This is it,.. the last post of 2006! Just wanted to say thank you to all the people who’ve been helping idUnited get off the ground. And of course for all the words of support, encouragement and patience from everyone else out there! Couldn’t do it without you guys. Really looking forward to bringing you the best in ‘conscience capitalism’ in the New Year!
Wishing you all the best in ‘07!
Peace.
_idUnited
Here’s a gift idea that slipped our radar and that we want! A gift that you can color on and be creative with. No we’re not talking about a coloring book,.. we’re talking about the “Visionaire Coloring Toy”
“Visionaire debuts their Holiday Coloring Toy, which was inspired by Visionaire 50 Artist toys. Printed in a limited edition of 1′000, this set of three blank nesting dolls, two sets of ears and 4 Sharpie Mini Markers lets you create your very own character. “
We just checked Visionaire World and they’re still available($40). You better hurry up and grab a set before they’re all gone. Oh and did we mention 100% of the proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Nice.
Ready. Set. Color.
Via > HighSnobiety
It’s been a really long time since I’ve heard >
” If the world’s population were reduced to 100,.. it would look something like this”
What a powerful way of putting things in perspective and making sense of the 6.6 billion + humans on Earth. This video from miniature earth does a great job of showing what it would be like.
Who would you be if there were only 100 people on Earth?
Via > Youtnoise > Via > Personality
Today more and more companies are finding it not only necessary, but also beneficial to be transparent when it comes to showing how they manufacture their products. The latest example of this is a company called Fair Trade Sports.
“As always, all our sports balls are certified to be stitched by adult workers paid fair wages and ensured healthy working conditions. All our apparel is sweatshop-free. And our all after-tax profits are donated to children’s charities.”
You have to respect that. Go check out all the footballs, futbols, volleyballs, apparel and more they have to offer. Go ahead,.. play.
Via > SethGodin
Since 2003, over 400,000 people have died at the hands of the Sudanese government and Janjaweed militias. Have you ever seen 400,000 of anything at one time? To hear a number that large doesn’t even register. That is until a site like Darfur Wall comes along and helps you try and visualize this tragedy.
On the site,.. the numbers 1 to 400,000 cover the 40 panels of The Darfur Wall. Each number represents a person killed in Darfur. Donate one dollar or more to turn a number from dark gray to brilliant white and honor one lost life. 100% of the proceeds go to four Darfur relief organizations.
Visit the site and look at all the numbers,.. then try to imagine a face behind each one. Unreal. Go donate today and let’s light this wall up.
Via > JoshSpear
Bling has been getting some unfavorable press lately. From Kanye West rapping about “blood diamonds” in “Diamonds are Forever” (Sierra Leone remix) To the recent Hollywood movie “Blood Diamonds” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The ugly truth about how the sale of “blood diamonds” are the source of funding war is finally receiving much needed and deserved attention.
So we have Kanye and Leo doing their part to get the word out. What can powerless little you do?… Buy a “Bling is Dead” shirt,.. printed in 100% organic cotton. Excerpt from fashion.psfk >
“Demand Details is an ongoing campaign encouraging the global community to demand details from the diamond industry and raise awareness about the exploitation of African people by diamond mining corporations. The campaign have joined forces with the Annansi Clothing Co and Sierra Leonean hip-hop artist Chosan to create the “Bling is Dead” project, being launched in an effort to motivate consumers to be more selective in their gift purchases this holiday season.”
Of course a portion of proceeds will benefit organizations helping those individuals and communities affected by the “blood diamond” trade.
R.I.P. Bling
Via> fashion.psfk
Looks like President George “Dubya” Bush is the target of another creative video attacking his environmental policy. Some of you may remember the “Ice Kappa Melta” video we posted here on idUnited right after halloween. It was an instant classic. Well now it looks like the crew over at coolhunting have spotted the next classic video,.. with a holiday twist —>
A company called… “Coldcut have applied their cut-and-paste ethic to critique George W. Bush’s environmental policy with devastating effect. Words spoken by the President have been manipulated to make it appear like he’s crooning along to “White Christmas,” but it’s juxtaposed with images that leave you in no doubt what Coldcut think.”
Happy Holidays!
With graphics by surfing legend Joel Tudor, these kicks benefit more than your board skills: Proceeds aid isolated surfing communities in the South Pacific. No organization listed?.. $50
I cannot find these shoes anywhere on-line. If you know where you can get them leave a comment. Thanks.
Via > GQ Best Stuff ‘06
Check out this T-shirt designed by Maison Martin Margiela. The elusive Belgian designer donates the profits from sales of this T-shirt to the Paris-based relief agency AIDES. Couldn’t find where to buy it on-line. Call 212-989-7612 —> $70
If you don’t know anything about MMM check out his bio.
Via > GQ Best stuff ‘06
I was flipping through the pages of GQ’s “Men of the Year” issue over the weekend. Inside I found a section of gifts that give back to charity. Naturally I decided to help spread the word : )
Me&Ro designed a limited edition pendant for Vanity Fair’s Music Issue to benefit Step Up Women’s Network. The sterling silver guitar pick (pictured above) is inscribed with the Tibetan symbol for ‘harmony’ on the front with the English translation on the back. All profits from the sale of the pendant will benefit Step Up Women’s Network.
Read about Me&Ro here >
“Me&Ro is a New York City based jewelry design company founded by Robin Renzi and Michele Quan in the summer of 1991. Me&Ro’s art is informed by an awareness of the human need both to adorn and to communicate through jewelry. Equally important is the power jewelry has to express the human values of strength, love, and faith. Emphasizing the wearability of the designs, Me&Ro opt for subtlety over showiness, pursuing an aesthetic of simple beauty.”
Me&Ro has eight other designs with profits benefiting a variety of other charities Go check them out.
Via > GQ
Stay tuned for more gifts from GQ’s Best of 06′
