Skip to main content

Shop The Change: The Conscious Consumer App

Shop the Change you want to see in the world; an app that connects your everyday shopping list with brands and products that care.

$10,362
pledged of$10,000 goal
108
0Days Left
Fund it

Project Description

WE'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO SHOP THE CHANGE

 

WHAT IS IT?

Shop the Change is an online marketplace that provides instant access to transparent information about the brands on our everyday shopping lists.

When we consciously choose to purchase from brands that meaningfully demonstrate a commitment to making the world a better place, we change the status quo. In short, we make a positive impact! 

 

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. On your desktop browser or mobile device, SEARCH for the items you'd like to buy & filter by cause or rating.

⬇️

2. MATCH your shopping list to the causes you care about (Pasta with a side of women’s rights? Coming right up! No, really.)

⬇️

3. Instantly BUY everything you need & feel good about your choices. You can even share with friends to show them how they, too, can support positive change.

 

 

CORE CAUSES:

Shop the Change platform empowers you, the consumer, to make your normal, everyday spending count toward causes you care about. You will be able to select which causes are most important to you on the website. Examples include: "LGBTQ+ rights," "women’s equality," "racial equality," and "environmental sustainability" - you would then search for products by brands who support those attributes.

You will then be able to purchase those products online (or at the store) and share through social media to your friends, sharing your passion, and why you purchased from them.  When you see the icons above, you can be sure that the product you're buying was created by a company that cares. Why? Because we'll do the research for you.

✔️ Women's Rights⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ LGBTQ+ Rights & Gender Equality⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ Non-Exploitation⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ Environmental Responsibility⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ Racial Equality⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ Humane Farming⠀⠀⠀⠀

✔️ Vegan⠀⠀

-

 

THE MARKET OPPORTUNITY FOR VALUE-BASED CONSUMERISM

Anyone who shops and has a desire to make their dollars matter is on our radar as a core Shop the Change user. The Shop the Change brand database is ever-growing. We're starting our research with groceries and consumables, but we plan to move into clothing, housewares, pet food, baby products, and more - there are no limits. Anywhere there's a value chain, we have a chance to choose better, and Shop the Change is setting out to introduce that information in a clear, useful app.

 

-

 

WHY SHOP THE CHANGE?

As the creators behind this idea, we’ve spent much of our adult lives working on the frontlines of causes we believe in. From teaching English in Madagascar to empowering humans who are trafficked in the developing world as well as here in the US - we practice what we teach. And then life happened: we settled into being parents, home, and business owners. In short, we're everyday people. But regardless of where we were, we decided that there must be a way where we, and other consumers, could meaningfully support causes and intentionally strive to make the world a better place through everyday actions like shopping. We have a shared passion for changing the status quo.

 

Our “Eureka” moment happened when, once, we couldn’t decide how to choose between a bunch of seemingly identical products (generic over Franz, for example) at a marketplace.

 

We realized many people likely face these simple decisions and buy with their eyes closed. What if they could buy better by knowing more about the brand or chain behind the product?

 

We were able to leverage our experience in cause-based activism and created Shop The Change after extensive research as well as good ol' (multiple) rounds of trial and error.

We know that we're not the only organization working in this landscape - we're part of a growing ecosystem of ethical and sustainable businesses, as well as folks who simply want access to accurate and transparent information about what they buy, regardless of where their personal values land. 

 

Shop The Change stands out from the crowd when it comes to online shopping platforms. We’re the only ones able to harness the vast mountain of data and make a product simple enough for everyday use, with a user experience that makes life easier instead of more difficult. Many of the other apps or user extensions are more niche or high-end, but we believe that every person on any budget can make small changes that align with their values, no matter where they shop. The technology is there for us to meet everyone where they are, and from that foundation, we can build a new system that is more equitable, fair, and healthier for everyone and everything on the planet.

 

-

 

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

(1) Donate to help us complete our public beta.

Every dollar helps us get closer to creating this product that could change how consumerism works in America. In addition to “price,” “quality,” and “convenience” as the factors for why we purchase what we do, we could also add “conscious” and “integrity” making every one of our purchases more meaningful. 

(2) Tell your friends.

We want you and everybody to be as excited about Shop the Change as we are. Please share our campaign page on social media and tell your friends about us. 

(3) Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media!

We need beta testers, social media followers, and people who would like to receive updates on what we're doing. We are supporting the conscious consumerism movement and movements require passionate people who believe in causes.

 

We are a small and mighty team and we have come a very long way on a shoestring, but in order to create an app that empowers people in the way we envision, we know that we need to provide a user experience that simplifies instead of complicates. That means bringing in experts in machine learning to streamline our processes and keep our database accurate and transparent, as well as big data specialists to help us interpret and use the data we collect to make continual improvements. We are seeking funding to complete and perfect the Shop the Change app. After taxes & fees, all funds will be used to fairly compensate our existing development team, implement more user testing, and get us to market!

 

By contributing to our campaign, you are supporting a movement that will make ripples throughout the systems that define the way we live and work. Let's make the world a fairer, more equitable, healthier place - for everyone.

 

-

 

HOW WILL WE USE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

-

 

WHO WE ARE

Co-Founders: Edgar Mason & Sara LeHoullier.

 

That’s us! Edgar and Sara. We are excited to have you along. With Shop the Change you can be part of something truly revolutionary. By transforming the way you shop, your dollars become an act of subtle activism. You reward the companies that care.

 

As we grow, we prioritize collaboration over competition, and the creation of opportunities for members of traditionally underrepresented groups.

 

To find out more about our team, you can meet them here

 

-

 

Thank you so much checking out Shop the Change.

Now, check out the rewards and various levels of giving over there  ➡️ on the right-hand side.

-

We can't do this without you, and anything you can give means the world to us.

The Campaign FAQs

Q: What are your criteria for determining product and brand ratings? 

A: We use third party analyses, certifications, and classifications. We are not trying to be the experts in any one area. There are plenty of very smart people doing wonderful, important research and analysis. It’s just really tedious to find all of this information. And unfortunately, this information is largely being unutilized by the people who could use it most effectively to make decisions in life. That’s a big part of what we’re doing: compiling sources, collecting research, synthesizing, and providing users with information that’s efficient to access, easy to digest, and fully transparent (in terms of where we’re getting our source data).

 

Q: How often will data be updated?

A: Continuously. Companies are constantly changing their social priorities, sometimes for the better, other times for the less than better. Companies merge, sell off brands, and hire new leadership. New reports and data are also constantly being produced. Shop the Change works to stay ahead of all of this, so that our information is as current as possible.

 

Q: Will Shop the Change be a desktop app or a mobile app?

A: Both. Initially, Shop the Change will be a desktop app. Once it’s completed, a mobile version will be developed.

 

Q: Will my information be shared? What will you do with my data?

A: Yes, it will be shared. One of the long-term goals of Shop the Change is to use data to encourage companies to engage in more progressive, responsible business practices. That said, Shop the Change will allow users to select their preferences regarding sharing.

 

Q: How do you determine what values to cover?

A: We selected our first six values based on a combination of survey work and the Shop the Change staff’s own personal values. In the future, we plan to cover other values, like shopping for locally produced goods.

 

Q: How does Shop the Change address users’ varying definitions of what is acceptable under a value? For instance, some people believe animal products can never be acquired humanely and others do.

A: Shop the Change will provide users with search filters that will allow users to exclude sub-values that do not align with their personal standards. Users will also be able to review the background of 3rd party analysis sources and their review factors and filter accordingly.

 

Q: How is Shop the Change different from boycott apps and other apps that promote values companies?

A: (1) Shop the Change has a positive focus and (2) enables users to seek out and support their values in an efficient, user-friendly manner. Boycotting apps while useful, are more about telling users what not to do and focus on the negative. Shop the Change provides users with information on how to support companies that align with their values. Similar apps are also built for either users who have the time and desire to conduct massive amounts of research or users who do not care about ratings transparency or users who only shop at high-end or niche stores. Shop the Change has been designed with the busy head of household shopper in mind, who occasionally wants to easily find out the background on ratings, and shops at stores ranging from the mainstream to the niche. Basically, it is an app that is accessible and appropriate for all users who care about conscious consumerism.

 

Q: Why are you doing a crowdfunding campaign rather than a more traditional fundraising campaign involving venture capital and angel investors?

A: We believe Shop the Change is at a stage where a crowdfunding campaign is most appropriate for us. As of right now, we are trying to build this company responsibly, as opposed to growing too quickly and being unable to maintain its founders’ vision.

 

Q: How do you respond to the argument that conscious consumerism can’t make a difference and people are better off shopping cheaply and donating their savings to activists and non-profits?

A: While we do believe that people should financially support causes that they believe in, we also believe that conscious consumerism can make a difference in the world. Conscious consumerism has not only influenced the standards for doing business, but has also enticed companies to engage in advocacy that has altered political and social landscapes. Many companies have massive influence throughout the world, but really only use it if it is in their best interest. The primary force causing them to use that influence is their target market, i.e., their customers and potential customers. They answer to us and if it is in their best interest to align their values with us, they will often do just that.

 

 

Q: Are you a non-profit company?

A: No, we are not. However, we aspire to one day become a B-Corp that gives back to its community, engages in progressive activism, and provides an example of a company that is working hard to make the world a better place.

 

Q: Will you go into covering other industries?

A: We hope to. Right now we are starting with groceries, but we hope to one day cover almost any industry where there are shoppers who want to make their shopping decisions based on their values.

Angie
10/30/2018
Let's take our relationship public
$25
10/30/2018
Let's take our relationship public
$25
10/30/2018
Don't be Trashy To-Go Kit
$200
Anne Kiehl Friedman
10/30/2018
Made by Free Women Shopping Tote
$75
3 Body Healing Arts
10/30/2018
Let's take our relationship public
$25
10/30/2018
Don't be Trashy To-Go Kit
$200
Emily Kochetkova
10/30/2018
Let's take our relationship public
$25
10/30/2018
Let's take our relationship public
$25
10/30/2018
Virtual High Five
$10
Sg
10/30/2018
Made by Free Women Shopping Tote
$100
Monetary Contribution

Ripples make waves. Every little drop counts in our quest to make Shop the Change a reality. We appreciate any amount you feel comfortable giving!

13 Supporters
Select this reward
5.00 USD
Virtual High Five

Or if we see you in person, we'll high five you IN REAL LIFE! 

35 Left
15 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Let's take our relationship public

We want it to shout it from the rooftops (via social media) because we're just so excited to make it official!

8 Left
42 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Made by Free Women Apron

Now you can also Cook the Change; feel good about your value-based meals made from ingredients that support the issue you care about in your Made by Free Women Apron by CAUSEGEAR!

You'll also get rooftop shouting via social media and a virtual/in-person high five from us.

8 Left
12 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Don't be Trashy To-Go Kit

We're creating a fantastic to-go kit that you can bring anywhere, making it easy to get closer to zero-waste out in the world!

For busy parents toting around your kids, for other busy humans who want to generate less trash - this is a simple way to start!

Featuring a perfectly-sized bag from IMPWEAR Home, and filled with reusable:

  • Straw
  • Flatware
  • Snack bag/dry bag
  • Swizzle Stick
  • Napkin/Bandana

**brand partners TBD

33 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
All the Love

Way to be a changemaker!

You get:

Made by Free Women Tote (from CAUSEGEAR)

+

a Don't be Trashy Kit (featuring IMPWEAR Home + reusable awesomeness)

+

LOUD social media shout-out & high fives

17 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Shop the Change Founding Membership

Join the Founder's Circle!

From the bottom of our hearts, we can't thank you enough. You'll receive a prominent listing on our website, a serious shout-out on social media and a feature in our blog/newsletter. 

You're such a good human.  

 

 

18 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Olalla, WA
Created 1 Campaign
Social Good

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Ripples make waves. Every little drop counts in our quest to make Shop the Change a reality. We appreciate any amount you feel comfortable giving!

13 Supporters
Select this reward
5.00 USD
Virtual High Five

Or if we see you in person, we'll high five you IN REAL LIFE! 

35 Left
15 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Let's take our relationship public

We want it to shout it from the rooftops (via social media) because we're just so excited to make it official!

8 Left
42 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Made by Free Women Apron

Now you can also Cook the Change; feel good about your value-based meals made from ingredients that support the issue you care about in your Made by Free Women Apron by CAUSEGEAR!

You'll also get rooftop shouting via social media and a virtual/in-person high five from us.

8 Left
12 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Don't be Trashy To-Go Kit

We're creating a fantastic to-go kit that you can bring anywhere, making it easy to get closer to zero-waste out in the world!

For busy parents toting around your kids, for other busy humans who want to generate less trash - this is a simple way to start!

Featuring a perfectly-sized bag from IMPWEAR Home, and filled with reusable:

  • Straw
  • Flatware
  • Snack bag/dry bag
  • Swizzle Stick
  • Napkin/Bandana

**brand partners TBD

33 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
All the Love

Way to be a changemaker!

You get:

Made by Free Women Tote (from CAUSEGEAR)

+

a Don't be Trashy Kit (featuring IMPWEAR Home + reusable awesomeness)

+

LOUD social media shout-out & high fives

17 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Shop the Change Founding Membership

Join the Founder's Circle!

From the bottom of our hearts, we can't thank you enough. You'll receive a prominent listing on our website, a serious shout-out on social media and a feature in our blog/newsletter. 

You're such a good human.  

 

 

18 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward