampons and pads, I suggest you check out the Lily Cup. Even if you're a skeptic, as I was, I strongly encourage you to at least watch the video below. It may convince you.
Campaign Goal: $7,800
Deadline: November 23
Platform: Kickstarter

Fables by Barrie

When I started to learn about ugly side of fast fashion, I began seeking out ethical fashion brands. Thankfully, there are lots of great brands out there making ethical pants, dresses, shirts, sweaters, socks, and more. The one item I struggled to find was a bathing suit that I wouldn't feel guilty spending money on. Fables by Barrie is a swimwear brand manufactured in the U.S. All of their products are sweatshop-free, and vegan. I adore the retro-inspired designs. I actually purchased a bikini for myself and am really happy with how well it fits, and the quality of the product.

Unfortunately, Barrie's designs are being copied and the brand is losing business to cheap knockoffs. The designer, Barrie Kaufman has decided to confront the threat in a really unique way. She understands that owning a high-quality, ethically manufactured swimsuit can be cost prohibitive, so she wants to give women an opportunity make their own swimwear, rather than spending money on fast fashion or brands who rip off hardworking entrepreneurs. To that end, she has created #FablesByUs, which will be a book and web video series that will teach readers how to create their own swimwear. The book will include sewing patterns and instructions, and the videos will offer instructions as well as beauty tips and other fun tidbits from Barrie herself. It's a creative way to inspire people to avoid fast fashion and get creative!
Campaign Goal: $35,000
Deadline: ?
Platform: GoFundMe

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

Best in Crowdfunding: February 2014

I've found some more really incredible products and campaigns that are currently seeking crowdfunding. If you have any crowdfunding projects you'd like to see featured, please submit them for future posts!

Bonaverde

I personally am not a coffee drinker, but this is still a project I can get behind. The international coffee industry is mindboggling. With the millions (billions?) of people who drink coffee everyday, you'd think that coffee farmers could earn a decent living. Unfortunately, within the current system, there are too many stops between the coffee farmer and the consumer to make it a lucrative trade for the farmers. There are a number of fair trade coffee companies springing up trying to remedy the situation, but this project takes it a step farther. Bonaverde has developed a machine that will allow users to roast and process their own coffee from raw beans. They can purchase the beans directly from the farmers, skipping all of the middlemen that usually come in between. This shorter process will enable farmers to ask for a fair price for their product, while also getting better prices for consumers. It's a win-win for both parties. Bonaverde is also setting up an online interface that will connect users directly with the farmers, providing a market place for the buying and selling of raw coffee beans. I was surprised by how affordable the machine is. It seems like a no brainer for any conscientious coffee lover. Check out the video below.
Campaign Goal: $50,000
Deadline: Feb 14
Platform: IndieGoGo

Heatworks Model 1

Tankless water heaters work by instantly heating the water when the faucet is turned on, rather than keeping a large tank of water hot all the time. It's easy to understand why these heaters are more energy efficient than traditional hot water tanks. But they're still pretty expensive, and the options and requirements one has to understand before purchasing and installing such a tank are pretty overwhelming. The Heatworks Model 1 is relatively inexpensive. It uses state-of the art water heating technologies and apparently it can fit in just about any home. Check out the video for more info.
Campaign Goal: $125,000
Deadline: Feb 16
Platform: Kickstarter

Keepod Unite

Here's a fascinating little USB device that will house an entire operating system. The idea is to give people access to personal computing capabilities without forcing them to buy a computer or learn how to use multiple systems. Creators of the device hope to launch a pilot program in the Mathare slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Sponsoring the device for someone in Mathare is very affordable ($17) and the Keepods are also available to backers. Backers also have the option to get five and give five. These devices could be great tools for empowering people here in our own communities, so I love that option!
Campaign Goal: $38,000
Deadline: Feb 14
Platform: IndieGoGo

Keepod software could be life-changing for people without access to their own computers!

The Love Mark

This one is super fun and, if you're looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gesture, super timely. (Even if you're not into V-day, it's still pretty great.) The LoveMark will be an architectural monument to the best thing in the world: Love. Funders will have a cube inscribed with their personal love message. The cubes will be used to build the monument itself. Take a look, because the design is really gorgeous. Obviously the message of love is a positive one, and art is a wonderful tool for inspiring people to be better to one another. But if that wasn't enough, the creators of this project are going to donate a portion of the funds to charity. The best part about the project is that the creators haven't chosen a location to build the monument yet. It's up to the contributors to suggest locations and then vote! How great would it be to see this awesome structure built right here in Buffalo? It could be the BuffaLoveMark! So I hope my fellow BuffaLovers will contribute and suggest a building location right here in the Queen City. Check out the video below for details about this project.
Campaign Goal: $175,000
Deadline: Feb 15
Platform: IndieGoGo

Best in Crowdfunding: October 2013

The True Cost

The major issue that I've come to care the most about over the past year is the fast fashion industry. I'd already started seeking out more eco-friendly apparel, when the Rana Plaza collapse happened in Bangladesh, killing over 1,100 garment factory workers. It was then that I realized that there was something even more important that the eco-friendliness of my clothes: their human-friendliness. Since then, I've completely changed the way I shop for clothing. I talk about fast fashion to anyone who will listen, and am constantly encouraging my friends and family to make better shopping choices. It's so important to educate people about the fast fashion industry, and its affect not only on the treatment of factory workers, but on the environment as well. This filmmaker is working to do just that. I hope you'll watch the trailer, below, and support this project.
Campaign Goal: $75,000
Deadline: November 11
Platform: Kickstarter

You and Who makes the "Goodest T-Shirt Ever!"

I can barely contain my excitement about this campaign! You and Who, a Buffalo-based t-shirt company has been around for a few years now. Their shirts are designed by some really talented artists from all over the country. For every shirt they sell, they donate another one to an organization in the artist's city. Until now, their shirts have been manufactured overseas. Founder Dan Gigante was really affected, much like I was, by the tragic garment factory collapse that occurred in Bangladesh earlier this year. He decided to make a major change and to start working with domestic manufacturers. This campaign will help him make that happen. It's no secret that I'm skeptical of the Buy-One-Give-One business model, but You and Who is definitely an exception! They are a great company doing wonderful things, and I'm proud to say that I know Dan personally. I'm thrilled about this project, because it's educating people about garment factory working conditions, and because it's coming from a Buffalo company! Contribute now to help prevent more garment factory tragedies, and get some really awesome t-shirts in the process
Campaign Goal: $25,000
Deadline: November 11
Platform: IndieGoGo

Conscious Step: Socks That Solve Social Problems

Here's another fashion-related project that is pretty great. The creators behind this one just want you to buy some socks. When you do, the proceeds will go to the cause associated with the sock design you choose. Causes include providing clean water to school children in Nepal, and planting trees in Ghana. The sock designs are all really fun, and of course I absolutely love the fact that they're manufactured in fair trade conditions. They're going to make some really unique gifts for the wonderful men in my life this holiday season!
Campaign Goal: $20,000
Deadline: November 7
Platform: IndieGoGo

Proceeds from Conscious Steps socks will benefit a variety of causes.

Give to Kenya's Wildlife Foundation

This project addresses a very complex situation arising in and around Nairobi, Kenya. It is a rapidly developing city, surrounded by poor farming families. Land development is forcing wildlife to share space with livestock farmers. The farmers, who depend on their livestock to feed their families, kill predators like lions and leopards. Meanwhile, they're selling portions of their land to developers, usually to pay tuition costs for their children. So the land for the wildlife is getting smaller and smaller, and poor families are still struggling to both feed and educate their children. The Wildlife Foundation has come up with a great solution through the Conservation Lease Program. They ask farmers and landowners not to sell their land to developers, or to kill predators like big cats. In exchange, the farmers receive a stipend that they may spend as they choose. Most often, the money is spent on education. It's a win-win-win. Farmers get to keep their land, wildlife is safe, and children receive an education.
Campaign Goal: $50,000
Deadline: November 13
Platform: IndieGoGo

The conservation lease program protects wildlife like lions.

Best in Crowdfunding: August 2013 - Part 2

I've come across some really awesome projects and campaigns since my last crowdfunding post, and I thought these were worth sharing. These are all really incredible and I've had to find some wiggle room in this month's budget because I think each of them is absolutely worthy of my hard-earned funds!


CityHeart
This Buffalo-centric art project will be something really special once it's built. The heart-shaped piece will be constructed from bicycle wheels, complete with interconnected gears and chains. Viewers will be able to sit on either side of the sculpture and actually pedal it together. I love the concept of interactive art, and I especially love that this will be located in front of Buffalo's grain elevators. What a view! This is a really fun project and just another example of what makes Buffalo so great. I can't wait to see it all come together!
Campaign Goal: $5,000
Deadline: September 2
Platform: IndieGoGo

CO2ube
How this device doesn't already exist is a mystery to me. It seems so obvious. The CO2ube is a little filter that fits onto any car's exhaust pipe and filters out the carbon dioxide. Seriously, how is this not already a thing? 
Campaign Goal: $18,000
Deadline: August 21
Platform: Kickstarter

The CO2ube can be installed on most automobiles.

Kite Patch
This is a patch that prevents insect bites for 48 hours. The technology in the patch actually blocks a mosquito's ability to detect carbon dioxide emitted by humans. It will be especially helpful in parts of the world where mosquitoes carry the deadly malaria disease. The funds raised will be used to test the patch by distributing them to malaria-affected regions of Uganda. Creators of the Kite Patch plan to eventually develop a global distribution program.
Campaign Goal: $75,000
Deadline: August 29
Platform: IndieGoGo

The Kite Patch will stop mosquitoes from spreading malaria.

Send a Child to School in Jamaica
One thing I noticed on a recent trip to Jamaica was the number of young children walking the beach, asking tourists to buy trinkets from them. I wondered why they weren't in school. Turns out they were trying to raise money to pay tuition fees. Apparently there is no public school system in Jamaica; Education is not free. Students must pay to attend school. I believe that education is the key to bettering a country, and even the world. This campaign is intended to raise money for the Caribbean Education Foundation, a certified not-for-profit organization based in Boston that funds education for students in Jamaica.
Campaign Goal: $20,000
Deadline: September 16
Platform: IndieGoGo

Best in Crowdfunding: July and August 2013

Here are some of my favorite crowdfunding campaigns that are online this summer.

De-corporatizing Food. Creating an Urban Organic Super-Farm
This is a great project happening right here in Buffalo. East Buffalo Organics is converting an old warehouse on the city's east side into a facility for growing microgreens. This campaign is intended to fund the purchase of the equipment needed to grow and maintain healthy microgreens, which will then be distributed and sold locally. These guys have done their research and clearly know what they're doing. The project will be something great not just for Buffalo, but for the entire food industry.
Campaign Goal: $9811
Deadline: August 11
Platform: Kickstarter

Nicora Johns Shoes
Right now, only 1% of shoes are manufactured in the U.S. That means a lot of factory labor is going into your shoes. (Yes, even your precious TOMS.) Nicora Johns is hoping to change that, and she wants to start with her new line of vegan, sustainable shoes. The styles are adorable and versatile, and you get to pick out your own colors and materials! You'll definitely want to check them out!
Campaign Goal: $72,900
Deadline: August 18
Platform: Kickstarter

Nicora Johns Shoes

The Plastic Bank
This campaign is intended to fund the programming and development of a business venture that is essentially a plastic recycling facility launching a pilot in Lima, Peru. The facility will encourage the impoverished locals of that region to "harvest" waste plastic from the environment, and bring it to the facility to be processed. Individuals who participate by harvesting the plastic will earn credits to be used for education, micro loans, and more.
Campaign Goal: $100,000
Deadline: August 26
Platform: IndieGoGo

PROFAMIL - Using Innovation to Save Women's Lives in Haiti
Catapult is a crowdfunding platform that focuses specifically on gender equality in developing countries. All of the campaigns on Catapult benefit women in some way. This campaign will benefit an organization called PROFAMIL (International Planned Parenthood Federation) which is working to screen impoverished women in Haiti for cervical cancer using an innovative, low-tech screening method.
Campaign Goal: $50,000
Deadline: August 31
Platform: Catapult

Reward the Heroes Scholarship Fund
If you haven't heard of Temar Boggs, you aren't alone. In the wake of the Trayvon Martin case, his story went widely unnoticed. The 15-year-old from Lancaster, PA rescued a five-year-old girl from her kidnapper and is being lauded as a hero by those who bother to notice. This campaign is intended to raise a scholarship fund for Temar Boggs and his friend. This article confirms that the campaign is legitimate, but also provides information about how you can contribute to the boys' college fund directly.
Campaign Goal: $10,000
Deadline: September 10
Platform: IndieGoGo

Best In Crowdfunding: June 2013

I've scoured the internet's top crowdfunding sites, trying to find projects I think are most deserving of my contribution. It proved to be a much harder task than I had anticipated! While there are plethora of great ideas, I found that most of them aren't intended to improve the lives of others, which is really what I was looking for. After hours of browsing, I've found some really wonderful projects. Here are my 5 favorites this month. Take a look and see if you want to contribute to any of them. You might even nab a little something for yourself!


Ecorithmic
Sometimes, the things that technology is capable of accomplishing absolutely blow my mind. Learning about this mobile app is one of those times! The Ecorithmic app will help users to be more fuel-efficient drivers. It will record regular driving routes, taking into account elevation, traffic signals, speed limit changes, and more, and then instruct the driver how to shift gears or ease off the gas at certain points during the route to use less fuel. Mind. Blown.
Campaign Goal: £140,000
Deadline: July 9
Platform: Kickstarter

Just Food
This brand was developed by a woman whose young son suffers from a medical condition that requires him to be tube-fed. She developed a line of additive-free, shelf-stable tube meals because all that had been available was manufactured processed food product. Her son's health increased when she started blending the meals for him, and a business idea was born. If, like me, you are lucky enough to NOT have someone in your life who requires tube feeding, your purchased meals will be donated to a child who needs them. If I ever have a child or loved one who has to be tube fed, I'll be so glad to know that this company is out there!
Campaign Goal: $10,000
Deadline: July 15
Platform: IndieGoGo

Library for All
I'm impressed by the lofty objectives of this campaign. The idea is simple: to give school children in developing countries access to an expansive digital library. I can only imagine how difficult it would be, logistically, to coordinate such an effort. Seems like the major elements would be getting the cooperation of major publishers, and also giving developing communities access via affordable reading devices. The creators behind this campaign seem to have a handle on both. I really believe that education is the key to bettering our world, and this would be a giant step.
Campaign Goal: $100,000
Deadline: July 13
Platform: Kickstarter

Real Value
They had me at "what's the real cost of cheap?" The core message of this documentary is that it really is so very important to be AWARE of where the things we buy and eat are coming from, and what the affects of our purchasing decisions really are. I absolutely can not wait to watch this movie. More importantly, I can not WAIT to make my friends and family watch it. Check out the trailer, below.
Campaign Goal: $10,000
Deadline: July 4
Platform: Kickstarter

Sole Power
This is another impressive example of what technology can do. These shoe insoles capture the kinetic energy of foot steps and store it in a battery pack that can be used to charge mobile or electronic devices. Genius. Not only will it save power, but it can also enable individuals in developing countries to have access to electronic devices. The creators ultimately want to use a "buy one, give one" buying platform to distribute the insoles to those places.
Campaign Goal: $50,000
Deadline: July 18
Platform: Kickstarter



If you love the idea of funding these and other deserving projects or individuals, be sure to check out these sites too:

• Kiva - Connects lenders to borrowers around the world, helping to fund small businesses in developing countries, education, and more.
• Sprigster - The "Boost a Hero" project is a crowdfunding platform for military veterans.
• Unglue.it - Contribute money to the copyright holder of your favorite book to have a free, licensed electronic edition made available to everyone!