When we make a decision to purchase a product we are implicitly supporting that company and its mission. I try to purchase products that are healthy, sustainable, and from companies that give back. Across many industries there are companies that pledge to give back to the community and produce their products responsibly. Some of these companies have established themselves as Certified B Corporations.
Certified B Corporations
"Certified B Corporations
meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental
performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance
profit and purpose. We are people using business as a force for good" (bcorporation.net). You can access a directory of companies that are certified on the website to see if you are supporting a company that is socially and environmentally responsible. Perhaps you may change your purchasing based on what you see. When possible, I purchase products from companies on this list. B Corporations range in size from small, family run businesses to
Two B Corporations that I support through purchases on a regular basis include:
Zego (food industry)
Part of the reason we started ZEGO is to help improve nutrition for low-income kids through organizations like A Better Course. Since 2013 we have donated 2% of our revenue to this end and will continue through the company's lifetime.
Yum Butter (food industry)
Through the company's BuyOne:FeedOne model, they have been able to help feed over
150,000 children with malnutrition since 2015. The company has a holistic approach to helping stem malnutrition in the developing world.
Athleta (apparel industry)
The company's goals for 202 include: 80% of waste diverted form landfills, 25% of products made from water saving techniques, and 80% of fabrics are made from sustainable fibers.
B Corporations Take a Stand:
As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:
- That we must be the change we seek in the world.
- That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
- That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
- To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are
dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future
generations.
YOU can be a part of the B Economy:
The B Economy is bigger than B Corps. B Lab collaborates with leaders
across all sectors of society to build a broader global movement of
people using business as a force for good.
The B Economy is built by everyone who works for, buys from, invests
in, learns or teaches about, or supports businesses striving to create a
shared and durable prosperity for all.
Many Companies Give Back
Many companies give back through setting up charitable foundations and supporting all levels of the supply chain. A few gluten free food companies that give back include:
KIND
KIND's mission is “do the KIND thing for your body, your taste buds and your world.” Their charitable foundation is a charitable organization that aims to promote healthier and more
empathetic communities, as well as embrace any humanitarian initiatives.
Justin's
Justin's hopes to make an impact along with making nut butters. In order to do this, they focus their
business on educating, inspiring, nourishing, and nurturing others. They are dedicated to paying-it-forward to the companies that helped
them achieve success and taking care of their environment though
sustainability initiatives, including recycled packaging and mindfully
sourced ingredients.
LARABAR
LARABAR is committed to creating non-GMO products made with
Fair Trade ingredients, and they also partner with Feeding America and Terracycle. Feeding America aims to
alleviate hunger and bring awareness to the issue of hunger, while
Terracycle makes recyclable products
These are just a few of the companies that pride themselves on sustainable practices and a desire to give back. Support companies that look to leave the world a better place.
