Guide to Building a Socially Conscious Company

Make environmentally-sound products

Create your products with the environment in mind. To earn certification, your products must meet rigorous criteria that may include using recycled, sustainable or reusable materials; using raw or organic materials; and avoiding toxic dies, inks and artificial fragrances.

I recommend: View environmental standards from Green Seal or the Environmental Choice Program for a number of product categories and get your product certified by Green Seal. If you manufacture or market natural personal care products, join the Green Products Alliance.

Run a green facility

Develop or revise your production processes and office practices to comply with green facility criteria, such as minimizing energy consumption and complying with regulations for equipment usage and disposal.

I recommend: Download the Green Facilities Operation and Maintenance Criteria from Green Seal. Get listed as a green business in the Green Pages or join the Co-op America Business Network, the largest network of environmentally and socially responsible businesses in the U.S.

Give back to the community

Small businesses can make a big impact on their own communities by donating proceeds or valuable time to local organizations. If your cash flow situation doesn't allow you to donate money, consider donating products or services. Or host events for local organizations.

I recommend: Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to help identify local community organizations that might benefit from your charitable endeavors.

Leave a lighter impact on the earth

Reduce the amount of waste your business creates to lower your impact on the planet. Review production procedures to minimize waste. In office-based businesses, employ simple tactics, such as printing on both sides of every piece of paper used and starting a recycling program.

I recommend: Waste Prevention World offers numerous ways your office can reduce waste. Review Office Recycling Program Guidelines from Earth911 for help setting up your own recycling program.

Help improve working conditions for others

Establish your business as a proponent of human rights by joining the efforts to improve working conditions for laborers in the U.S. and around the world. If you manufacture or market apparel, insist on goods that aren't made in sweatshops.

I recommend: Join the Fair Labor Association or download the Sweatfree Toolkit from Global Exchange to join the campaign against sweatshops.

Donate to worthy causes

Consider donating a portion of revenues to a cause. It's a good idea to start small. For instance, choose to give a percentage of the proceeds from a single product rather than your entire line.

I recommend: Search by region, category or keyword for a cause or charity at the Charity Navigator Web site.