Want to support small green businesses and grass-roots innovators but don’t know where to start? Kickstarter.com is a fantastic online crowd funding website that helps creative people raise the start-up capital they need to bring their projects from ideas to reality – and it features hundreds of inspiring eco projects that you can donate to. Weather you’re investing $5 or $500, each project includes a set of rewards that often offer products and services worth more than the amount you’re pledging. To get you started on your newfound philanthropy kick we’ve scoured the site to bring you 5 of the most promising green projects Kickstarter is serving up – from hip sunglasses made from recycled plastic to an electric folding bike designed for the eco-urbanite!
BTL Optical Recycled Plastic Sunglasses
Founded by LA-based design engineers Josh and Sean, BTL Optics makes hip eco-friendly sunglasses out of 100% recycled materials. They use only the finest lenses and hinges, and they manufacture and assemble all of their products right at home in Los Angeles, CA. The best part of this Kickstarter project is that when you donate $65.00, not only are you helping these young eco-conscience entrepreneurs succeed – you also score your very own sweet set of BTL shades. Now that’s a win for everybody!
CMYK Folding Electric Bikes
BROOKLYNESS is a Brooklyn-based design company committed to creating unique vehicles for the city dweller. Their goal is to provide users with transportation that is practical and sustainable without sacrificing style and comfort. They started their Kickstarter project because they need to secure additional funding in order to launch their newest creation, the CMYK folding electric bike. This folding electric bike was designed for those who depend on public transportation, but could also benefit from the added convenience an electric bike can provide. Its fold-down handlebars and carry-on-board seat make it easy to bring onto the bus or subway. Also, there’s no need to worry about locking it up because the CMYK can fit right under your desk at the office. Visit their Kickstarter page to check out the loot they’re offering in exchange for a donation. For the right price you can be the proud owner of your very own BROOKLYNESS CMYK Kickstarter limited-edition folding electric bike!
Combat Paper
David Keefe and Eli Wright are both combat veterans who served in Iraq – and now they’re on a mission to help other veterans heal through the power of art. They are co-coordinators of Combat Paper, a free program that helps veterans take their military uniform and transform it into paper that they then use to create art. The project also provides a safe place to talk with others who might also be having trouble transitioning into civilian life. Their Kickstarter page tells us that 18 young American veterans commit suicide each day, so if there is power in deconstructing the uniform, we say it’s a worthy cause to donate to.
Read More From Rebecca Paul
-
http://profile.typepad.com/behrstock Robin Behrstock