B Corp month is here and I couldn’t be more excited to tell you about it! I get as excited about B Corps as I do the Co-operative Movement! Our movements have a lot in common, we both want to use business as a force for good (some co-ops are even certified B Corps).
A company can become certified as a B Corp if they meet a diverse set of rigorous standards; from staff treatment and job creation to environmental impacts to governance structure. The standards are well-respected and very thorough, which is one of the reasons B Corps are admired around the world. As I write, there are 1,996 B Corporations in 50 countries and 130 industries all with one unifying goal which is called the “Declaration of Interdependence”:
We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for good. This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation – the B Corporation – Which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:
- That we must be the change we seek in the world.
- That all businesses 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 each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.
You might be familiar with B Corps like Patagonia, Warby Parker or Alter Eco; and locally we are lucky to have W.S. Badger, Homefree, King Arthur Flour, Ben & Jerry’s and Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs as members of the B Corp Community right here in our region.
B Corp Certification helps us vote with our dollars, supporting companies that value and respect their employees and communities, as well as our planet. Throughout the month of January, keep an eye out in the co-op for special B-Corp displays around the store!
