In 2015, Swedish fast fashion giant H&M was named one of the world’s most ethical companies thanks to its extensive sustainability efforts. But in an industry built on cheap thrills, can the rush of buying new stuff ever sit comfortably with the ethical responsibility to slow down consumption?

From taking #nomakeup selfies to signing petitions on political issues, a growing sense of social responsibility and commitment to local community have changed the way people view social action. Is caring about causes the new badge of cool? And has it become ‘chic’ to protest?

Deciding which charity to support involves many complex and sometimes unconscious factors, but with trust in non-profits declining, people might feel like the pool of legitimate causes is growing smaller. Faith-based charities, however, can use their spiritual affiliations to counter these concerns.

From donating money at the click of a button to buying into a brand because it supports a shared personal cause, the way people interact with charities is changing. What societal shifts are driving this? And what do companies and charities need to do to stay connected and current?