Consumers want brands to do things differently.

More than 70% of respondents think brands need to act now for the good of society and the planet, according to a new report. A majority of respondents said they prefer to buy from companies with a reputation for doing good.

Brands act for the good of society and the planet. We will talk in this post.

What is social responsibility?

Social responsibility is showing care and value for society and the planet as well as how much care is shown for their profits and their bottom line.

How can brands be socially responsible?

Ensuring employees have a safe work environment and being paid a living wage is one of the ways brands can be socially responsible.

Social justice issues were at the forefront of many conversations during the first few months of the year, as businesses began to take a closer look at social responsibility.

45% of people think brands need to do more to advocate for social justice issues

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Some examples of brands that demonstrate social responsibility can be used to inspire you.

15 Socially Responsible Brands

1. Back Market

The Back Market fights the tons of waste produced by electronics by selling them to consumers. The business encourages consumers to trade in their used electronics for cash instead of throwing them away, as well as providing an eco-friendly alternative to those looking to buy.

2. Warby Parker

Customers are able to try on glasses at home before committing to a purchase.

The foundation works with government agencies, nonprofits, and local community groups to increase access to vision care for adults and children who don't have it. Over 10 million glasses have been distributed thanks to the Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program.

3. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry's takes a stand on a lot of global issues, including refugee rights, LGBTQ+ rights, climate justice, voting rights, and more.

To raise awareness for these issues, it partners with nonprofits to build support with its customers, and the Ben & Jerry's foundation regularly gives funding to businesses in Vermont.

4. Oliberté

There is a fair trade certified factory in Ethiopia. Since moving its operations to Canada, it has continued to show its commitment to employee equity by giving employees a percentage of the earrings for every pair of shoes sold.

The One Perfect for the Planet Program requires at least one percent of annual sales to be contributed to environmental causes.

5. Patagonia

The company is known for its environmentalist practices. The Worn Wear program encourages customers to give their used clothing back to the business to be refurbished and resold instead of throwing it away, and the company also makes and sells organic foods that ensure healthy soil, are cultivated under ethical employee conditions, and fair and humane treatment of animals.

6. EnrichHer

Small women-owned businesses can get loans from EnrichHer to help with their business operations. It offers training programs with one-on-one and peer support, tools to help owners access funding, and networking opportunities to help businesses find resources and tools to help them improve their business.

7. IKEA

Ikea has a plan to use only sustainable materials and recycled plastic by the year 2030. The IKEA Foundation works with NGOs to create employment and entrepreneurship programs as well as funding environmental ventures around the world.

8. Cracked It

Cracked It is a phone repair service that employs formerly incarcerated youth, a community often discriminated against and looked over when looking for a job. It prepares youth for future employment opportunities by teaching job relevant and life skills.

9. Allbirds

Allbirds uses natural, renewable, and sustainable materials to create its products.

Allbirds Flight Plan has a plan to cut its carbon footprint in half by the year 2025. Allbirds ReRun is similar to Worn Wear in that used products are donated and refurbished.

10. Cora

Every purchase of organic personal care products is donated to communities that are overlooked in related discussions. The majority of the donations it makes are to organizations that serve the communities it serves.

11. Loop

Black people pay 70% more for car insurance than white people. In order to make car insurance more equitable, available, and affordable for people of color, Loop will only consider factors related to driving histories.

12. Glass Half Full

Glass Half Full is a Louisiana-based business that recycles and reuses glassware. Sand can be used for disaster relief, coastal restoration, and eco-construction, and glass cullet can be used to make new glassware.

2 million pounds of glass has been diverted since it was created.

13. Culture Brands

Culture Brands is an agency with media platforms and consumer brands that engage directly with the African American community. One of its platforms is called Because Of Them We Can and it's purpose is to amplify Black voices.

14. Tony’s Chocolonely

Tony's Chocolonely is committed to environmentalism and fair working conditions.

Business commitments include paying a premium for cocoa beans to ensure farmers receive a living wage and identifying illegal child labor and improving the living conditions for farmers and their families.

Customers can learn more about chocolate farming practices, as they can trace the entire lifecycle of the bean that makes the chocolate bar they hold in their hands.

15. Accion International

Accion International wants to build a financially inclusive world by providing economic opportunities to communities that are often overlooked.

It gives financial support to low-income entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs of color, and women, as well as educational resources, coaching, and business networks that can be helpful when it comes to building and growing a business. Accion International was able to reach 220 million people.

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The story was originally published on September 19th, but was updated on September 19th.