I just stumbled across this website today. They’ve got a pretty amazing selection of new and used books, ship anywhere in the US for free, and worldwide for $2.97 per book. Better yet, profits from sales go toward literacy programs around the world and in the States. They’re also taking steps to support renewable energy, reforestation, and other environmentally-friendly practices.

I mostly just love that I found a place that will send me cheap English-language books to Bangkok!

I was introduced to this brilliant site recently. If you’re looking for some way to financially assist the poor but don’t want to just give a hand-out or create dependency, this is a great option. You can loan directly to men and women in empoverished countries who are looking to start their own businesses or expand existing ones. Kiva partners with lenders on the ground who already have a working loan program but are short on funds. As a loaner, you get updates on the business status and nearly always you will be paid back the full amount you loan. Check it out!