As B-Corp Month unfolds, we're not just marking our calendars; we're making a mark on the planet with businesses that embody sustainable and ethical practices. In this episode, our co-hosts, Benn and Brittany share the theme for this year's B Corp month, This Way Forward, as well as some events to look to attend. They then share about B Corps that currently have their attention.
B Corp Month Website
Champion’s Retreat March 18-22 in Vancouver
B Lab’s Network Fair on March 7th
B Corp’s we support
As B-Corp Month unfolds, we're not just marking our calendars; we're making a mark on the planet with businesses that embody sustainable and ethical practices. In this episode, our co-hosts, Benn and Brittany share the theme for this year's B Corp month, This Way Forward, as well as some events to look to attend. They then share about B Corps that currently have their attention.
B Corp Month Website
Champion’s Retreat March 18-22 in Vancouver
B Lab’s Network Fair on March 7th
B Corp’s we support
Welcome to Responsibly Different, brought to you by Campfire Consulting. In this space, we kindle the stories, insights and dialogues at the heart of conscious consumerism and impactful business practices. Each episode or series is a journey into the essence of making decisions and investments that nurture positive change.
Speaker 2:Welcome to Curious Coworkers, a responsibly different talk show exploring the challenges that arise when our interests conflict with our values. In today's episode, ben and I talk about all things B-Corp, because, well, it's B-Corp Month. March is a full month dedicated to celebrating, supporting, uplifting and everything else that's a part of the B-Corp movement. But before we get into the episode, dear Goh Collective recently had some big news. If this show's intro was your first time hearing about Campfire Consulting, we encourage you to listen back to our Campfire Consulting announcement episode to learn more about our new brand. Yep, that's right. Enjoy the episode, ben. I am so excited. It is B-Corp Month. In what better way to celebrate with you than to do a podcast episode? We haven't done a Curious Coworkers episode in so long, so I'm so excited to talk with you. How are you?
Speaker 1:I'm also super jazzed for B-Corp Month. It feels like, especially where we're the biggest B-Corp nerds, it feels just like a month of exciting times.
Speaker 2:I feel like there has to be so many people out there in the world that self-claimed to be B-Corp nerds. But it's so fun that we get on client calls and we're like, yeah, we're the biggest B-Corp nerds in the world. So, anyways, as the biggest B-Corp nerds in the world, let's talk about B-Corp Month. Maybe there's some people out there listening that aren't familiar with it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, let's do it.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So B-Corp Month is all about celebrating employees that work at B-Corp B-Corp that you love to buy from, or just your friends, maybe your family, like whoever it is that's in this movement we're celebrating you. So this year, B-Lab US and Canada puts out kind of the plan that all B-Corp's kind of get involved in and jump on board with. In this year the campaign name is called this Way Forward. So this Way Forward is all about how B-Corp's are showing the world that we're moving forward together, because, as B-Corp certified companies, it's not a destination to get certified, but it's an invitation to join this movement of a journey of how businesses can do better together. So B-Lab called on all of us B-Corp's to come together and to share our plan of how we're growing our impact into the future.
Speaker 2:And if you're super curious about this or maybe what's happening later this month, there's a website that you can visit and it's super simple it's bcorpmonthcom, and it will be in the show notes too. So if you want to just click there, easy access. So, Ben, I figured it might be really fun for us to talk about some of the planning that has gone into B-Corp Month. What do you say?
Speaker 1:Yeah, for sure. I think the other really exciting fun thing about B-Corp Month is all of the events so both virtual and in person happening all around North America and really the globe, because I think B-Corp Month extends beyond just US and Canada too. So lots of really fun events to either attend or also hear about via all the different social channels too.
Speaker 2:So one event that unfortunately already happened but you can look forward to it for next year is usually sometime in January. B-lab hosts an event called the let's collab event, and this event is focused on gathering employees, leaders, B-Corp extraordinaire together so that they can start collaborating and planning so that when B-Corp Month comes up, which is March, they have a plan in place so that they can start to partner and push out social media or messaging or new brands, new products. So this event happened back in January and it was just such a fun networking event. You see old friends, you meet new friends and it's just a perfect way to share what's on your mind and maybe meet new people and get some new ideas out there.
Speaker 1:Absolutely One of the exciting events well, actually a couple of exciting events. So if you happen to be in the New England area, we're kicking off B-Corp Month at Allagash Brewing on March 1st today, this evening from 4.30 to 7.30. They'll be doing tours of the brewery and all kinds of fun stuff. Great way to also meet other folks in the B-Corp movement here in Maine. So also and if you're not local to the area or you're listening from somewhere else definitely want to encourage you to check out your Be Local or one of the networks which leads us to the Network Fair which is happening March 7th, so kind of like I alluded to. So in Maine we have the Maine B Corp group. Right, there are groups like this all around US and Canada and the globet as well, that are essentially microcosms of B Lab, where they are led by B Corps that want to gather B Corps for networking, for collaborations, all kinds of various different events. So definitely you're going to want to check out, if you have a Be Local in here, what events they have going on for Be Corp Month, because I'm sure there's a bunch. And in lieu of that, be sure to attend the Network Fair on March 7th. So the networks are a little bit different from the Be Locals. They are formed around either an impact area, an industry, an identity role or a role right or a region which would be those Be Locals. And this Network Fair is going to be an opportunity for you to hear about some of the different networks and what they're up to and how you can kind of get plugged in. Guarantee, a lot of the networks are going to be having a bunch of events all throughout Be Corp Month and beyond. So it's a great way that if you don't have a Be Local in your area, that you can plug in and get involved in Be Corp movement.
Speaker 1:I happen to co-chair a network called Be Proud which serves the LGBTQ plus community in US and Canada. We're actually going to be having an event at Champions Retreat. It's going to be amazing. It's going to be a drag show to help fundraise and support the local LGBTQ communities right in Vancouver. So that's going to be really fun. If you're planning to attend Champions Retreat, definitely would love to see you. Yeah, but in terms of other networks, there's a BIPOC network, there's a marketing network, there's we the Change, which is for women leaders in business.
Speaker 2:There's Be Tourism, there's Be to Be Be Corp, town and culture. I mean the list goes on and on. Right Ben.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think there's maybe 11 or 12 total networks. So if you don't have a Be Local in your area, definitely check out the Network Fair on March 7th and get to know some of those other networks and where you can plug in.
Speaker 2:And I think one of the important things to also highlight here is the Network Fair is meant to help people that maybe aren't as familiar with the movement. So say, you have a co-worker who's always curious to know what you're doing in the Be Corp community. Send them an invite to this Network Fair. This is for everybody and you don't have to be the quote-unquote beekeeper at your company to attend this. So all are invited and really share it out.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. I mean I can just say personally I have found, through both the Be Locals and the different networks, just the community that I have found has really, you know, it's enriched me, sure professionally, but really personally too, Like I've made some great friends through this movement. It's really a great way to find like-minded spirits and do good work together.
Speaker 2:It's a great segue, ben, because I agree with you Some of the people that I've met through these networks they've become friends of mine and getting excited about Champions Retreat at the end of March.
Speaker 2:Here the Network Fair is a great way to start to set yourself up with connections so that when you go to Champions Retreat, say, you're the only one from your company going. Maybe you meet people through your Be Local or through your network that you're involved in and you can set up meetings with them. Champions retreats a little more excited and you're not like you're not as nervous to go to the session and sit alone. You already have a buddy that you know that's gonna be there, so I also think it be. Corp community is so opening and welcoming and If you are attending champions retreat and you don't know anybody, reach out to me. I'm happy to be your buddy. But, that being said, you can make buddies all around, but sometimes it's nice to have that comfort blanket of somebody that you already know absolutely for sure and speaking of champions retreat, it is happening March 18th through the 22nd right, ben.
Speaker 1:Yep VanCouver, British Columbia.
Speaker 2:And I know that both Ben and I are going a few days early and we're staying a few days after. So if you're in the area, reach out to us. We'd love to meet you in real life because, like, how exciting is that to do in this virtual world?
Speaker 1:I know we're not just floating heads we swear and.
Speaker 2:Ben, I feel like it's gonna be pretty easy for people to find you at champions retreat, because, I don't know, you may be. Perhaps are standing on a stage at some point.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I am. I feel very honored that I will have the opportunity to speak on the main stage and I'll be sharing my experience as a trans person. I think, especially in this moment in time, certainly in the United States and I believe in Canada too, the political climate for trans folks is Is it's scary, to just to be quite frank.
Speaker 2:And so I think you know I feel honored to share my experience and and and, in hopes that that will inspire and ripple out in positive ways through our community and Ben, I know that I speak for so many people and Will say this time and time again, but you are such an Open book and a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate that you share so much of yourself with the world, because I know that I've learned so much from you and I know others are going to learn so much from you or have learned so much from you. So Thank you so much for sharing your story so openly, so honestly, and I Know that you and I have gotten extremely close through this podcast over the years through working together, and Every time you share your story I still am learning something new about you. So I can't wait to continue to learn more stuff about you. But it's just an absolute honor to Consider you such a close friend and I can't wait to continue to learn from you. So thank you.
Speaker 1:Thanks for that. That really means a lot. I feel like I'm not. I'm not great at Tutoring my own horn, but but that doesn't mean a lot. I appreciate it.
Speaker 2:Well, everybody will be tuning your horn for you after they see you speak, because I know that you put so much time and attention Into it and it's gonna be an awesome presentation. So if you're going to champions retreat, don't miss it.
Speaker 1:They'll be good times.
Speaker 2:Okay, enough about you, ben.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about other b-corps.
Speaker 2:Great, I feel great about that. So, like I kind of said at the beginning, b-corp month is all about celebrating the b-corps that you do love and that you are supporting all year round. But and I know that Ben and I have Shared so many b-corp over the years, so we really really dug deep for this next section for you all. But we thought it would be super fun to maybe highlight some other b-corp that we don't always talk about and we love all b-corp equally, but there's a few that just are doing some amazing things that we want to uplift. So I'll start Ben, since I'm already talking.
Speaker 1:I Feel great about it.
Speaker 2:I Love Luke's Lobster. Luke's Lobster is based I think they started in New York technically, but I feel like a lot of their offices are based in Portland, maine. So have met so many of their employees over the year, really great friends with them. I've gone to their restaurants and I've ate their food and their food is always phenomenal. But they then started to Ship frozen seafood out and it's in a ton of grocery stores all around and I'll make I'll make sure I share links in the Show notes so you can see exactly where they're sold. But you can also order directly from their website, which is how I've been doing it. So and I will die on this hill that I stand so strongly behind Luke's Lobster.
Speaker 2:Clam chowder is Unbelievable and I am a clam chowder freak like if there's one food that I could eat for the rest of my life, every single day. It's hands-down clam chowder, and usually I say it is my stepdad's clam chowder. He makes some of the best clam chowder and I will eat it 365 days a year. He makes it for me on my birthday, which is in August. I'm dying in the sun I'm so hot, but I'm eating clam chowder because I love clam chowder. Well, luke's Lobster, you have done it and now I will eat Luke's Lobster's clam chowder 365 days a year. So, yes, there is frozen clam chowder in my fridge right now, freezer.
Speaker 2:But the point of this story is to say Luke's lobster is doing so many amazing things and, yes, they make amazing food and they're known because their seafood is traceable and sustainable and you know exactly where it's coming from, because they directly work with their fishermen and women, which is unbelievable. Just that is unbelievable. But, of course, as B Corpse, they challenge themselves to even go one step further always and they have launched a program and it's been two seasons now, I believe and it's called the Lift All Boats Project, which is a student lobster mentorship program to combat the decades-long wait list that has historically prevented underserved individuals from getting their lobster license. This is important because it supports getting more people into an industry that needs more workers, while also creating opportunities for people that wouldn't historically have access to lobstering as a profession.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely, and they totally did not pay us to say that.
Speaker 2:But, Luke, if you're listening, feel free to send me a free clam chowder.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I love that I'm a huge fan of Luke's Also. I just want to say too, they've also just shown up, I feel like, in really amazing and beautiful ways for our community, like the Lift All Boats Project is amazing, and Ben Conniff, one of the co-founders, is part of the main B Corp leadership circle and has just been like an amazing human to work with. So huge shout out and lots of gratitude to Ben for all that he does for our community. I want to shout out so I actually don't know that I've ever shouted out peak design before on the show, but, brittany, you and I were talking about B Corps that maybe were more recently buying from and lately peak design is getting a ton of my money. I just recently upgraded my phone, which I had a. My previous phone was like over five years old and I had like a great system of like my wallet and my phone and like a thing and it was great. And now I have this new phone and I needed new cases and I have to figure out a whole new like systems for myself, and so I turned to peak design, which they're certified B Corp. They're 1% for the Planet Member. They're also so the folks that founded peak design and peak design.
Speaker 1:I know about peak design because they create a lot of really useful tools, bags, accessories for photographers. So as a photographer, I'm familiar with peak design and but I know they've been getting into like the mobile space. So I was like, oh, let me just see what peak design has for, because I have a huge part of why upgrade my phone was to be able to do more mobile photography, just for fun, just as a hobby, since I don't really do a lot of professional photography anymore. Anyway, I digress, and what's really great about peak design is they have all these great mobile things. So I've got these like magnets that stick to the wall so I can, like stick my phone all these places. I've got mounts for my car so my phone can be everywhere with me and I can't lose it, which those who know me know I'm really good at losing things. So it's really been a perfect system for me.
Speaker 1:But part of why I, what I think is so exciting about them is the founders of peak design are the same folks that founded climate neutral certification. So and that's really interesting, because I feel like that's one of the or at least in the CPG space, I feel like you commonly see, like that trifecta of certified B Corp, 1% for the planet, climate neutral, thinking about like near rumble, like peak design all of those folks, I think very more commonly like the outdoor space, and so I just think that that's really cool that they went from. Not only are they climate neutral as a company, but then it's like hey, how can we further serve our community by helping them with climate neutral certification? And so I've just started to explore their certification. I'm only ankle deep in it, but it's it's very interesting and, I think, kind of a brilliant way to use business for good.
Speaker 2:I'm fascinated to learn that and I don't know much about peak design so I'll have to look into them. But a company that makes camera bags then also made a certification about climate neutral, like so cool that in this community of B Corp, like you can do whatever you want to do. Those lines aren't quite connecting for me, but it's so cool that they connect for them.
Speaker 1:Well, and I think I think the connection point, from where I sit, is that a lot of their photography gear is for, like, traveling photographers or like folks. Maybe I wouldn't say it's back country stuff. I actually would look to F stop for that, but which is a different company, not certified B Corp, I digress. But I think where the, where the, that that middle point is is that they are very much committed to like the planet and that value set, and so I think that that's when that comes from. I don't know, maybe we should have them on the show someday. Unpack that.
Speaker 2:If anybody listening knows peak design, feel free to tell them to reach out to us. Cool Thanks, ben, for sharing a new B Corp with me, my last B Corp that I want to shout out that audience. I know you're going to keep me honest and tell me if I've already shouted them out, but the other company that always gets all of my money is Bombas. I feel like once you start buying Bombas, you can't stop buying Bombas, I guess unless you find another B Corp out there that is saving the world in a better way. But to me, bombas socks, t-shirts, underwear it's just. There's nothing that compares to it. I'm almost always in a trifecta of Bombas stuff.
Speaker 1:I want to unpack that because I'm going to embarrassingly own that. I don't own any Bombas, but I've heard this same sentiment from everyone who has Bombas socks and it's the best thing since sliced bread. This is making me think. Maybe I need to go get a pair now, which I'm sure I will at some point. But what makes it so amazing?
Speaker 2:Okay, well, we are talking about underwear and socks, so I'm getting like wait, do you burst in all your bed? I would just say that when you want a colorful play, they have all the colors in the world and, specifically for you, I'm going to point you to their Disney socks, because you can have every type of Disney sock that you want.
Speaker 1:Amazing.
Speaker 2:But, besides the design, the function of the product that they make is so versatile. I like to think that they have sizes of products but their product stretches so it fits a bunch of different body types. So I also don't think that it's inclusive in that way and the material is just so damn soft that I just can't get enough. But the number one reason why I love Bombas, besides all the things that I just said, is there are people in this world that don't have access to everything. The three top things that people ask for that they don't, that they can't buy themselves, are the three things that Bombas makes socks, underwear and shirts. So in homeless shelters, broadly speaking but when I say homeless shelters I'm also speaking about overnight shelters, transitional living facilities, street outreach teams, rehabilitation centers, title I schools and maybe medical service professionals. These are all of the different types of organizations that Bombas donates to and broadly calling them homeless shelters which I realize they are all not, but broadly calling homeless shelters. People in these facilities are most requesting socks, underwear and shirts.
Speaker 2:So what does Bombas do? Bombas partners with giving partners and they have 3,500 giving partners around the world and they work with their giving partners to make sure that these most requested items get donated to all of these different facilities and homeless shelters. So I know that every time I purchase one of these items, an item is getting donated. So it's a one for one model and there's just no beating that. So, yeah, when I need to buy more socks and the fact that I love Bomba's socks, I'm going to buy their socks, because I also know that every time I buy a sock, somebody who needs a sock is getting a pair. So I just think that their giving back model is amazing and it makes me feel better about my purchase and I love their product. So I'm going to buy it anyways. But I'm really happy that when I buy it, I feel like I'm doing something helpful. I love that.
Speaker 1:I love that. My last one to shout out Okay, now I have to also just own and I know I talk about. Okay, I want to talk about karst, but before I talk about karst, I just I can't help it. I love Borreo so much. I just love Borreo, and I know I always talk about Borreo so I won't belabor it to death.
Speaker 1:But for those that have not heard me talk about Borreo, they're amazing and you should listen to the episode about Borreo and how they make all kinds of amazing things out of discarded fishing nets. I will stop there. They're awesome and amazing. Same goes for Grace and Bakery. I talk about them all the time. I love them. Open hiring is the coolest thing since sliced bread. They make delicious brownies. You should buy some. I'll leave that there.
Speaker 1:Now I want to talk about karst. So in the spirit of, I don't think I've talked about karst on the show before, again, as Brittany iterated, I'm sure y'all will keep me honest there. But karst, so I've actually been using karst for a few years and they make these. I'm holding it up as if y'all can see, only Brittany can see. That's not helpful.
Speaker 1:They make these journals, or notebooks, I should say, and the paper is actually made out of recycled stone and what's really interesting about this is there's actually zero waste, so there's no water that goes into the production of this paper.
Speaker 1:It's all stone paper, so it has a few benefits as an end user. For me, it's great because these pages are waterproof and well, I feel like anywhere where I am is a bit of a splash zone because I spill water like it's my job, but so it's nice that this waterproof, or if you're ever just caught out in the rain, anything like that, so that's just nice. It's also the paper is incredibly smooth and soft, so it's also just for people that are really into like textures or like you're writing utensils, and I'm somebody who I'm a little bit old school, I love to like write stuff down, so it's great. It's great in that way. It's interesting too because the books are actually like a little bit heavy, like you can tell you're like oh, like this really is made out of stuff Like it's really wild, but if otherwise you wouldn't know like it. Just it feels like just really smooth, buttery paper.
Speaker 2:I love that you had to point out that like it's, it's heavier, because I wouldn't have thought like, oh it's, it's just like it's paper thin, there's no way that it actually adds any weight. But it's like oh, no wait, it is stone. Like stone is heavier than paper. That's just funny to me.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's pretty, it's pretty wild. It was the first one I ever got was like a little bit trippy. I was like, oh wow, it's like, but it's not like heavy and I like, oh my gosh, this thing is so heavy to lug around. It's like I would say it's substantial, like it feels like. You know what I mean. I don't know if that makes any sense, but yeah, so it's really interesting. There's no trees, there's no acids, there's no water, there's no waste and it's all like recycled stone. So it completely removes the conventional need for wood in paper manufacturing, which I think is just just a really brilliant way Of, like you know, creating a product that does good just in its production, or like reduces harm, and it's just in its production. I love it.
Speaker 2:I love it.
Speaker 1:I love celebrating B Corpse.
Speaker 2:I love buying from B Corpse and I know that we just called out a bunch of product based B Corpse, but I also will just say that there are B Corpse out there that provides services and their services are also very beneficial to this world. Ben quickly quickly highlighted Grace and Bakery, but they do provide a really awesome service to this world and they developed open hiring. They're the forefathers of the idea of open hiring. So if you don't know what we're talking about, please visit the show notes and listen to that episode of Grace and Bakery, because it's just groundbreaking hearing them talk about open hiring.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and I think that's what this whole month is all about in terms of moving forward. Right, this is how business can be used as a force for good, right, creating these models, creating these roadmaps, these impact business models, if you will right, it's inspiring and it's exciting, and this is the month to celebrate them.
Speaker 2:So, cheers, cheers to you B Corpse, and to you B Corpse employees and startups that maybe are going through the course of time and startups that maybe are going through certification. However you celebrate B Corpse Month, do it with style.
Speaker 1:Also, I want to give a huge shout out to B Lab themselves. They serve this community so well. It's mind-boggling I feel like the laundry list of how they have shown up and supported. I've just seen just myself the ways that they don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk and they will show up every opportunity that they can to jump in and do the work. So, so grateful to the team at B Lab and all of those folks.
Speaker 2:Couldn't agree more, ben, and if you happen to be at Champions Retreat, let us know. If you're in the area attending the main B Corpse event, let us know, and we will see you all soon. Thanks for tuning in.
Speaker 1:Thank you for joining us on Responsibly Different a Campfire Consulting Initiative. We hope today's conversation has sparked new ideas and inspired action towards purposeful leadership and sustainable choices For insights and strategies that elevate your brand's story in a meaningful way. Visit us at campfireconsulting. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and share, as every interaction helps spread the warmth of responsible living. Until next time, keep the fire of curiosity alive and embrace the power of being responsibly different.