Olivia Wilde has a great idea on how to give back.
The actress, who is a budding star on screen and now part of one Hollywood’s biggest power couples with Jason Sudekis, is aspiring to be something like George Clooney when it comes to philanthropy. The actress recently started a new business, Conscious Commerce , that connects shoppers with companies that donate a portion of their proceeds to charities.
“It should be shocking when a product isn’t somehow helping the people who made it,” says Wilde.
Olivia Wilde and her partner Barbara Burchfield have already forged a partnership with Anthropologie. giving a portion of all sales from the clothing company to help a girl’s school in India.
Wilde and Conscious Commerce are taking a page from microlenders, focusing on small scale charities that work directly with people in need. Much like microlenders give money directly to people in need of projects — like building small businesses in third world countries — Conscious Consumer gives only to smaller charities with low overhead and a direct link to the people they serve.
Olivia sees big potential for the company.
“By incorporating a giving back structure into small purchases, it can make a huge different,” says Wilde.
While philanthropy may be her latest venture, Olivia Wilde has plenty on her plate. She has five movies in various stages of production, including an untitled sequel to Tron: Legacy that she’s signed on for.
At the same time, Olivia and beau Jason Sudekis are planning a wedding and preparing for the birth of their first child this year.
“They are incredibly happy,” a source close to the couple told People magazine. “They’re very excited to welcome a new member into their family.”
Jason Sudekis and Olivia Wilde hasn’t given an indication yet when she is due.