"Be the light"...the mantra from my Kabbalah http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah class.  So, I endeavor to be that in both big and small ways, whether it's changing someone's life by introducing them to their future spouse, by paying a sincere compliment or even just giving someone attention and acknowledgement.   I look for light in the world around me.  It can be seen and experienced through people like Donna Carter, creator of Fanny Granny's Eco-Bag Bracelets, http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/Angela-Carella-Bags-become-bands-of-benevolence-908416.php  http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/Angela-Carella-Bags-become-bands-of-benevolence-908416.php a not for profit organization that provides help for elderly women as well as the environment.  Eco-Bag bracelets, $5 each are made from recycled plastic newspaper bags, available through FannyFandango.comns 




GrTanny's Eco-Bag Bracelets, a not for profit organization that provides much needed help for elderly women in need as well as hDonna Carter works on one of her Franny's Granny's Eco-Bag Bracelets in her home in Stamford, Conn., Thursday, December 16, 2010. The bracelets are made of recycled newspaper bags, 90% of the profits from the sale of her bracelets goes toward helping elderly women in need. Photo: Keelin Daly / Stamford Advocate |

I love my Eco-Bag bracelets...by looking @ them, there's no way to tell they are made from newspaper bags.  I wear them proudly...I want to tell people about them--they're so cool.  

About a month a ago, I was at a party for Adrien Grenier's green initiative http://www.shft.com/.  A woman came in wearing TOMS espadrilles in black glitter.  I had to know where to get them & she directed me to their Web site since I'd never seen such blinged out ones in stores..only plain canvas.  So off to TOMS.com I went.  And I found a pair I liked even more than those black glitter ones...I found black lace crochet ones..And I learned for every pair I bought, a pair would be given to a child in need.  Additionally, the shoes are made from recycled materials.  TOMS, founded by Blake Mycoskie after a visit to Argentina, stands for "tomorrow".  TOMS has given over 1 million pairs of shoes away to children in developing countries. 

They are based on the Alpargata design worn by farmers in Argentina and they are super comfy!

The Counting Crows played in the pouring rain @ the Ives Center in Danbury the other night.  There were three opening bands and I noticed something I never saw at a concert before.  The lead singer of the headliner, Adam Duritz, introduced each of the bands and stayed onstage (off the side) during each group's performance.  I'd never seen such a show of support.  Then, before the Counting Crows played, the drummer came out to talk about their Greybird Foundation because they believe that everyone in America's thoughts and dreams matter.  In Danbury, the local organizations they partnered with and were highlighting were the Women's Center of Greater Danbury and the local AIDS project.  Now, they certainly didn't have to do this, but they are a band with heart.  Kudos to Adam and the Counting Crows!

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All these examples fall under the aegis of "cause related marketing."  I support this type of marketing.  It's a small but significant way to "be the light" and be an example.  Tell me about the causes you support and talk it up.