Has it happened to you that you get something you love and then when realize that it supports one of your causes you appreciate it even more? Or perhaps you purposely choose to buy products that donate part of the proceeds to those causes you’re so passionate about? Whatever the case may be, you’re part of an ever increasing group of people looking to make a difference through their purchases. This 2017 CSR study shows that 87% of the consumers who were surveyed would acquire products from companies that support a cause or an issue they deeply cared about. And this article by Forbes states that nine in ten millennials would switch brands to one that supports a cause, according to research from the Haas School of Business at Berkeley in California. The tendency towards giving back is only growing stronger.

During a recent visit to the U.S., I was positively surprised when I found a staple product in my in-laws pantry that supports an elephant sanctuary. And as I prepared this week’s blog, I was even more surprised when I found a long list of companies donating net percentages or fixed dollar amounts to elephant charities. For the companies listed here, I have done my research, read reviews as well as mission statements and to make sure that I include them as responsible alternatives for fun gifts to consider giving out on this World Elephant Day.

Thoughtful gifts and donations in honor of our loved ones also help spread the word about the elephant cause. Check these out.

1. ecojot - 50% of the net proceeds from the sale of their elephant journals and weekly planners go to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya

2. One Tribe Apparel -  Donates $1.00 for every item of apparel sold to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiangmai, Thailand.

3. Ivory Ella - Donates a minimum of 10% of their profits of clothes and accessories to the Save the Elephants Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya. They were recently featured by the Discovery channel.

4. Arm the Animals - Although not specified on their site, this trendy t-shirt company has supported Wildlife S.O.S. India for the past six years and continues to do so. A percentage of their hip shirts, mugs and home decor goes directly to help the elephants cared for by the non-profit.

5. Tusk Books - Donates $1.00 of every book sold to Boon Lot’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) in Sukhothai, Thailand and to The Mondulkiri Project in Monourom, Cambodia

6. Fuel So Good Coffee - Donates 25% of the sales of their We Heard you Brew signature coffee to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, U.S.A.

7. Arte for Elephants - 20% from the sales of their prints is donated to four different elephant sanctuaries and a reforestation project. Check the organizations they partner with here.

8. Grandma’s Molasses - Their site doesn’t specify the percentage they donate, but they are sponsors of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, U.S.A.

9. Amazon Smile - 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases are donated to the charities selected by the AmazonSmile customers. You can only do it by using smile.amazon.com In my personal case, I support Elephant Aid International through the Amazon Smile program.

10. Elephant Soul Crafts - 10% of all the proceeds from my fine art prints and products are donated to Elephant Aid International through online sales as well as from local sales I make in Jordan.

What if gifting is not your thing? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! For those who would rather not buy a physical item, there are additional ways in which you can support the elephant cause without having to get a product shipped in the mail. Throughout my years as an advocate for elephants living in captivity, I have come to know about these organizations and believe their work is sound and much needed in the areas where they’re located. Here are 5 alternatives for you:

1- Sponsor a former abused elephant at the Indian NGO, Wildlife S.O.S

2- Adopt an orphan baby elephant at the Kenyan Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

3- Send an honor gift card with your desired donation to help captive elephants in North America through Elephant Aid International (registered in the US as a 501 c3 non-profit)

4- Become a monthly donor to Nepal’s first retired elephant, Lucky Kali, through Association Moey (Swiss non-profit working in the South of Nepal)

5- Help buy medicines for overworked elephants in Laos through the Lao Elephant Initiative (registered in the US as a 501 c3 non-profit)

There you have it! These 15 ways will inspire you to make thoughtful choices for you or your loved ones. On this World Elephant Day, let’s do something - however big or small - to help a species that is so dear to millions around the world. You can start by not riding an elephant or sign petitions to end cruel forms of entertainment or urge authorities to secure elephants from poaching. And you can also share this post.

It is my calling in life to continue to speak up for elephants in captivity and I am grateful you’re here today to join the cause.

Thank you. Namaste.

Diana