B Corp? It's the new black

Red Sky Blue Water is now a B Corp company!! B Corp is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corp standards are mandated in 5 US States and there are incentives for B corporations in many others. Red Sky Blue Water is a part of B Corp because without standards, consumers are left with unclear messaging and mountains of research to ensure their standards are shared by those with whom they choose to do business. We are making it easier for to know we stand by our message – Healthy Business in Healthy Communities.

Benefit Corporation (B Corp) is ‘using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.’ It is a set of social and environmental standards which aim to bring up the bar on how businesses certify their social responsibility and environmental protection. Several states have mandated these standards and in California, legislation is moving toward encouraging, and maybe even incentivizing businesses to comply with B Corp Standards (sorry Vermont, California is a bigger deal…). It is difficult to appropriately convey that these standards are not about charitable contribution but rather the interworkings and decision making processes of a business, for example. These standards are meant to work with businesses and allow those willing to declare they are socially and environmentally responsible to stand out from the crowd of wolves. I was working to business practices to IFC standards while in Albania but the companies I worked with were required to comply in order to receive funding. We are a few steps behind Europe with our social protection but I believe B Corp is a step forward. This California Legislator says it best: