Thinking and Acting Ethically

​For the past six months our organization has been working toward a goal of assembling one hundred hygiene care packages for the homeless community of Orange County. It started with noticing our surroundings and seeing that there was a need within our own community. Homelessness has been an issue in California for a long time and has only now received attention in the media because it has become apparent that the problem is only getting more dire. Our team wanted to make an impact, however small, on the homeless community in our own backyard. Thankfully, there are institutions like the Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation that provide funding to projects that service those who are underprivileged and under-acknowledged. 

Our organization started on the basis that we would craft environmentally and socially responsible hygiene products. like our soap and toothpaste, to benefit those in need. Community Consciousness had the dream of providing quality hygiene care such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and menstrual products to those who are experiencing life on the streets. The Blum Center was generous enough to provide us with the proper funding so that we could make this dream a reality. 

Careful thought and attention went into what would go into these hygiene care packages. We took into consideration the quality, the environmental impact, and whether items were fair trade or local. The cold-process soap provided in each care package was made with organic oils, shea butter, and essential oils. The toothpaste included was made with xylitol, peppermint essential oil, and MCT coconut oil, all organic where possible. The loofah sponges and bamboo washcloths are completely biodegradable. The menstrual pads and tampons are 100% organic cotton and nontoxic. The Terra Thread pouches used are Fair Trade and provided by a local supplier, Gallant International. 

We are hoping that in receiving these care packages, our community can feel cared for and loved. To a more privileged individual, hygiene care is not much of an issue, but to someone living on the streets it can be a struggle to keep up with personal hygiene. We have successfully distributed these packages to the homeless community that is supported by LOTS Ministries. LOTS Ministries provides homeless services such as free laundry, showers, breakfast, clothing, and more at The Crossing Church every Saturday from 7am-12pm. This care package project is our offering to our community. We are working hard to continue projects like this! 

Below you will find a link provided by our partner Gallant International - if you would like to find out more about Fair Trade products, please visit their website!

​https://www.gallantintl.com/all-about-fair-trade

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