Many of today’s consumers care about more than just the quality of a business’s products and services. They pay attention to the values a company supports, the way it creates its products, and its environmental impact.
We’ll highlight 10 companies that put social good at the heart of their businesses and share tips on how to become a more socially responsible organization.
10 examples of socially responsible businesses
Here are some examples of companies that strive to follow socially responsible business practices.
1. Accessibility Partners
Many people take their computers, smartphones and tablets for granted. However, for people with disabilities, using these technologies can present significant challenges. Accessibility Partners works with private and public information technology manufacturing companies, federal agencies, and other organizations to test and review products that make IT accessible to individuals with disabilities.
2. The Giving Keys
As a “pay it forward company,” The Giving Keys employs people who are transitioning out of homelessness and provides full-time jobs at a living wage. With each job, the company offers employee benefits as well as paid time off for housing, education and case-management appointments.
The company sells jewelry with an inspirational word engraved on each item, such as “Dream,” “Create,” or “Inspire.” The Giving Keys encourages people to embrace their word and pay it forward by giving the product to someone who needs the message.
3. Headbands of Hope
After a life-changing internship at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Jessica Ekstrom wanted to continue helping children with life-threatening illnesses by starting her own business.
Her company, Headbands of Hope, sells made-in-the-U.S. headbands. For every headband sold, the company gives a headband to a child with cancer. HOH has donated headbands to every children’s hospital in the United States.
Did you know? When presenting your business idea to potential investors, sharing your social impact data can help build their consideration and continued interest.
4. Juntos
This ethically conscious fashion startup designed a shoe inspired by traditional Ecuadorian canvas shoes. For each pair sold, Juntos donates a supply-filled backpack to an at-risk Ecuadorian child to help them participate more fully and effectively in school.
5. Krochet Kids
Years ago, three high school friends with a shared love of snow sports learned to crochet their own headwear. Though they sold custom creations to classmates, Krochet Kids fizzled out when they went to college — until they realized teaching their skills to people in developing countries could help break the cycle of poverty.
The company earned its nonprofit status in 2008, and today, Krochet Kids is helping more than 150 Ugandans and Peruvians earn a fair wage through the sale of crocheted goods.
6. Love Your Melon
Love Your Melon’s mission is to give a hat to every child in America battling cancer and to support nonprofit organizations researching cures for pediatric cancers. The company sells hats and scarves and donates 50 percent of its profits to cancer research initiatives. The company has donated more than $9.8 million and 250,000 hats since it was founded in 2012.
7. Prime Five Homes
Homes built by Prime Five Homes aren’t your typical houses. Each of these modern, sustainable homes is equipped to use less energy, gas and water, so buyers know they’re moving into a property that’s better for the environment.
Additionally, 10 percent of all sales goes to the company’s nonprofit arm, the Dream Builders Project, which provides services and monetary donations to select charities.
8. Rainbow Light
Founded in 1981, Rainbow Light started out selling spirulina nutritional supplements to health-conscious consumers. In addition to expanding its line of natural supplements, the company is committed to improving the health of its customers, trade partners, global community and the planet.
Rainbow Light helps fight global malnutrition with its supplements through Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit that delivers vitamins to at-risk mothers and babies. It uses 100 percent recycled and recyclable BPA-free packaging.
9. Sand Cloud
Sand Cloud is a beach lifestyle company that sells beach towels, blankets and other accessories. Founded in 2014, Sand Cloud donates 10 percent of profits to marine life preservation. It has partnered with nonprofits such as the Marine Conservation Institute, the Surfrider Foundation, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, San Diego Coastkeepers and the Hawaii Wildlife Fund.
10. Wanderer Bracelets
Wanderer Bracelets sells products hand-carved in a hut in Bali by local artists. Since the company was founded in 2014, Wanderer Bracelets has created jobs for more than 150 people living in Bali, who are paid three times the local standard wage. Each bracelet is created with all-natural, repurposed water buffalo bone.
