The 8 most socially responsible business claims and certifications

Written By Alchemie Life

Inequities are not our fault, but we can be part of the solution.

Although the weight of the world’s issues should not fall on our individual shoulders, we can support a better world by incentivizing businesses to do right by their teams, community, and planet. To navigate this crazy world of claims and bulls***, we compiled a short list of some of our favorite socially responsible business claims and certifications for you to keep your eyes out for. 

  1. B Corp Certified  

    1. What is it? Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Companies must demonstrate high social and environmental performance, a legal commitment to be accountable to all stakeholders - not just financial shareholders, and exhibit high levels of corporate transparency. 

    2. Why do we love it? Companies who go through this process must be committed to using their business as a force for good. B Corp certification evaluates the full impact of a company — spanning the gamut from governance, community, workers, environmental and customer impact. 

  2. 1% Pledge, or 1% for the Planet 

    1. What is it? A commitment by an organization to give back, or pledge 1% of total resources including finances, to social and environmental causes

    2. Why do we love it? The company is committed to using a percentage of total resources each year to support philanthropy or elevate nonprofit causes that advance social or environmental missions.  

  3. BIPOC-owned, and/or Womens-Owned

    1. What is it? When a business is owned, or operated, by a black, indigenous, other person of color, and/or a woman identifying individual.  

    2. Why do we love it? According to a McKinsey study, only 1.4% of US assets under management are managed by women or BIPOC managers. To increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all, we can help redistribute wealth by supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. 

  4. Living Wage Certified

    1. What is it? Living wage certified companies are on a journey to ensure a living wage for all workers, and commit to increase payment each year to reflect rising costs and inflation. 

    2. Why do we love it? Minimum wage is the lowest amount a worker can be paid hourly which is determined by law. A living wage ensures that an individual or family is paid enough to avoid living in poverty.

  5. Local

    1. What is it? Local means that it’s belonging to, or from your particular community or neighborhood. 

    2. Why do we love it? We love to shop local because it stimulates the local economy - providing economic benefits directly to your community, reduces carbon emissions associated with transporting goods from across the world, and supports job creation in your area. 

  6. Fair-Trade Certified

    1. What is it? Fair-Trade certification is a rigorous process of reviewing product sourcing standards to ensure the supply chain improves the livelihoods of workers, supports community development, protects the environment, and ensures safe working conditions. 

    2. Why do we love it? Fair trade helps to build more resilient communities and supply chains by ensuring companies pay a minimum, fair price for products that support the livelihoods of those involved. 

  7. Certified Humane

    1. What is it? Certified Humane ensures that food producers meet high standards for farm animal treatment — including but not limited to animals that are never kept in cages, must be fed a quality diet, and must be slaughtered in alignment with the highest standards. 

    2. Why do we love it? The certification is committed to improving the lives of animals by increasing the demand for kinder and more responsible farm practices. 

  8. Cruelty-Free 

    1. What is it? A voluntary pledge for cosmetic, personal care, and/or household products based in the US/Canada to make sure there is NO animal testing from all stages of product development. 

    2. Why do we love it? By supporting cruelty free, you’re taking a stand against animal testing, reducing the amount of inhumane treatments and experiments performed on animals

Collective well-being does not just mean honoring and supporting the lives of our neighbors. It expands to our animal friends who share this planet with us and to the spaces that surround us. 

Alchemie Life