Some stories, some people, just inspire. Flavorpill friend Scott Harrison is living one such story, and came to HQ last night to tell us about his adventure, Charity: Water. A synopsis here would prove pretty impotent next to Scott’s words, so let’s just say that it was incredibly refreshing to see an original platform for magnanimous action. It’s rare to find a charity that a) sends 100% of donations to its cause, b) proves results to donors through direct cause-and-effect reportage, and c) presents and raises funds for its grassroots giving so ingeniously and, dare we say, stylishly? Charity: Water is dedicated to digging wells around Africa (and now, India and Bangladesh!), providing fresh water to hundreds of thousands. From extremely humble beginnings, in under three years the organization has grown by leaps and bounds. We’re proud to support its continued growth, and encourage you to learn more and give at www.charityis.org.

We’re big on Next Big Things, but those things aren’t always bands, dancers, and DJs. We also try to clue you in to worthy social and environmental causes — organizations and nonprofits we believe in, and think deserve your dollar, too. That’s the idea behind our partnerships with the organizations you’ll find on our new Social Causes page, our involvement with the official Live Earth US afterparty, as well as our continued listing of charitable and green events and fundraisers. After all, it’s tough to have a culture without a conscience.

Charity: Water is a nonprofit initiative that brings clean water and basic sanitation to impoverished communities around the world. Since its start in 2006, the org has funded the construction of more than 268 wells to support 150,000 people. Last year, Flavorpill teamed up with Charity: Water and has already raised $17,000 — enough to build several wells in Ethiopia.

This year we have begun a partnership with Brighter Planet, an organization that helps offset carbon production and global warming. BP members can track their carbon footprint with the climate profile system, as well as support a variety of renewable energy projects. The Brighter Planet™ Visa® credit card, which Flavorpill has adopted, converts dollars spent on the card into Earthsmart™ points instead of miles, helping to offset carbon while you spend! Become a Brighter Planet member today.