31 Bits Whimsy Pine necklace

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

In hopes of talking less and doing more when it comes to helping others, I’ve decided to start a series I’m calling Good Samaritan Saturday. On Saturday mornings, I’ll post a little something you can do to start your weekend out with positive vibes by helping to lift someone else up…

31 Bits Whimsy Pine necklace

31 Bits Whimsy Pine necklace

This week I want to talk about 31 Bits, a company that sells accessories. It sounds simple enough, right? There are plenty of companies out there that sell accessories. The difference? These bracelets and necklaces are made out of recycled paper and are crafted by impoverished women in Uganda who are being given an opportunity to rise above poverty.

Here’s a little snippet of what 31 Bits does from their website:

We implemented a five-year holistic development program in Uganda, where each woman receives health education, finance training, counseling, and business training. She belongs to a community where she can earn an income, be educated, and dream for her future. After five years in our program, the women graduate, leaving with an education, a career, social equity, confidence, and a voice. We now have 120 women in our program whose lives are changed. Their children’s lives are changed. Their community is changed. And we got to be a part of it!

As if their mission wasn’t enough to pique my interest, their products also happen to be really, really beautiful and unique (and they even have a line for kids!).

31 Bits Radiant Meadow necklace31 Bits Radiant Meadow necklace

31bits Hemlock Stone necklace

31 Bits Hemlock Stone necklace

31 Bits Ferngully necklace

31 Bits Ferngully necklace

I own The Dreamer necklace in mint (because, duh all around) and absolutely love it. Not only is it great to wear with my normal jeans and a t-shirt uniform, but it’s equally at home with something a little dressier. And you know I love a product that is versatile and does some social good.

31 Bits The Dreamer necklace

Lastly, make sure you check out the 31 Bits Instagram feed (the photos below are from it). I love that alongside pictures of their pretty products, they feature the women who make them and give us little glimpses into their lives and how being a part of the 31 Bits community has changed them for the better. I get all of the warm and fuzzies when I see posts like those, which is why I needed to share this company and their mission with you today!

31bits maker

2015 31 Bits graduates

31 Bits aerobics class in Uganda

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Written by Jennifer Garry
Jen is a freelance writer and girl mom from New York. When she's not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find her sprawled across her couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on her face. The struggle is real.