Orange Harp

Shop unique, high-quality, ethically crafted products created by emerging makers. Our app is featured by Apple as a Best New App. Download on your iPhone today!

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How To Shop Smart And Consciously

Kasi Martin from The Peahen Blog shares incredible tips with us about how to shop that is efficient for her and the planet. Follow her at @PeahenBlog on Twitter. 

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A NEW WAY OF PURPOSEFULL SHOPPING || ORANGE HARP

We’re in love with the gorgeous photo shoot and blog post Sami from Simply Sami did about us! 

  “It's my strong belief that the apparel industry and mass manufacturing is lacking a better system. Offering low-footprint products, sustainable apparel, recycled/repurposed material, and local sourcing and manufacturing is a solution to that. Orange Harp is about giving a resource for people who care about the clothes they put on their bodies, the products their buying, and where their money is going (and no, they didn't pay me to say this, and no, you won't be able to find any of it on their missions statement.) The Orange Harp is an app/retailer that curates sustainable, local and low impact products and clothes by companies that are giving back to non-profit organization around the world!” 

See the rest of the post and other pics here! 

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Orange Friday

Beautiful posting by Jess from Rose & Fig who was a joy talking to! 

“Orange Harp, a new socially-conscious makers’ marketplace, is a welcomed salve to this predicament. Illuminating the world of fashion and home goods, Orange Harp curates fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and home goods that are as beautifully made as they are ethical. The app, which donates 1% of all sales to Not For Sale, is a one-stop shop that partners with small businesses.”

Check out the posting and beautiful photos of some of our favorite products, found on the App! 

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Best App For Sustainable Babes

“The crew at OH filters and researches all their products before they feature them, so you don't even have to read the label if you don't feel like it!”

Kristina from  Sustainably Sexy wrote how easy the app is to find amazing brands with a mission! 

Read her posting here!  

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Honey Lemon Tea Ethical Gift Guide

Vee from Honey Lemon Tea Blog wrapped up a delightful Ethical Gift Guide – Orange Harp App picks for 2015! Find some great gifts for your loved ones and make a difference all at the same time.

Read the full posting here! 

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Charitable Companies With Black Friday Deals, So You Can Give Back While You Shop

Hayli Goode from Bustle gave readers suggestions where to buy better gifts this holiday season. 

“Unlike some stores that give back on just holidays or special events, each of these stores and brands value giving back to their communities or a much larger cause All.Of.The.Time. Not only do they offer items that are likely at the top of many Christmas lists, but you can also feel good about where the proceeds from your purchase are going.”

Orange Harp is thrilled to be included on this list! See it here. 

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Seasons And Salt A New Way To Shop

"When facing the reality of making ethical shopping choices, sometimes I feel so overwhelmed. The apparel industry feels like a giant and I feel like the smallest of Davids, but I know I CAN make a difference. WE can make a difference. Every time we make a purchase we are essentially voting with our dollars. We are voting for change to an industry that is broken, harmful to people, and harmful to our environment."

Andrea from Seasons and Salt introduced her new section of the blog starting off with Orange Harp! 

Read the whole article here. 

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Cause Artist List For Social Good Apps

Grant Trahant from Cause Artist  included Orange Harp of the 16 social good apps that make it simple to impact the world everyday! We are honored to be on the list. 

Check out the whole list here! 

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For The Greater Goods Gift Guide (For Her)

Join Annie from For The Greater Goods and spare yourself some stress by thinking about gifts a little earlier this holiday season. Shop her stylish and socially-conscious Orange Harp holiday gift picks below and find an exclusive promo code!

Click here to read the whole article and links to her selections! 

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Socially Conscious Tip From Orange Harp Hero, She’s So Eco!

“One thing I always employ across the board with my sustainable shopping is knowledge. It sounds a bit vague, and in a way it is, but it is just so imperative to really, truly KNOW. Know what's in it, know who made it, know the implications and possible ramifications of what you consume and what you support. Know the ingredients and whether they are healthy for you and the environment. Know where, how, by whom, and under what conditions the products you purchase were made. Ask questions and do your own research. Always be your own detective, and find your own balance. Make a criteria list of what YOU value in terms of sustainability and stick to it - making sure you KNOW that each and every item you purchase is a reflection of those values. Don't be fooled by packaging and buzzwords - terms like "green,” "natural," and "ethical" have no regulated definition or guidelines, so you have to make your own and KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that what you put your money towards embodies what is important to you.” 

Thanks to this week’s Orange Harp Hero, Stephanie Edmonds, for her socially conscious tip!

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Fashion Industry Fact

It is 2015. It doesn’t have to be this way. Take control of your wardrobe and know how your clothing is made, and who it is made by. Shop Orange Harp.

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Tips for a Spooky and Sustainable Halloween

Halloween, like many other holidays, is fraught with over-consumption and waste. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here at Orange Harp, we celebrate the fact that Halloween can be both spooky AND sustainable. We gathered some environmentally-friendly tips and tricks so you too can have a green Halloween! 

Buy a Pumpkin from a Local Farmer

Take a friend or little one to a local pumpkin patch! It is a fun-filled, memory-making experience for all those involved. Plus, you will be supporting a local farmer in the process! Isn’t that better than picking up a pumpkin from a grocery store? Most grocery store pumpkins are also grown by large corporate farmers. Go local!

Go Reusable When Trick or Treating

Make sure to give your little ones (or yourself!) reusable bags when trick or treating! You can use them year after year without worrying about harming the environment.

Pass out Organic/Fair Trade Candies and Chocolates

Instead of passing out unhealthy candy and chocolate made by large corporations, buy organic or fair trade candy/granola bars/etc. that are made with fair trade, organic ingredients. Ensure the treats you are giving out are ethically sourced and the people involved in the production process were fairly treated.

Use Your Halloween Pumpkin!

The pumpkins you carve for Halloween have many uses!  Not only does pumpkin have valuable health benefits, but there are also many ways the pumpkin you carve can be used during the season.  

You can use the insides of the pumpkin to make healthy pumpkin puree for use in a number of pumpkin dishes. You can also roast the pumpkin seeds inside. The seeds are tasty, healthy, and kids love them! Don’t forget to compost the pumpkin after use.

DIY Costume or Costume Swaps

Instead of wasting upwards of $80 for a mass-produced Halloween costume that is not environmentally-friendly, have a costume swap with your friends and loved ones. By exchanging costumes, you’ll be recycling costumes, cutting waste, and saving money at the same time. Alternatively, get creative and create a costume out of items you already have! Reuse, be green, and save money all while having a unique costume.

Say No To Wasteful Decorations

Halloween decorations can get pricey especially during the fall season! Get creative and make decorations using items you have around the house. This can be a fun, crafty project for yourself or your little ones. For example, use milk jugs to make cute, fun ghosts!

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Introducing One of Our Team Members

Meet one of our team members - Sonia! Originally from Los Angeles, she now calls San Francisco her home. When not working, you can usually find her traveling, trying out new cuisines, enjoying live music, or cheering on her favorite sports teams!

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Get Involved: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! We at Orange Harp work to increase awareness of social causes and support those who fight the fight. Celebrate the 2.8 million survivors in the U.S. and support those actively fighting the disease this month and beyond. Sport the color pink and learn different ways to get involved:

Donate

You can contribute directly to breast cancer research, patient support, and education funds through the Susan G. Komen foundation.  Learn more here.

Participate

Support survivors and fighters of breast cancer by finding and participating in an event near you. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer in the world.

Pic Cred: City of Hope

Volunteer and Advocate

Donate your most valuable resource: your time.  With affiliates across the U.S. and internationally, there are many ways to volunteer near you. Contact a local Susan G. Komen affiliate directly for more information on ways to volunteer.

Wear Pink!

A small ask - wear pink this month. NFL players and referees have been wearing pink on the field, city councils have been lighting their buildings pink, and others have been posting their pink attire, cooking, etc. on social media to increase awareness. Paint the town pink!

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Introducing One of Our Team Members!

Meet one of our team members - Andrea! A native San Franciscan, some may refer to her as special unicorn in this crazy city. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling. Her two memorable trips have been immersing herself in Roman culture for 7 months, and traveling throughout 7 different prefectures in Japan.

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Fair Trade Shopping Guide

So you’re interested in learning how to buy Fair Trade Certified?  Look no further!  You will find Fair Trade Certified products in many categories, from coffee and tea to the everyday produce you eat.  With the food you consume on a daily basis, you can ensure that you are purchasing only high-quality products that are contributing to improved lives, supporting communities in developing countries, fairly compensating farmers and workers, and protecting the environment.  You will be making smarter choices while contributing to a more equitable global system.  So what are some of the categories of Fair Trade Certified products?  Let’s look at a few below:

Coffee & Tea

Coffee was the first Fair Trade Certified product, and it is still the product that is most commonly associated with the Fair Trade Certification.  Tea is also one of the more popular Fair Trade categories.  From bagged and loose leaf tea to ground and whole bean coffee, the possibilities are endless and you are sure to find a variety that suits your liking, whether you are a coffee connoisseur or a tea person! 

Sugars & Sweeteners

Sugars and sweeteners that are Fair Trade Certified are relatively easy to find. With Fair Trade Certified sugar, you can add a touch of sweetness to your life while supporting improving lives and the environment.  Additionally, Fair Trade sugar can be found in many products such as ice cream and cookies.

Chocolate

Chocolate is another well-known Fair Trade Certified product.  They tend to be high-quality, make great gifts, and there are many varieties to choose from! You definitely can’t go wrong when choosing Fair Trade chocolate.

Produce

Fair Trade Certified produce is increasing in popularity.  Bananas are the most common and are widely available.  There are also other options to choose from, including pineapples, mangos, peaches, bell peppers, and cucumbers, among others.  This produce is high-quality and very fresh.

Photo Credit: Fair Trade USA

Herbs & Spices

Lesser known Fair Trade Certified products are herbs and spices.  With these, you can add a touch of Fair Trade to everything you eat - and feel good over and over again in the process!

Clothing

Fair Trade Certified clothing is a newer phenomenon.  Since this is relatively new, it is easiest to find Fair Trade Certified clothing online.  This clothing benefits everyone in the process, from the farmers who produce the cotton to the workers who stitch the clothing.

We hope this helps you to make smarter purchasing decisions and start buying Fair Trade Certified this month.  Happy shopping!

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Hey Sustainable Space Nerds, Listen Up!

Shout out to all our space nerds! Take advantage of this astro-excitement by answering the Mars trivia below. Those with correct answers will score a $10 gift card from us and we'll pick one winner to receive a $20 gift card!

Ready? Blast off!

1. What are the names of the two rovers that are currently working on the surface of Mars? 2. True or False: Mars is the fifth planet from the Sun. 3. Fill in the blank: Mars was named after the Roman god of ____.

Send us your answers to [email protected].

Winners will be announced on Tue at noon PDT and will be highlighted in our next newsletter. Good luck, folks!