Sustainable Businesses Make a Difference!

Have you ever wondered if it really matters what kind of soap you buy, or who sells your house for you? Sustainable business people can tell you: with every dollar you spend, you are changing the world.

So, what is a “Sustainable”, “Socially Responsible”, or “Green”, business?
Socially Responsible businesses agree to sign on to a vision and principles of ethics and conduct which ensure that both people and the environment will be better off because of your decision to buy their products or to do business with them. While no business or organization is perfect, these business agree to stand ahead of the pack, and to be on the leading edge in a number of ways, including—

• A commitment to working directly as an agent of positive social change—for example, setting a standard for employee benefits by offering childcare onsite, and educating the public about these options
• Being “values-driven” vs. solely working for short-term profit—for example, putting workers first, which creates a loyal workforce and strengthens the business in the long run
• Sourcing, manufacturing and marketing products and services in a way that helps people and the environment—for example, using organic materials and eco-friendly manufacturing
• Running plants and facilities in manners which are people-friendly—for example, installing skylights, fresh air systems, and offering flexible shifts
• Implementing “extraordinary or innovative” practices that benefit all workers, like extended/nontraditional family health insurance plan options
• Practices that benefit their communities, like purchasing and spending locally, creating or maintaining green spaces or making significant contributions to schools or the arts
• Practices that benefit customers, like 24-hour customer service and recycling/return services for used products
• Practices that benefit the environment, like organic farming and non-toxic manufacturing

(Categories adapted from the Co-Op America Website)

Socially responsible businesses are committed to learning and educating themselves, each other, and society as a whole; while making continual improvements in the way they operate.

The group operates on an honors system: every member completes a questionnaire-style self-assessment of our level of social and environmental responsibility and agrees to commit to further growth.

Ultimately, sustainable business is good business.

If you’d like to learn more about us, or join with us, contact Jan Bryan at 928-771-0052.