From gamefied sustainable living apps to coffee beans for benefit, these customizable social innovations attempt to tap into customization and personalization so that an individual can feel as if their own personal specification or preference was taken into account in the production of the product or service itself, thereby boosting its value and worth.
Bespoke ethical jewelry is one of ways in which these customizable social innovations offers involvement in most of the process, that is, in a more holistic manner. However, many of the examples here are personalized in the "click click" sense, i.e. you choose what you want via the Internet after answering a set of questions on what service would make the most sense for you and/or your social business.
30 Customizable Social Innovations
30
Comfy Customizable Kicks
KellismCo Custom TOMS Give the Slip Ons Individual Paintjobs
29
Bearded Botas Kicks
TOMS Movember Shoe Helps Change the Face of Men's Health
28
Empowerment Jewelry
SWAK X Educates and Employs Young Adults with HIV/AIDS
27
Alternative Education Enterprises
KO2 is a Community Interest Company with a Love for Dirtbiking
26
Fair Trade Eco-Tourism
Bespoke Experience Uses Commercial Travel for Poverty Alleviation
25
Music-Sharing Charities
OrigAudio Lets Everyone Enjoy Essential Tunes Sustainably
24
Beans for Benefit
When You Buy a Bag of ONEbean Coffee, Choose a Cause to Support
23
Ethical Metal Jewelry
Arabel Lebrusan Uses Recycled Gold and Silver in the Design Process
22
Customizable Charity-Driven Accessories
C4 Belts are Socially Conscious and Eco-Friendly
21
Cultural Camper Packs
Socially Conscious Ethnotek Bags' Travel Backpacks Conform to Desired Style
20
Custom Bottles with Purpose
Miir Lets You Customize Your H20 While Supporting Clean Water Projects
19
Personalized Energy-Tracking Apps
Quinzee is a Social Innovation That Lets You Note Your Use
18
Cause-Changing Shoes
Bangs Corresponds Color of Footwear to a Non-Profit Partner
17
Community-Producing Picture Frames
Spark Framing Minimizes Eco Impact and Maximizes Job Creation
16
Capacity-Building Artisan Groups
The Nest Maiyet Partnership Creates Positive Impact (UPDATE)
15
Gamefied Sustainable Living Apps
Practically Green Provides Simple and Personalized Green Tips
14
Members-Only Social Boutiques
The New Ethical Ocean Website Presents a Revamped E-Commerce Company
13
Global Farmers' Markets
Liga Masiva Lets You Buy Coffee Straight from the Source
12
Alternative Banking Loans
The Hilltop Microfinance Initiative Helps in Low-Income Entrepreneurs
11
Socially Responsible Marketing Solutions
Eighty2degrees is Sustainability-Driven Graphic Design
10
Cloud-Based Education Toolkits
Zaya is a Non-Profit Whose Founder is an Echoing Green Fellow
9
Transformative Travel For Good
Elevate Destinations Plans Customized Meaningful Eco-Luxury Trips
8
Sector-Spanning Social Firms
Purpose Capital Connects Creative Businesses and Investors
7
Socially Conscious Comforters
Blanket Statements is a One-for-One Company Helping Women's Shelters
6
Disabled-Only Message Boards
The ‘Ability List’ Connects the Disabled to Resources and
5
Morale Boosting Military Gift Services
Semper Finest Care Packages Donates Goods To Troops
4
Social Business Media Strategists
Fission Strategy Helps Humanitarian Endeavors Reach Audiences
3
Life Lesson Gurus
The Amazings is a Social Enterprise Harnessing the Skills of Retirees
2
Fair Trade Bulk Apparel
Epona Clothing Supplies Ethical Tees for Charities, Schools & Businesses
1
Imaginative Care Supporters
Community Catalysts Develops Radical Solutions to Social Issues
Related Ideas
100 Social Enterprise Innovations
From Paradigm-Shifting Marine Organizations to Accessible Loans
10 Shoe Brands with Soul
TOMS, Twins for Peace, Oliberte, Sseko, GROOBS and More
Altruistic Online Marketplaces
'Shop With Meaning' Sells Socially-Responsible Items with a Story
Before & After War Portraits
Claire Felicie Documents the Effect of the Iraq War on Soldiers
Personal Pod Studios
This Backyard Pod by Sett Studio Provides People with a Private Escape
12 Ethical Coffee Brands
Social Businesses Using Beverage and Bean Sales to Give Back
Youth Activism
Jennifer Corriero Explains How Youth Can Leverage Technology To Inspire Others
Star Wars Kicks
The R2D2 Shoes are Perfect Pieces of Droid Footwear
62 Fashion-Focused Social Businesses
From Kenyan Running Apparel to Explosive Ethical Jewelry
40 Internet-Based Social Businesses
From Good Cause Tweeting to Digital Literacy Agencies
Customized Disney Princess Kicks
Etsy User 'Creativity in the Making' Hand Paints TOMS Shoes
Global Street Art Sneakers
BucketFeet Shoes Support Artists and Empower Children
Superhero Film Shoes
The Dark Knight Rises Toms Shoes Commemorate the Final Batman Installment
Ex-Con Bakeries
Dave's Killer Bread is a Quirky Social Business Giving Back with Gumption
Online Ethical Retailers
SERRV Alleviates Poverty by Supporting Artisans from Around the World
19 Food-Focused Social Enterprises
From Well-Wasted Cuisine to Ethical Gastropubs
Fair Trade Peruvian Handcrafts
Sanyork Promotes Artisans in a Poor Community of Lima
34 Clean Water Innovations
Technologies and Designs that Deliver Safe H2O
Chris Baker, Founder of OneSeed Expeditions (INTERVIEW)
Socially Responsible Travel
20 Creative Worker Cooperatives
From Opportunity-Generating Accessories to Upcycled Train Stations
24 Educational Social Enterprises
From Mission-Focused Mentorship to Celeb Chef Apprenticeships
Pay-as-You-Go Energy
Simpa Networks Offers Solar Power to Underserved Markets in India
Adventures with Purpose
Sam Bruce Shares 10 Ethical Holiday Providers of Sustainable Tourism
One-for-One Boating Tees
The United by Blue Winter Collection Evokes a Public-Spirited Mindset
$20-Per-Month Homes
Each WorldHaus is Built in 10 Days and is Designed for the World's Rural Poor
Inspired Altruistic Vino Brands
Cultivate Wines is a Nonprofit That Gives Back
Ethical and Empowering Accessories
Tukula Provides Opportunity and Hope for Artisans in Uganda
Alternative Education Enterprises
KO2 is a Community Interest Company with a Love for Dirtbiking
Upcycled Rugby Balls
The TOUCH Initiative Recycles Garbage while Creating Jobs
30 Youth-Centric Social Enterprises
From Empowering Childcare Networks to $75 Tablet PCs
Cute Critter Kicks
Zooligans Presents Animal Shoes for Kids
Hunky Vigilante Editorials
'The New Transformers' Shoot by Sam Scott Schiavo is Warrior-Inspired
Entrepreneurship-Enabling Crafts
Buying a Prosperity Candle Helps Women Refugees Open a Business
Destroyed Architecture Art
Beyt by '2b design' is a Social Enterprise Employing the 'Unemployable'
Artist-Supporting Social Enterprises
Art Sumo Offers Paintings from All Over the World
Eco-Friendly Wood Stoves
This Swedish Designed Cooker Addresses Health and Environmental Issues
Multipurpose Bicycle Buildings
This German Bike Storage Facility is Also an Eco-Friendly Cafe
Clothes That Buy Water
Each Project Migration Shirt Gives 5 Years of H2O, Medical Aid
Charitable Model Jewelry
The Coco Rocha for Senhoa Collection Helps Victims of Human Trafficking
Socially Conscious Packaging
Level Ground Trading Re-Sealable Bags Take You Back to the Fields
32 Volunteer-Supporting Social Enterprises
From Altruistic Law Firms to Fair Trade Underwear
Neighborhood Crowdfunding Websites
Spacehive is a Fundraising Platform for Public Space Projects
Sapphire Nomad Packs
Frog Lanes Good Collection Offers Fashionably Durable Bags
Surfing for a Cause
'Much Better Adventures' Help You Organize Ethical Travel Experiences
Experience-Creating Cleaners
The Eco Laundry Room Has a Cafe, Kid's Play Area and Free WiFi
Election-Savvy Slip-Ons
Show Your Political Pride with These Simple Sneakers
Self-Sustaining Social Enterprises
Kinyei Fosters Independent Entrepreneurship in Cambodia
Custom Bottles with Purpose
Miir Lets You Customize Your H20 While Supporting Clean Water Projects
School-Supportive Jewelry
SOMO Reinvests Profits Toward Education Fees in Uganda
Charitable Songstress Baubles
Natalie Imbruglia for Kailis Capsule Collection Helps Youth
Energy Efficient Infographics
‘One Block off the Grid' Solar Power Statistics Shows Sh
Empowering Crochet
Fair Trade 'Pebble' Baby Line Employs Women in Bangladesh
Caring Handcrafted Jewelry
31 Bits Gives Ugandan Women a Safe Network of Creation
Samantha Morshed, Founder of Pebble (INTERVIEW)
Crochet Baby Toys for Job Creation in India
Informative Missed Connections Graphs
The Dorothy Gambrell Map Reveals Where Romance Occurs
Housemate-Hunting Infographics
The 'Things to Consider When Finding a Roommate' Chart is Useful
Women-Focused Eco Programs
Backpack Farm is an African-Based Entrepreneurship Supporter
Worldstock (INTERVIEW)
In Commemoration of the Passing of World Fair Trade Day
Katie Fewings, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Ethical Weddings (INTERVIEW)
Poverty Business Development
TechnoServe is an International Nonprofit Founded in 1968
Patriotic One for One Apparel
Salute the Brave Donates Clothing to American Military Troops
Drink 1, Give 1
Every Bottle of 1for1 Water Sold Brings Clean Water to Someone in Haiti
Energy Poverty Entrepreneurs
Solar Sister Targets Women to Sell Lamps and Improve Livelihoods
Micro-Volunteering Platforms
Raise5 Enables the Charitable Giving of Your Time and Talents
Stacy McCoy, Co-Founder of Give to Get Jobs
Social Enterprise and Nonprofit Job Board
Social Crowdfunding Platforms
The Buzzbnk App Helps Ventures Gather Support and Raise Funds
Responsible Himalayan Travel
Ecosphere Focuses on the Triple Bottom Line with the Spiti Community
Charitable Animal Sculptures
The Bundu Designs Rhinos are Made from Wire
Tree Planting Initiaves
Forest Nation Offers Commercial Solutions to Companies in Sustainable Need
Healthy Economy Books
'Creating Good Work' by Ron Schultz Expands the Conversation
36 Community-Based Innovations
From Bike Calibrators to Recreational Structures
Potable H2O Pods
The Wello WaterWheel was Developed as a Gendered Venture
Organic Wine Merchants
Vintage Roots is a Longtime Social Business Liquor Specialist
Ethical Cocoa Gadget Helpers
The Divine Chocolate App Shares the Story of the Farmer-Owned Company
Social Good Entertainment
Global Good Games Aims to Shift the Video Gaming Paradigm
Volunteer Time Credits
Spice Innovations Engages Community in Order to Create Change
Intergalactic Droid Slip-Ons
Star Wars Custom TOMS Shoes Suit Up Sci-Fi Style
Fairtrade Chic Drinks
Lemonaid Beverages and ChariTea Look Cool, Pay Farmers Fairly
Indian Bike-Sharing Schemes
Cycle Chalao Had to Close Due to Lack of Government Support
Social Innovation Hubs
The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship Offers a Voice
Global Charity Microfinancers
WildHearts Provides Microloans to Help People Work out of Poverty
Dairy Farming e-Businesses
Akashganga Creates Technologies for Cooperatives in India
Environmentally Conscious Heating
BioLite Provides Clean and Affordable Energy Worldwide
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
Connection-Building Beans
DOMA Coffee Roasters Create Relationships That Last
Holistic Food Experiences
Aya Community Markets is an Organic Nourishment in Dc
Liz Forkin Bohannon, Founder of Sseko Designs (INTERVIEW)
Sandals for Tuition in Uganda
Urban Slum Sanitation
Sanergy Turns Kenyan Toilets into Green Social Enterprises
Empowering Recycled Bowls
This Crockery from Bundu Designs is African-Inspired
Market-Based Poverty Solutions
Khosla Impact Invests in Products and Service for the World's Poor
One-For-One Meals
For Every Healthy Lunch Purchased, Table for Two Provides a Meal to an African C
One-for-One Book-Inspired Sacks
The 'Out of Print' Pouches Follow Along the Same Business Model
Creating Community Bonds
CSI's Tonya Surman Addresses the 2011 Social Finance Forum
Social Scooter Repurposing
'Brighter Future Workshop' Recycles Mobility Equipment, Provides Jobs
Social Enterprise Garages
Auto22 in Gravesend Supports Youth Through Employment
Inclusive Economic Development
Aavishkaar Invests in Rural Communities Through Entrepreneurs
T-Shirts for H2O
One Hundred Apparel Gives 100% of Profits to charity:water
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
Wine-to-Water Connoisseurs
'Cellar Thief' Donates Clean Aqua Every Time a Product is Purchased
Lon Wong, Co-Founder of Unstash (INTERVIEW)
Collaborative Consumption Platform
Indian Social Entrepreneurship Programs
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences is Pushing the Scene
Passionate Internet Communities
Phinklife is a Social Platform and Non-Profit Organization
Cultural Clothing Tours
Verdes y Colores is the Vision of Sustainable Retail and Fashion
Location-Based Online Bulletins
WizeNation Lets Neighbors Connect Minus the Awkward Introductions
Rehabilitative Dairy Farms
La Fageda Offers Employment as Well as Support for the Disabled
Surgery Sponsoring Web Donations
Watsi is Making Medical Care Affordable for the Developing World
Community Funding Platforms
Smallknot Helps You Invest in Small Businesses in Your Neighborhood
Low-Income Microfinance Associations
RADIM Works in Buenos Aires to Support Economic Development
Human Development Non-Profits
Dreaming Out Loud Fosters Impact-Driven Social Enterprises in DC
Digital Divide Connectors
Talk2One is a Social Enterprise Connecting People to Communication
Self-Sustaining Farms
One Acre Fund Trains Local Farmers on How to Grow Crops Effectively
Sustaining Rural Development
Barefoot College Supports Professionals in the Majority World
Campus Innovation Channels
Ashoka U Attempts to Bring Social Innovation to Higher Education
Income-Generation Handicrafts
'Let Them Help Themselves' is a Skill-Sharing Ugandan Charity
CSR Influencers
'One Love Network' Empowers Consumers to Impact Social Good Budgets
Mobile Life-Saving Enterprises
Dial 1298 Provides Emergency Medical Attention to Individuals
Youth Innovation Mentorships
Startup Corps Engages Students in Social Enterprise in Philadelphia
Youth Innovation Platforms
Impact Generation Offers Training and Entrepreneurial Skill-Building
Maintenance Services Co-ops
Self-Reliance Solutions Creates Employment Opportunities in Toronto
Micro-Lending Web Platforms
Lendwithcare.org Works with The Co-operative
Creative Power Forums
The Social Business Conference 2012 Featured Muhammad Yunus
Change-Making Social Networks
Rebuild Your Community Lets Citizens Voice Their Civic Concerns
Teen Environmental Activist Groups
Youth L.E.A.D. Miami Educates Students On Food Justice Issues
Professional Couchsurfing Communities
Startup Stay Helps Entrepreneurs Find Easy Accomodations
Free Stuff Finders
Ditto is an Online Platform Fostering Collaborative Consumption in the UK
Investment Metrics Webinars
The 'Social Measurement Use Among Canadian Impact Investors' Study
Sustainably Sweet Wheatgrass
Aconbury Sprouts Offers Organic Chilled Health Foods
Rural Distribution Networks
Drishtee is an Indian Social Enterprise Improving Access
Surgery-Giving Supplements
InvigorateNOW Helps Combat Preventable Blindness Worldwide
Culture-Based Clinics
'My Time' Helps Fight Depression Through Person-Centered Approaches
Peter Cousins, Founder of Brighter Future Workshop
Teaching Tech Skills to Disabled Youth
Sustainable Surf Tourism
WAVES for Development Offers Community-Based Volunteer Programs in Peru
David Robertson, CEO of Talk2One (INTERVIEW)
Accessible Canadian Communication
Mentor-Induced Education Programs
Practice Makes Perfect Inc. Pays up Students for Success
Responsible Growth Tourism
Planeterra Gives Back While Traveling