Sometimes it seems that people who decide to create businesses aimed at solving or mitigating social or environmental problems do so in isolation, as an initiative in which a few decide to do something for the planet and its people. But in reality, there is an entire global network of people who believe in a different way of doing business, and they demonstrate that it is not only viable, but also inspiring for many more.

From November 18th to 22nd, People and Planet First Week was celebrated, a global week that seeks to highlight initiatives and companies that put the planet and people first. This organization seeks to create a global badge that quickly identifies organizations that adhere to these principles.

How often do we feel outraged when we see trash dumped in our city's natural spaces? If we're able to enjoy a mate by the lake or play with our children in the squares, why aren't we able to take away or properly dispose of the waste we generate?

As the end of the year approaches, the question "what should we give as a New Year's gift?" begins to circulate among SMEs and large companies. This moment is a great opportunity to promote social procurement initiatives, which not only consider the price and quality of the products and services being sought, but also contribute to generating a positive impact.

What does cleaning up coastal areas have to do with designer glasses? How can homeless people get jobs in a pizzeria? How do you create a service for businesses provided by blind people? These aren't rhetorical questions, but rather concrete examples of brands born by putting people and the planet first.

Can initiatives created to solve social and/or environmental problems achieve economic sustainability? It may sound utopian, but there are business models designed for this purpose: Social Enterprises.

When thinking about Scotland from Argentina, images of medieval castles and towns, cliffs, and people playing bagpipes are probably the most common, but the enormous development of this country in the United Kingdom regarding Social and Impact Enterprises is unknown.

The role we play as consumers is fundamental in promoting responsible consumption, but even though awareness and determination are geared toward generating a positive impact, it's sometimes difficult to find how and where to consume products and services that are better for people and the planet. These are some of the places where you can find Positive Impact Companies.

Positive impact brands are those that recognize that business success is measured not only by financial returns, but also by the impact they have on people and the planet.

In the United Kingdom, there's a concept called Social Enterprise Cities, which seeks to identify and promote local social enterprises created to solve or mitigate social and/or environmental problems through business models. Is this a utopia or a possibility for Argentine cities?

For Social and Impact Enterprises to emerge and grow, it's not enough to have people who believe they can transform realities; they need an ecosystem that supports and guides them. The Tandil Impact Taskforce was created to foster the development of the local Impact Ecosystem.

There are strategies, tools, and methodologies that allow us to transition from traditional companies and businesses to businesses with a positive impact on people and the planet. But to embark on a path of impact, the key is to ask the right questions.

From June 10th to 15th, a trade mission of Latin American companies took place in the United Kingdom, which included participation in London Tech Week, one of the world's largest technology industry fairs. Among the Argentine companies that formed part of the delegation and participated in the activities were two companies with a presence in Tandil: Marcas que Marcan and Bee Real.

That there are social, environmental, and economic problems to be resolved is evident. Who should be responsible? Governments, businesses, NGOs, individuals? The Sustainable Development Goals provide a common agenda to engage different sectors in orienting their actions toward the common good.

Caring for the environment when doing business should no longer be optional. The consumption of natural resources is far more intensive than the Earth can regenerate on its own, and the extractive development model is causing great harm to both the planet and its people. However, there is another way to do business, and we find examples of this in Tandil.

There is a way to trade more sustainably, fairly, and equitably. During Fair Trade Month, three examples of businesses that generate a positive impact on the planet and people.

Impact Companies not only seek economic benefits, but are also committed to creating a positive impact on society and the environment while carrying out their activities. Key tools to identify companies that adhere to these principles are certifications and verifications.

People change, and so do businesses. There is another way of doing business, one that doesn't consider economic success as its primary indicator of progress, but rather integrates the well-being of people and the planet into its business model.