In 2019, the world faced natural disaster after disaster, all caused by climate change. Hurricanes, wildfires, and typhoons wreaked havoc all over the world, and research has proven that humans have held a hand in these climate change disasters. In 2020, it’s important that we change our ways to better support the planet we live on.
We know that individuals can make a big difference but it’s important that businesses that make a lot of money, have a loud voice, and have a larger impact on the planet do the same as well. In turn, environmentally-conscious consumers can choose to support companies whose values align with their own.
B-Corporation
As a consumer, it can be difficult to sort out which brands actually are environmentally conscious and which just pose as such. An easy way to tell is to check their B-Corporation certification. This certification means that the business is balancing profit and purpose, whether that’s social or environmental, they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, community, and planet. There is an easy-to-use directory to find the companies that are certified B-Corp, so individuals can make the decision to choose to spend their money with these businesses instead of others.
Businesses to support
2020 is the time to reconsider who you choose to buy your daily necessities from. The products around your house that you use every day are the ones that will need to be replaced the most often, so it’s vital to buy from brands that support the environment.
Textile production uses a lot of water and produces greenhouse gases. Additionally, fast fashion companies have come under fire for the poor treatment of their factory workers and the planet. Eileen Fisher is a certified B-Corp clothing company that has vast environmental and social missions. From their factories to their clothing take-back program, this company ensures their footprint on the earth is as small as possible.
Self-care and health items you use everyday like contacts, skincare, and bathroom items can be made more environmentally conscious as well. For starters, Warby Parker, another B-corp company, recently announced their daily contact lenses that use up to 80% less plastic than traditional contact packs. Plus, they are a brand that gives away a pair of glasses for every pair sold, so it’s a kind choice to buy your eyeglasses from them too!
Luckily, there are a variety of skincare and self-care brands that are B-corp certified so making your bathroom more eco-friendly can be easy on you. S.W. Basics is a skincare line that is the perfect starting place for your new conscious routine because they have cleansers, serums, creams, and even lip balm. They only use a few all-natural, organic ingredients in each product so it’s gentle on the skin. Dr. Bronner’s has deservingly become a household name because they offer body care, home cleaning products, baby products, and more! They are a certified B-Corp company that uses their voice and money to donate to nonprofits that support the environment and social issues.
If you’re a consumer reading this, remember that it’s not only on businesses to do the right thing for the environment throughout 2020 and beyond. One of the most important things you can do to help the environment is by choosing every day to buy and support the companies that share the same values as you do to help keep them in business.
