I've been thinking a lot about charity lately and have been trying to be cautious in what I buy and where and how I spend my money and how it could possibly benefit people who are in more need than me. I mean, hell, I'm sitting here in a warm Brooklyn apartment with access to basically anything I want at any time and can walk to some world class museums or sit in the park and watch birds fight for crumbs left in the trash by people going about their day. And on the other side of the world, and sometimes right in our own backyards, there are people who go day to day without any of those luxuries, or anything close, for that matter.

On a recent job in Cambodia I was really startled to see things I've seen on countless tv commercials and read about and seen in the news, etc. I had been struggling to understand what there was I could do, if anything, to help. So many times we feel, realistically, that we're too small to help out. Well, thankfully, there are countless charities and companies out there that are trying hard to make all of us bigger.

In my research for quality gear that will last long beyond my trip and also contribute to a better earth, I've found a few companies that are doing things that I truly believe in, I'm finding more and may compile a list in the blog, but for now I want to point out two companies that are easy to start helping out with, if you so choose:

NAU - You can read more on their website, but in short, they create sustainable clothing that performs as well or better than those from companies who don't think about where their materials come from. In addition to to all that, their distribution partner is centrally located in the US to reduce shipping emissions and is staffed by developmentally disabled people who are desperate to feel connected and work hard. If that's not enough, 2% of every order is donated to a charity through their partners for change program. You get to choose between 5 charities, or you can let NAU decide.

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Klean Kanteen - Most of the reason I've been conscious about finding great companies has stemmed from the search for having clean and safe water while on the road. Not knowing where my water will come from during some stints, I've purchased a filter and some water bottles. Some parks in the desert have strict rules about water, not surprisingly, and I want to be able to carry water in in a safe way. Klean Kanteen provides all of that. Plus, they have a special bottle printed with a design that has a great mantra about staying hydrated: "Fill. Drink. Repeat." They also realize that that's not so simple in some places and some people could care less who put the type together and then who printed it on a stainless steel bottle. They just want water, so, Klean Kanteen donates 10% of the purchase of the bottle linked above to water.org.

SO. Big stuff. Lots of things to think about. With a thing that's entirely selfish like a road trip across North America to photograph some beautiful places with financial and moral support from people like you, I've started thinking a little bit about what I can do with things that I am going to need/buy anyway and how my everyday living can benefit someone else in need.