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4 Companies Selling Products You Can Feel Good About Buying
Younger generations in general, and millennials especially, want to support businesses that have a social responsibility and a sense of community.
16:21 22 October 2021
If Gordon Gecko, the infamous tycoon in the classic film “Wall Street,” were real and alive today, would he try to convince the young man in his office that “greed is good”?
The answer is: Not if he wants to make money.
Younger generations in general, and millennials especially, want to support businesses that have a social responsibility and a sense of community. They are far less likely to spend money on a company that eschews any attempt to combine capitalism with altruism.
In today’s world, it’s vital for business leaders to show that they can resonate with young people on social issues. For today’s younger consumers, about 83 percent want companies to align with their values, according to 5WPR’s 2020 Consumer Culture Report. Another 76 percent want company CEOs to speak out on issues they care about.
And the opposite is true as well.
About two-thirds of millennials, or 65 percent, said they have boycotted a brand that took an opposing stance on an issue they care about, according to the report. And another 62 percent prefers products that reflect their political and social beliefs.
If you’re in that category, here’s a few companies that have embraced this new philosophy of business, and sell products that you can be proud to purchase.
The popular lip balm company has been around for awhile, but now they’re supporting a campaign that raises awareness about the declining population of honey bees.
By purchasing their special edition lip balms, you are ensuring that 1,000 wildflowers will be planted. The balms have several flavors, including Wild Cherry, Pink Grapefruit, and Coconut & Pear.
Burt’s Bees also launched the Greater Good Foundation in 2007, which donates to charities that support the health of bees. The organization donates 10 percent of profits to the foundation.
Tom's of Maine sells oral and body care products that don’t contain artificial colors, flavors, fragrances and preservatives. The company doesn’t test their products on animals and offers highly recyclable packaging.
Most importantly, Tom's of Maine donates 10 percent of profits to helping humans and the environment.
The company’s employees also spend 12 days out of the year, or 5 percent of their time, doing volunteer work.
Describing itself as a “social enterprise,” ME to WE sells products made by artisan workers, then ensures that those workers receive the lion’s share of the profits.
ME To WE sells chocolate from Ecuador, coffee from Kenya, Ethiopia and Nicaragua, and bracelets made by women in Kenya and Ecuador.
The company wants to create a business model that “empowers people to change the world with their everyday consumer choices.”
With this company, you get not only cool products, like beanies, hats, mugs and shirts, but you can feel like your dollars are making a difference.
Many celebrities have supported the organization. Dr. Oz and Jessica Simpson are often seen wearing the company’s products in their social media posts.
The company’s mission is to donate a hat to every US child fighting cancer. The company donated 51,264 hats to children facing cancer treatments in 2015. Also, half of all the business’ proceeds are donated to nonprofits conducting pediatric cancer research.