Recent polls reveal that climate change is a top concern for most Americans: Two-thirds believe global warming is caused by human activities, and more than half say they are “concerned believers” who think it will pose a serious threat during their lives.

So who’s stepping up to address the climate challenge? In the absence of political action, Certified B Corporations and other forward-thinking businesses have a prime opportunity to lead by example and inspire more individuals and organizations to live and work sustainably, with the future of the environment and our descendants in mind.

As we prepare to celebrate our planet’s resources and efforts to protect them on Earth Day, B the Change shares examples of B Corps that provide products and services to help their customers reduce their impact on the Earth — leading by example and encouraging others to do the same.

Employees at Tom’s of Maine are encouraged to use 5% — or 12 days a year — of their paid time volunteering for causes they’re passionate about, contributing hundreds of hours each year.

Broadening the Circular Economy

Counting the environment as a stakeholder in their business operations is the norm for B Corps, and many provide products and services that help people reduce their impact on our planet — and, in some cases, encourage them to step up their sustainability habits. Two examples:

Newly certified B Corp Tom’s of Maine has for nearly 50 years provided personal-care products made from natural ingredients and encouraged customers to return the packaging for recycling. In recent years, Tom’s of Maine has donated to nonprofits that promote water conservation through education and other programs.

Eliminating waste is the mission at Rubicon Global, which works with clients to decrease trash and maximize recycling efforts. Through its global operations, Rubicon is working to change the typical, linear trash-to-landfill system to a circular model that creates more economic benefit while reducing waste.

On B the Change, these two B Corps share more about their Earth-friendly products and policies and provide inspiration for other companies looking to do the same.

Ready to Step Up Your Positive Impact?

The B Corp community has an opportunity to lead by example and spur action around the globe through innovative programs that mitigate climate threats and help their workers and communities adapt to the changes predicted in the 2018 U.N. climate report.

To help your company become a climate leader, download this free online report from B Lab that compiles articles and resources on Earth-friendly business practices.

Going Beyond ‘Business As Usual’ to Tackle Climate Change

Believing that business can transform the world for the better is an important reason why CleanChoice Energy was founded as a B Corp and became part of a community of excellence that finds ways to solve social and environmental challenges through business.

CleanChoice Energy’s focus is to empower people and businesses to cut emissions and live cleaner lives — and being a B Corp helps the company reach that goal more effectively.

On B the Change, read how CleanChoice Energy is making it easier for consumers to get clean energy — while also reducing carbon in the atmosphere and boosting clean energy investment.

Book of the Week

If you have a specific suggestion, let us know at bthechange@bcorporation.net with the subject line “book recommendation.”

The B Corp Handbook: How You Can Use Business As a Force for Good

By Ryan Honeyman and Tiffany Jana

This book is the authoritative guide to the what, why, and how of B Corp certification. Coauthors Ryan Honeyman and Dr. Tiffany Jana spoke with the leaders of more than 200 B Corps from around the world to get their insights on obtaining B Corp certification, improving their social and environmental performance, and building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

The second edition has been expanded and updated to include a much stronger focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These changes are important because DEI can no longer be a side conversation — it must be a core value for any company that aspires to make money and make a difference.

Read more about The B Corp Handbook on B the Change.