The concept for BirdProject began in 2010, when designer and entrepreneur Tippy Tippens moved from Brooklyn to New Orleans to help contribute to the relief efforts after the BP Oil Spill. Intended to be a powerful representation of all of the creatures affected by the disaster, BirdProject is a black, bird-shaped soap that contains a white ceramic bird keepsake—handmade from Louisiana Clay by New Orleans-based artist Brooke Cassady—that will slowly reveal itself over time as the soap washes away. The soaps are made by Emily Manger Davis of Sweet Olive Soaps—a third generation soapmaker from New Orleans—of natural, locally sourced ingredients including biodiesel glycerin, fair trade olive oil, aloe, activated black charcoal, and a light cypress scent intended to be reminiscent of Louisianan bayous.

An outstanding 50% of the profits from the soaps will go to environmental cleanup and care for affected animals of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster ($18,000 has been raised to date). I think these make an incredibly thoughtful gift for bird lovers, environmentalists, or anyone who wants to make a purchase that gives a little more back than expected. The soaps are $24.00 at Matter Inc.