Design to Help Japan

Many businesses and shops are offering creative ways to aid Japan

Photo: Joseph O. Holmes, 20x200.com

In the wake of Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunamis, many artists, designers, and shops are donating a portion of their proceeds to support relief efforts. Here are just a few ways that you can help—as well as places you can give directly.

Shopping for a Cause

• Through March 24, tableware and tile shop Heath Ceramics will donate 25 percent of it’s online sales to relief efforts in Japan.

• The luxe fashion and home linens brand Natori will donate 10 percent of all sales on Natori.com and JosiebyNatori.com to the Red Cross through the end of April.

• Etsy has a host of sellers donating some or all of their proceeds on certain items to Japan. CasaSugar has pulled together a list of some of the generous shops, and a curated selection on Etsy offers even more.

• Philadelphia shop and online furnishings and decor boutique Three Potato Four will donate 10 percent of their proceeds to Japan through March 20.

• Fashion designer Phillip Lim will hold a sample sale on March 24 and 25 in his showroom in New York City to benefit the American Red Cross.

Art that Aids

• At Help Japan, you can support the Japanese Red Cross Society by purchasing photo prints of Kyoto and other areas of the country. 100 percent of proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

• Art site 20 x 200 has stunning photographs of Tokyo [above] whose proceeds go straight to Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund.

• Weiden + Kennedy, an ad agency with offices in Japan, has designed a graphic poster that benefits the Red Cross.

• The Working Proof, an online art shop that promotes social responsibility, has a colorful bird print available through March 31st. All proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders.

Direct Ways to Help

• One of the simplest ways to donate is directly through the American Red Cross. In addition, Continental has partnered with the organization to thank donors with up to 500 OnePass bonus miles. OnePass members can even donate their own miles to help get aid workers to affected areas in Japan.

• Direct donations can also be made through the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, contributions go straight to organizations that help victims recover from the earthquake and tsunamis.

Elle Decor magazine online featured this Design to Help Japan article