Photos: (Getty, United Way, MTV)
The summer months are winding down, and it's time to start thinking about back-to-school stuff. Yes, already. Trust me, I hated writing that as much as you hated reading it. When it comes to back-to-school shopping (at least the shopping part is fun!), here are a few ways to look and do good:
(1) HoodieBuddie
Every HoodieBuddie sweatshirt has headphones built in to the ends of its drawstrings and a headphone jack in the front pocket. These things are perfect for discreet music listening during chem. lecture! 100% of proceeds from the sale of every "R.I.P MCA" hoodie -- dedicated to the late Beastie Boy -- go to the Syrentha J. Savio Endowment, which helps women who can't afford breast cancer treatment. Purchase yours at all Vans Warped Tour stops. You can also donate an old hoodie to someone in need in exchange for a HoodieBuddie discount!
(2) 7 Year Pen
Do students even write with pens any more, or have they upgraded to some sort of robotic, holographic note-taking technology? From those of you keepin' it "vintage," Seltzer's Seven Year Pen was designed to last for -- you guessed it -- seven years, to help reduce the estimated 100 million pens that are discarded every day. You could take notes with the same pen through high school AND most of college!
(3) LSTN Headphones
LSTN's stylin' wooden headphones go well with every hipster's organic lifestyle. For every pair sold, LSTN gives the gift of hearing to a deaf child in need. Like music instruments themselves, the headphones are made with wooden chambers to produce much better resonance than plastic or metal. And get this: the wood is recycled from exotic wood scraps that would have otherwise made their way into a landfill!
(4) DecalGirl
You like to dress yourself well; why not dress your electronics well too?! Use DecalGirl's colorful vinyl skins to decorate and protect your iEverything. DecalGirl has partnered with United Way to donate a portion of every purchase from their LIVE UNITED line to improve lives around the world.
(5) Choose Haiti Bracelet
Choose Haiti's bracelets are made by Haitians who were forced into camps after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Made out of recycled newspaper and water bottles, and at only $5 (online or at Lady Foot Locker and Forever 21), proceeds go towards helping create jobs for displaced Haitians.
(6) Earth Divas' Recycled Backpack
All of Earth Divas' products are made by women in Nepal and India in areas where women typically have few employment options. This recycled rice backpack makes a cool fashion statement while helping women, children, and families in need.
(7) MTV Books
Take a break from your painful assigned reading with books by MTV faves Vinny, Farrah, and the guys of "The Buried Life." Vinny's book, "Control The Crazy" tackles stress and anxiety; Farrah's book, "My Teenage Dream Ended," delves into her life and struggles as a teen mom; and, The Buried Life's "What Do You Want To Do Before You Die" is just plain inspiring.
