March is a great month for many reasons. It’s Women’s History Month. It’s the month that marks the beginning of spring. And it’s National B Corporation Month. As a certified B Corp ourselves, this is a month that is close to our hearts here at Teak. So we thought we’d share the who, what, when, where and why of being a B Corp and give some tips for how you can make positive change in the business world, even if you’re not directly involved with a B Corp.
What makes a company a B Corp?
Certified B Corps are companies that intend to use business as a force for good, and strive to positively affect all of their stakeholders. They are driven by a purpose beyond the bottom line. The official website details: “By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment.”
In order to classify as a B Corp, companies undergo a certification process during which their “social and environmental performance”, their “public transparency”, and their “legal accountability to balance profit and purpose” are all evaluated. If they are judged to meet the high B Corp standards, certification can be granted. Companies are re-evaluated every three years.
How can I support B Corps if I don’t work for one?
Since B Corps strive to benefit all of their stakeholders (not just their shareholders), they positively impact both their greater communities and the global environment. Odds are you most likely already benefit in some small way from B Corps in your community. There are ways for you to support them, as well.
The easiest, most effective way to support B Corps is by voting with your wallet. This means that when you’re choosing between two different brands, go with the B Corp brand whenever possible. Many B Corps have their certification displayed, either on their packaging or website, but when in doubt, you can find out by searching in the B Corp directory. Craving ice cream? Try Ben & Jerry’s. Buying ketchup? Sir Kensington’s is a delicious (and socially responsible) alternative to more mainstream options. Choosing to purchase Yogi Tea, Cabot cheese, Beautycounter cosmetics, DogEared jewelry, Bombas socks or Seventh Generation detergent instead of their non-B Corp competitors are all easy choices you can make to support businesses that are doing good.
What if I do want to work for one?
There’s an app for that. Head to B Work to search for jobs in your area and industry that align with your social or environmental missions. Many companies, from Etsy to Eileen Fischer, use B Work to find purpose-driven candidates for open positions.
If you’re interested in learning how your company can become a B Corp, visit the official site to see what it takes to qualify. Certification can take a little while, but it’s a great way to demonstrate to your audience and customers that you care about more than the bottom line.
