Who Needs Veneers When You Have Solar Energy?

We all do it. We are all guilty. When it comes to our semi annual visits to the dentist, we all move excruciatingly slow on the way to the torture chair. Let’s face it, from the whitening strips, endless varieties of toothpaste, and minty-fresh floss and picks, dental hygiene has not only become a huge strain on our daily lives, but is also the breeding grounds for waste and non-recyclables.

However, with the highly anticipated Soladey-J3X about to hit the dental market, rest assured that your next dentist visit should end with more than just a free toothbrush and floss. The new solar-powered toothbrush requires zero toothpaste which not only helps eliminate idle time, but also unwanted waste.

The highly innovative toothbrush has a solar panel at its base that transmits electrons to the top of the toothbrush through a lead wire. The electrons then react with acid in the mouth, creating a chemical reaction that breaks down plaque and kills bacteria. Rembrandt better watch its back!

Considering the toothpaste industry topped off at $2 million in sales last year, the Soladey-J3X may be slightly unpopular in the US due to its economic reprecussions. Nonetheless, we hope that people use it as an example to keep coming up with methods of improving our world simultaneously leaving our teeth (and our streets) squeaky clean. Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: takepart.com

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All Hail Facebook!

Will the real Mark Zuckerberg please stand up? With all of the rumors of how Facebook started due to the highly anticipated movie, Social Network, Mark Zuckerberg’s identity, along with his moral ethics, have come into question.

However, recently the Facebook founder generously donated a whopping $100 million to the Newark, New Jersey’s public school district on behalf of his foundation, Startup: Education. Interestingly enough, Mark has zero ties to Newark except for the fact that when he was looking for a suitable place to invest he thought that this specific area would benefit the most from his gift.

Even though the $100 million donation equates to about 1.6% of Zuckerberg’s net worth, the media mogul should be hailed as a hero rather than as a cheapskate. With the Facebook phenomenon flourishing globally, simultaneously bringing our loved ones closer without moving an inch, perhaps we should take time out of our lives to thank the one man responsible for making our world seem smaller, and our east coast schools brighter. How’s that for a Thursday morning status update? Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: ptmoney.com

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The True Saints of New Orleans

When winning last year’s Superbowl wasn't enough, the New Orleans Saints have given their fans yet another reason to adore their heroic team.

The New Orleans Saints developed the Saints Gulf Coast Renewal Fund to give back to those affected directly by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the money is being raised as a result from a highly popular raffle of an official Super Bowl XLIV Championship Ring identical to the one that was awarded to those within the franchise.

To date, over one million dollars have been raised for the Gulf Coast Renewal Fund with additional fundraising from other philanthropic auctions surrounding the NFL. Now if that isn't a charitable touchdown, then we don't know what is?! Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: neworleanssaints.com

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The REAL Wonderbra

FINALLY! A bra that not only supports our double D’s but also protects us ladies against possible terrorist attacks!

The Emergency Bra was created by Dr. Elena Bodnar of Ukraine, and doubles as a gas mask which protects its owner from breathing in harmful chemicals.

But believe it or not, Dr. Bodnar has the research to back her crazy invention up! After studying the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster, the inventive doctor wanted to create a simple, more affordable, and most importantly, a readily available device to help protect people from toxic chemicals. And don't worry men, since we women need two cups for support, I am sure your female counterparts wont mind sharing.

So what next? Underwear that turn into floatation devices? One thing we know for sure, Dr. Bodnar is demonstrating just how easy and helpful it is to think outside the bra...or box! Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: takepart.com

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“Supplementing” Healthier Lifestyles World-wide

Ever thought that something as small and measly as a vitamin tablet could progressively change and advance our world’s population in such a tremendous way? Although that idea may have sat dormant in the periphery of your mind, one charity has based it’s whole mission on an anecdote that fits in the palm of your hand.

Vitamin Angels is a charity which seeks to mobilize and utilize private sector resources to advance availability and access to micronutrients (especially vitamin A in newborns) for infants and children in need all around the world. In doing so, Vitamin Angels reduces child mortality worldwide by providing these essential nutrients to young immune systems in order to fight infectious diseases and attain a proper health standard.

But Vitamin Angels is doing more than just handing out a few natural supplements and a glass of water. The organization actually provides health education and supports grassroots community programs that support self sufficiency-so that fewer supplements will be needed in the future.

Since it’s beginning in 1994, Vitamin Angels has changed millions of lives all around the world. Just last year, the philanthropic organization donated over 100 million supplements to children and families in over forty different countries around the globe. And who says there is no such thing as magical pills? Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: vitaminangels.org

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A Simple Magic Trick That Leaves Us Asking: “How Did They Do That?!”

Ever seen the movie WaterWorld starring Kevin Costner? If you haven't, it’s time for you to come out of your cave. If you have, however, I am sure the method in which our protagonist “made” drinkable water seemed somewhat sickening, and probably left you scarred at least for a couple days.

If you are one of those people who prefer to make water in a more natural way (other than diluting it from your urine), a company called EcoloBlue has just made your day! This new, inventive company has just come up with a device that delivers drinking water simply by extracting humidity directly from the air. Step aside David Copperfield for this is REAL magic....in a technologically scientific kind of way.

Provided the air in which the device inhabits has a humidity of 35% or higher, the machine can literally suck in the invisible water vapor and replace it with a cool, clear glass of drinking water (glass not included of course).

And you’ll have the most expensive water in town! You can brag to your friends while toasting to your new water machine that cost you $1,700! Just make sure not to spill!

With companies like EcoloBlue, one can only imagine the blank stare of Mr. Costner who is left wondering why they didn’t think of this earlier? So let’s make a toast fellow campers! Here is to the future of wetness! Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: takepart.com

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Social Good Day: How Twitter Can Save the World

Attention all tweeters and techies alike! Tomorrow (Thursday, September 23, 2010) is officially “Social Good Day” and social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare are encouraging their users to highlight some of the world’s most perilous issues that need some answers.

Mashable and (Red) came up with “Social Good Day” in order to encourage people to harness the power of their fingertips to post, tweet, blog, or text about awareness and brainstorm possible solutions to our world’s daily strife.

Want to take action? It’s quite simply really. All you need to do is use the #socialgood hashtag when tweeting about ideas that could make our world a better place. Perhaps you want to write a blog post about some helpful solutions? Hey, we are ALL ears. Think of it this way, you can stalk your crush on Facebook and simultaneously save a life. What’s NOT to love about “Social Good Day”?!

Whatever the reason for doing so, Brushfire strongly encourages our fans to support Social Good Day in hopes that this specific holiday will have lingering beneficial effects for everyone. Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: takepart.com

Want to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

The Hope For A Cure Rests Upon Four Wheels

Nowadays, when the automotive industry seems to be in deep disarray, one manufacturer is taking their responsibilities to their customers above and beyond.

Hope on Wheels is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and over eight hundred dealers across our great nation to help kids fight cancer. The movement is dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer, celebrating the hope of the brave children fighting their battles with the disease and supporting the research and programs that delve deeper into finding better treatments, therapies, and ultimately, a cure.

At the end of this year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will have donated more than $23 million to children’s hospitals nationwide to help kids fight cancer. They do this by donating $5 every time a new Hyundai vehicle is sold to their heroic self-named movement.

Hyundai clearly demonstrates that in today’s harsh economy, the real way to measure the true value of a car company is not by the deals that we receive from it, but by the deals it creates on behalf of our society. Have YOU helped save the world today?


For more information, visit: hyundaihopeonwheels.org

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Free Luggage and Free Energy is Indeed Too Good to Be True!

Airports have often become perceived as launching pads for greenhouse gas-spewing Godzillas, also known as airplanes. However, a new movement that is sweeping our tarmacs is suddenly changing the offensive wind of angered environmentalists: solar power.

In multiple US cities alike, airports are beginning to fill their otherwise barren surrounding fields with solar panels, which not only emulates a green effect, but with their shiny screens and abundant numbers, the panels add a slightly fashionable flare for those passengers in the air peering down unto the earth.

Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, and Las Vegas are currently the pioneering cities whose airports are spreading the solar love. We hope that every airport both nation and world wide will soon adapt to this new innovative movement. And who knows? Since solar power will soon pave the way for more free energy, perhaps the airlines will show their love and throw in our luggage pro bono...but, we won’t tell you to hold your breath on that one. Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: takepart.com

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Hey! What’s the Big Idea?!

In a world driven by Facebook, Myspace, and Foursquare, it is easy to conclude that entrepreneurship has finally struck our youth. Not only are they receptive to change, their innovative ideas turned companies are helping to make our vast world seem somewhat smaller and more personal. Today’s youth not only has an immense vision accompanied with an unbridled determination, with today’s economy, they also have extremely thin wallets! This is where Movers and Changers comes into the picture.

Movers and Changers is a nationwide challenge to discover the country’s next young entrepreneurs who want to turn their big ideas into a new lucrative business. Started by mtvU and NYSE, the program seeks to find the one person who deserves a $25,000 grant in seed money to help his or her company get off of its feet!

After the applications are reviewed, three finalists will be flown to NYC to attend Global Entrepreneurship Week where they will ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, attend the NYSE Movers and Changers Forum, and present their plans to a panel of industry executives. If all goes as planned, BusinessWeek and Forbes magazines should be knocking down your door...at least in a couple years!

In a time where dollars are short but ideas run rampant, Movers and Changers are giving their beneficiary a chance to live up to their title. Hey, look at it this way: If all else fails and the grant doesn't materialize, at least you get a chance to make some beautiful music! Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: moversandchangers.com

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The City Whose Teacher Never Sleeps

New York City high schools are setting a new standard when it comes to raising funds for a cause. One Yankee in particular, Mark Federman, is especially motivated to rake in some big bucks in the name of education.

The East Side Community High School (ESCHS) principal is so set on raising money for his school, he has vowed to sleep in a tent until his goals have been met. Talk about a modern day martyr!

Federman came up with the wacky idea of sleeping in a tent in order to raise funds for his school in order to gain popular votes in a Kohl’s Cares’ $10 million Facebook contest in which twenty schools will receive a $500,000 grant.

Federman hopes to use the potential grant money for much needed improvements to his Lower Manhattan high school. More computers, a new gym, stronger arts programs, and funding for field trips are all on the itinerary for renovation should the school win the grant!

Since voting ended September 3, and results are currently being tallied, let’s hope for Lower Manhattan’s sake that the school wins the grant so that Federman can finally go home and take a shower. Have YOU helped save the world today?


For more information, visit: takepart.com

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Saving Lives One Smile at a Time

Many charities offer aid to people and animals alike in the most obvious of ways: money, shelter, and advice. Additionally, these charities usually have missions that try to solve a multitude of problems such as poverty, illness, or disability. However, the Smile Train is a charity whose sole mission is to medically treat children with cleft lip and palate problems.

Clefts are a major problem in developing countries where millions of children suffer with abnormal palates. Because of this condition, these children aren't able to speak or eat properly. What’s worse is that these children are often banned from school and are not able to hold a job therefore driving their levels of shame and isolation up exponentially.

The problem that Smile Train seeks to repair involves highly skilled doctors. What makes this organization so special, however, is that they don't just simply pay an established westernized doctor to treat these children. Quite the contrary actually. Smile Train actually pays to have local doctors in these underdeveloped countries trained and gives them the materials they need to make a difference among their own neighbors.

Aside from the obvious, Smile Train is doing a whole lot more than simply repairing a child’s distorted palate. Their mission is really quite two-fold: fix a child’s cleft lip, train a local doctor, and watch their dreams flourish. It goes to show that even the smallest of missions can have the largest effects. Have YOU helped save the world today?


For more information, visit: smiletrain.org

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Shuck ‘Em But Don’t #%&! ‘Em!

Oysters feed a wide array of tastes. From their slimy texture to their unique flavor, oysters are a favorite among seafood-lovers alike. However, if you find yourself shucking one anytime soon, a pearl may not be the only surprise inside that you may find.

While we thought we were the only ones who could contract an STD, Mother Nature has once again, proved us wrong. Last month, scientists confirmed that oysters, long rumored to be an aquatic aphrodisiac, are contracting herpes at a rapid rate, resulting in a large number of oyster fatalities. Hasn’t anyone told these guys to practice safe sex?

In contrast to the virus that plagues our lustful youth, although incurable, it turns deadly for our sea dwelling friends. While not contagious to humans and apparently only able to infect the Pacific strain of oysters, the disease is now running rampant, threatening the Pacific oyster industry off of the English coast.

The cause, however, isn't because the oysters are acting irresponsibly. In all actuality, the cause for their death is because of global warming. Research has demonstrated that the herpes strain infecting the oysters is only active in waters above a certain temperature, and remains dormant otherwise. As global water temperatures keep increasing, new breeding opportunities for the herpes virus will begin to multiply.

Although herpes in mollusks has been studied and known about for years, this recent strain (discovered in France in 2008) is more virulent as it attacks young oysters in their breeding stage, when their immunity is the lowest. Sounds like a parallel in today’s world, doesn't it?

All we know is that while scientists are busy getting to the bottom of this epidemic, we need to continue in our support of oyster farmers who promote a healthy and safe environment for our ocean’s treasure. Have YOU helped save the world today?



For more information, visit: takepart.com

Birth Control Brought To You On Four Legs

Ever heard of Meals on Wheels? You know, the kind, philanthropic people who caravan to bring food to the elderly and the disabled’s homes? Well, some folks in Kenya are doing something similar, except their “cars” are camels, and what they’re delivering is far from edible: they’re providing sexual education to people all over their country.

The inspiration behind this “camel clinic” is the struggle to thwart the spread of AIDS. The caravans of camels are constantly visiting remote pastoral groups of people in the Samburu region in order to deliver condoms, in hopes of teaching them the importance of safe sex and the epidemic of AIDS.

A team of forty-five workers from the Nomadic Communities Trust (NCT) provides HIV screening, birth control, palliative care, antenatal care and family planning services, using their two-humped transports to reach the nomads.

The NCT is doing its part to educate and one day eradicate those prone to or infected with AIDS. Most important, they now have a mode of reaching those people who often get overlooked, and are giving them a chance to change their future...all thanks to the hardy dromedary. Have YOU helped save the world today?

For more information, visit: takepart.com

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