Eco Rise Youth Innovations

This past week I had the opportunity to work with Eco Rise Youth Innovations. Eco Rise is a nonprofit organization based out of Austin, that inspires youth to tackle real-world challenges by teaching environmental literacy, innovation and hands-on design skills. My job this week was to be a guest judge for the Fulmore Middle School 6th grade class where they presented their final projects. Their teacher taught an Environmental Science class where all the students learned all about environmental issues and the importance of recycling. As a result their final projects were a test to see how much the students learned and how creative they could get with their resources. 

 I honestly had no idea what I was getting into when I first agreed to be a judge, but right once I walked in the class I knew this was going to be a blast. Basically the idea of this final project was for the kids to create a environmentally conscious product, and then develop an elevator pitch in hopes that a company (aka us judges) would buy into their product. It was absolutely adorable, and so very awesome. I was able to talk to just about every kid in the class and brainstorm about their products. It was so cool to toss around ideas with them and see how smart and creative they all really are. 

Here are a few pictures below of the kid's projects. Compliments to Eco Rise's facebook page.

The "Piggy Can" - A piggy bank created with the two ends of recycled coke cans

"Retired" - a plant holder made completely from recycled tires!

This lil' guy created a chess board from cardboard scraps. 

"T-Koozie" - these boys created Koozies from recycled t-shirts! Not to mention their elevator pitch was absolutely awesome. They were definitely one of my favorites!

"Bows to Wear" - 2 girls came up with the idea to create hair bows and bow-ties out of recycled t-shirts

I had so much fun this week that I decided I am sending my January proceeds to Eco Rise in order for them to continue to do what they do! Such a great company, and so many nice people. Can't wait to team up with them :)

g i v e a w a y

Pssst...there is a giveaway going on over at The Darling Detail for this Pink Tibetan Horn Necklace! To find out more information on how to enter click here. 

Holiday Gift Guide

1. Teysha // Teysha boots are the perfect gift for the fashionista of the family. This awesome company is based out of Austin, Texas and their mission is to preserve, embrace and celebrate the cultural and natural treasures of this world. By purchasing a pair of Teysha boots, you are helping empower artisans, and creating an opportunity for them to improve their lives and alleviate poverty throughout their community. 

Find Teysha on Facebook // Instagram and create your own custom boots here!

2. Charity: Water // Soma Water Filter // I am such a fan of Charity: Water and all that they do I couldn't help but share one of their items. This fancy water filter is perfect for a friend who loves to host parties. It's easy-to-hold and has a 100% biodegradable filter. With every purchase proceeds go to help fund BioSand Filters in Cambodia.

3. TOMS // Bellevue Black & White Floral // Did you know TOMS doesn't only make shoes!?  When you buy TOMS Eyewear you are helping restore sight to someone in need, which can include prescription glasses, sight-saving surgery, or even other medical treatments. When sight is restored it will restore independence, economic potential and educational opportunities throughout. How wonderful is that? Learn more about their One for One movement here. 

4. Kahina // Argan Oil // This organic and fair trade oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which is said to improve skin tone, soothe irritation, protect the skin from harmful agents, absorb oil, and instantly give skin a radiant glow. Sounds almost too good to be true, right?! Not to mention each bottle is made with raw sustainable materials, and recycled packaging. Kahina donates to the women who work to provide the raw materials. Perfect gift for your friends or family who love their nightly beauty routines!

5. Little Pieces of Hope // Crosley Necklace // I wanted to make sure to include gifts for every price point on this guide. This Crosley Necklace is from my own jewelry line, where proceeds are going to help build water wells in Orissa, India with the help of Charity: Water. The Crosley Necklace is one of the most popular items in the Etsy shop as has been seen on bloggers such as Amberli Jahn, and even Beauty Glam Now. Great item for a stocking stuffer, or Secret Santa gift.