5 Ways to Save the World

By Laura Stone

Saving the world might seem like a daunting task, but if you've ever watched the news and thought "What can I really do?" to what seems like an endless list of wars, famines and global concerns, then read on. See what a difference you can make with the help of some leading international organizations:

Baseworld: This South Beach cooperative has been creating lifestyle-based goods and products for over 12 years. They currently carry a beautiful, not-for-profit, $98 woven pillow with "Love" embroidered on one side, and "Life" on the other. The best part? All proceeds are donated to UNICEF in support of children infected with HIV. [www.baseworld.com]

Charity: Water: This charity organization is dedicated to providing clean water to developing countries, mostly in Africa. According to their website, over one billion people do not currently have access to safe water. You can help change this by buying a $20 virtual bottle, providing 15 years of clean water to one person, or a $480 case, which goes towards the construction of a freshwater well in Africa. [www.charityis.org]

Darfur Wall: The Darfur Wall was developed by Dan, Jonah, and Matt Burke, a father and his two sons based in Seattle, Washington. The virtual wall represents the 400,000 people who have lost their lives in Sudan’s genocide since 2003. Donate one dollar or more to light up a dark gray square on the wall, and the proceeds will be equally distributed among four non-profit organizations: Doctors without Borders, Save the Children, Save Darfur, and the Sudan Aid Fund/ Eric Reeves. The wall has raised $27,225 and lit up 27,158 squares to date. Will you be the one to light the next square? [www.darfurwall.org]

Kiva: This unique organization encourages business ventures from within developing countries through the process of microfinance, wherein a donor supports a local business—i.e not foreign-owned—in the developing world. By choosing a specific business to support, you can interact with the business owner, via microfinance firms, throughout the 6-12 month lending period. Donations begin at $25 a month. [www.kiva.org]

Trees for the Future: This organization, which was established in the early 1970s, works closely with the agrarian communities of developing countries in Asia, Africa and Central America. By planting trees in impoverished villages, and educating the local population in agriculture and forestry, Trees for the Future seeks to improve the environment and the living conditions of developing nations. By donating $100, you can help plant a forest and cultivate a future. [www.treesftf.org]

Donate, get involved, do something, not only to heal that "what can I do" feeling but to make a difference, and yes, even save the world, one person at a time.