Self-Powered Progress for Third World Countries: The Free Play Foundation

The Free Play Foundation is an "internationally acclaimed humanitarian organisation enabling vulnerable people to transform their lives using sustainable, self-sufficient and environmentally friendly technologies." Free Play recognizes that clean power and technology is the solution to lifting many people out of poverty. By focusing on lighting and radios, Free Play is able to change lives:

A farmer listens to the radio for news of the incoming cyclone, ready to spread the alarm to her neighbours.

A child, orphaned by conflict and caretaker of his younger brothers, is soothed by voices on the radio as they fall asleep at a refugee camp.

With safe, renewable lighting, a midwife assists a night-time birth with no fear of fumes from hazardous kerosene or firewood.

With a bright LED light, a girl studies after sundown, when her long day of chores has finally come to an end.

Since 2003, more than 160,000 wind-up and solar-powered Freeplay Lifeline radios have been distributed worldwide, mostly in Africa. In addition, Free Play has developed the Weza foot-powered generator that can power cell phones and other low energy devices
Via: ecogeek

Women Have the Power to Change the World: Donate Bridesmaid and Party Dresses

Summer is officially over, and if you were a bridesmaid, you may have a dress in you closet you will never wear again. One solution for that party dress is to donate it to a charity. Bridesmaid Party's Donate Your Dress program gives your dress to HopeCraft or Rubia, non-profit organizations:

dedicated to promote self empowerment and financial security for the poverty stricken, abused women and children in both Lea Toto, Africa and Darra-i-Nur, Afghanistan.

The donated dresses are upcycled by these organizations, and Bridesmaid Party will give you a $25 gift certificate in exchange for your donation. Upcycling and supporting impoverished women is the socially responsible and eco-friendly way to clean out your closet of gently used party dresses you'll never wear again.