Shwas

It is nearing the end of the year and I have decided it is time to set a new goal. Continuing on our main focus of promoting girls in STEM, I would like to support an underprivileged girl's education. Shwas is an organization in India that provides the necessary funds for underprivileged children to go to good schools and receive a good education. Their goal is to educate the children of this generation so that they can make a better tomorrow. Starting next school year, we will hopefully be sponsoring Gauri, a 9 year old girl. With the help from us, she will be getting a good education, something we take for granted. 

Donated $50!

           Recently, I donated $50 to The Thirst Project, an organization that provides clean drinking water to those in need, indefinitely. Just $25 can provide one person with clean, drinking water for the rest of their life. This could make a HUGE difference in someones life. I had first heard of The Thirst Project from Connor Franta, a youtuber. He wanted to make a difference in our community by raising money using his internet platform. He asked us to join him in donating  230,000 to build wells in third world countries. I thought it was a noble cause to support and so I donated while knowing that at least 2 people were going to get clean water for the rest of their life!

Featured in the AAUW Newsletter

After donating to the Sunnyvale-Cupertino Branch of AAUW for Tech Trek, I had the honor of going in their monthly newsletter. I took screenshots of their article of me and To Green and Beyond in which you can read below!

Tech Trek Donation

I recently donated $850 to Tech Trek, the science and math camp for girls. The grand total of $850 will be the entire cost of a scholarship to sponsor one girl. I really hope that this girl gets to experience all the great things Tech Trek offers. Just like I did, I want her to be able to build a better confidence of her skills, connect with other people that have the same interests, and learn all the ways science and math can benefit our world. Hopefully she will greatly benefit from the Tech Trek experience just as I have.

Aluminum...?

               Aluminum is scientifically known as the 13 element on the periodic table, but to the public, it is commonly known as trash. However, aluminum products should actually be recycled! Unfortunately, only 65% of all aluminum used in America is currently being recycled. It's proven that one year of recycling aluminum cans can bring 6 years worth of energy. The cans can be reprocessed over and over again and it also only takes 60 days for a can to be remade into a whole new and different can. Additionally, making beverage cans from recycled aluminum cuts air pollution by about 95% according to statistics. With these advantages toward our society, who wouldn't want to recycle? As an added benefit, there are recycling centers around your city which give you money in exchange for your cans and bottles. Now there's a deal you can't miss! Recycling helps our environment in many ways and because aluminum is such a large part of our industry, it's important to remember to recycle those as well!

New Earrings

            

Maker Faire 2014

            This year, I had the honor of being accepted into the Maker Faire, a large showcase of people who create anything from crafts to 3D printers. To Green and Beyond had a booth from which I sold earrings, talked to people about our cause, and had the opportunity to meet other makers. I had heard that thousands of people were expected to attend but I never grasped that idea until I saw it in person. When I first walked through the gates on Saturday morning, there was already a large line forming an hour before the event started. It surprised me that so many people were so enthusiastic about the endless possibilities of making. Later, when I was standing behind my booth, I observed the endless stream of individuals looking around and absorbing all the information they had just learned. I realized how privileged I was to be a part of this experience. I not only got to spread my thoughts on recycling and helping the world one step at a time, but I also got to see new ideas and projects done by other makers. I learned how to become a "salesperson" by talking to customers about the same things over and over again. I got to explain to them what I believed in and why buying even one set of earrings could make a huge difference. I was also touched by the generosity and encouragement that I received from the people. By the end of the weekend, I raised more than $800 and talked to people that gave me insights into making this non-profit better and more efficient. I will always remember that weekend for being highly influential and inspirational, and I hope to aspire from that and do many great things in the future. 

Springtime Imagination

I've Been Experimenting with Spring...

Check us out at our Instagram page for more: @togreenandbeyond

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Earth Day

Today is a day that is spent in honor of preserving the fragile planet we live on. It's a day to be thankful that our Earth was made to sustain something beautiful called life. Earth Day is a day to show we care about the world and that we will fight to maintain its wonders. Take a moment to do something that shows you care about protecting our environment and keeping our planet clean and healthy. Go ahead and pick up some trash on the sidewalk or even take shorter showers (however hard that might seem. trust me, I would know). As for me, I tried to help in little ways such as turning off the water while I'm brushing my teeth and only washing my laundry if it's a full load. Join the cause by doing your part.

Also, by purchasing our earrings, you are promoting recycled items used in everday life. It's a great way to get started in creating a better life for us all.

Have a happy, green Earth Day!

There is More to "Pretty"

I was making a couple of beads from magazines and I stumbled upon a great quote that I thought represented me and the earrings I create for our cause:

Great design is not about making something pretty. Great design is about making something well. Making it by hand. Making it affordable and livable. Making it custom or on demand. Making it in ways that sustain the planet we all share and bring style to the corner of it that you call home. 

- Ethan Allen

I think it's great how it says that making something, like our jewelry, is not only about the outside, but also the depth within the item that makes it special. It's the thought put into it and the values it holds that makes it unique. I think the quote is exactly what our earrings are; made by hand, custom, affordable, and stylish. Great design is our passion and priority, because it is the difference between something nice and truly beautiful. It can be classic, contemporary, formal, or funky. But most importantly, it helps our planet by making it a better place one step at a time.