How Uncommon Goods Became One of the Top Corporate Social Responsibility Companies

A Cut Above

Almost any company can become a social enterprise, practice corporate social responsibility, or choose to focus on a triple bottom line. An organization can also set itself apart by becoming a B corporation. A B corporation is one that goes through a certification process to identify itself as having social enterprise goals built into its purpose and mission statement. The company then holds itself accountable for making sure social benefit remains the focus of its daily operations.

Companies know that, over time, even the top corporate social responsibility companies can weaken. New leadership or changes in the business climate can take the focus away from idealistic goals. There is often pressure on companies to do business the way other companies do. By becoming a B corporation, companies can ensure this will not happen. These enterprises keep their integrity over time.

True to Their Roots

One striking example of this integrity is Uncommon Goods, the online retailer that sells one of a kind crafts and supplies. When it became a B corporation, it also became one of the top corporate social responsibility companies. The company supports small businesses by featuring the work of new artists and designers. Some of its offerings are from artisans working together in low income areas. Most of the sellers on the site craft their pieces by hand. Customers are able to support these artists while spending their money with an innovative triple bottom line company.

 Uncommon Goods knows what it is to face hard times. The company began in 1999 and experienced relatively rapid growth. But a few years later, the dot com boom came apart. Uncommon Goods was forced to cut its staff from 35 to just 5 employees. Instead of folding or abandoning its csr mission, the company brought in a new employee who stepped up as a leader in every area of operations. The company then turned its first profit in 2004.

Sustainable Practices

A successful B corporation has to focus on sustainability. Uncommon Goods does this by minimizing its environmental impact. The company encourages their artists to use sustainable or recycled materials. Catalogs are printed on recycled paper. The company’s Better to Give program enables customers to donate one dollar to the charity of their choice with each order.

Finally, Uncommon Goods pays its lowest paid workers a wage that is 50% above minimum wage. This helps ensure less turnover, so that an experienced, trained, loyal staffer is there to assist with every order and answer every question. A drive to take care of people and the environment are what makes Uncommon Goods a great example of a B corporation. Its efforts also make it one of the top corporate social responsibility companies.