commute to work. We recycle paper, plastic, glass, cans,
bottles, and even compost at our offices,” said Timberlake.
Kreider said of Makes Scents employees, “I have never been
surrounded by a group of individuals so willing and happy to
pick up trash for our Adopt a Block program, volunteer at a
local homeless shelter or support our sustainability practices.”
At Shankara, Preziosa said, “We do not allow any paper dishes,
cups or plastic water bottles. Everyone brings their own dishes
and reusable water bottles.”
However your spa decides to address social and environ-
mental sustainability issues, do it authentically, or don’t do it at
all, say those who do it best. “When our team is at the beach
collecting plastic garbage as a group activity or sharing a vegan
meal—we are living and breathing our commitment to sustain-
ability. OSEA’s ‘green brand image’ comes from the inside and
radiates out,” said Palmer.
Kreider echoes that attitude. “We care so much about
lessening our impact on the environment and hope to make a
positive influence on those around us. As Helen Keller said,
‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much’.” n
WHAT IS A B CORP?
countries, according to Wikipedia.
According to its website, B Corporation certification
Eminence Organic Skin Care is a Certified B
(also known as B Lab certification or B Corp certifi-
Corporation, said Jessica Timberlake,
cation) is a private certification issued to for-profit
public relations manager.
companies by B Lab. To be granted and to preserve
“Evaluated by the nonprofit
certification, companies must receive a
B-Lab, we’re held to meet
minimum score on an online assessment for
the highest standards of
social and environmental performance,
environmental
integrate B Lab commitments to stake-
performance, trans-
holders into company governing
parency and
documents, and pay an annual fee
accountability.”
ranging from $500 to $50,000.
The company
The certification confers no legal
pursued the certifi-
status. But, like other business associa-
cation because it’s
tions, B Corporations and their employees
about the long view,
have access to discounts from outside
said Timberlake. “We
entities and fellow members.
believe there’s a responsi-
The biggest benefit is social
“Evaluated by
bility that every business has to
status: B Corps are considered
the nonprofit B-Lab,
protect and heal the earth. After all,
among the most socially and
we’re held to meet the
we
want
future
generations to enjoy our planet
environmentally responsible
highest standards
just as much as their ancestors.”
companies on earth, which can
of environmental
Makes Scents Natural Spa Line is working
affect everything from invest-
performance, transparency
on
its
B Corp certification, said Heather Kreider,
ments to sales. The boost in
and accountability.”
—Jessica Timberlake,
owner and founder. According to its website,
brand image from becoming a
public relations manager
“Certifying as a B Corporation goes beyond
certified B Corp can lead to greater
Eminence Organic Skin Care
product- or service-level certification. From your
sales growth in the current eco-
supply chain and input materials to your charitable
conscious climate, especially in the spa
giving and employee benefits, B Corp Certification
industry.
proves your business is meeting the highest standards
As of August 2018, there are more than 2,600
of verified performance.”
certified B Corporations across 150 industries in 60
October 2018
■
PULSE
45