BE Blogs: A Voice for Responsible Business
BE Profiles Second Chance Coffee Co.: Social Value Brews Up Profits
One of BusinessEarth’s goals is to prove that socially and environmentally responsible business is possible and profitable. When we find a company that embodies these principles, we highlight their achievements and challenges so you can apply their lessons to your business. John Quinn of Second Chance Coffee Co. talked with us about how a for-profit enterprise with a social mission can create social good by becoming a successful business.
Since June 2009, Second Chance Coffee Co. has been producing “I Have a Bean” coffees, some of the finest and most meticulously roasted coffee around. At their Chicago, Illinois headquarters, things feel very similar to any other rapidly growing start-up, but for one thing…many of the employees are former prisoners.
Why you have to use green to win over Generation-Y, NOW
I’ve already written about how Gen-Y employees care about sustainability and seek community, credibility, and corporate social responsibility in their employers. But watch the following short video where Erin Schrode explains how Gen-Yers (especially those on the younger side of the generation like her) take such a thoughtful view of green when it comes to exercising our enormous spending power. The point is companies need to clean up their act NOW lest they risk alienating a critical and well-connected demographic.
How Business is Leading the Way to a More Sustainable Future
In many eco-circles, it’s quite easy to demonize business when it comes to its environmental record. And indeed, industry is to blame for a real share of environmental damage. But now, business is leading the way to a more responsible future. Companies are showing themselves to be much better than many individual consumers when it comes to personal energy use and resource efficiency.
Companies have more stakeholders to be accountable to
Everyday consumers can get away with buying a car that uses too much gas or running the air conditioner when no one is home. It’s much easier for them to pretend that their actions are independent of the world at large. It might hurt when they are spending a few extra thousand dollars a year on gasoline, but many people still choose to go this route.