WHAT IS B-CORPS AND ITS MISSION

Did you know that an organization that encourages environmentally and ethically sound business practices has existed since 2006?  Perhaps you have seen a sign in a business of a capital B within a circle and wondered what it meant.  B-Corps is a non-profit corporation that certifies businesses that willingly comply with standards of practice that promote equity, environmental sustainability and ethical business practices while maintaining profitability.  B-Lab works around the globe setting standards and officially certifying businesses that chose to become certified. 

Businesses must pass a test to be considered and give detailed plans for increasing sustainability. They sign a contract, pay a one -time fee and must renew every two years.  If certified, they are subjected to independent audits and consumer input.  What do the businesses get in return?  They can show their certification, gain data from the B-corps network, attract like minded employees and impact their communities for good.

 A visit was made recently to a business that displayed the B-Corp sign.  They sold beauty care products—lotions, creams and pump spray bottles of different products.  They offered the customer an option to refill bottles with the product.  They were phasing out all plastic containers and replacing them with glass with sturdy lids.  They had banned microbeads in face scrubs well before necessary and lobbied for the changes in legislation.

Customers were urged to bring their own bag.  No plastic bags were allowed to be used in the state (Washington)-which they had lobbied for years ago.  Their recertification was approaching where they had to show the progress that had been made in eliminating plastics. I was impressed and bought the product.  Watch for the B-Corp sign as you shop.  (Yes, there are B-Corp. certified businesses in Kansas.  If and when the opportunity arises, ask if your favorite store had considered B-Corp certification.

EARTH STEWARD ACTION:  Take a look at that shopping list. Are there any items that might be left off?  Reduce is always the hardest one of the “Reduce, Repair, Repurpose, and Recycle” guide.

SOURCES:   Go to https://www.bcorporation.net-en-us;movement/about-b-lab/ 

https://www.chamber.com/co/start/strategys/b-corp-advantages-and-requirements