Where and how to buy from brands with a Positive Impact
- Jessica Oyarbide
- Aug 8, 2024
- 3 min read
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.
Fortunately, there are increasingly more options for responsible consumption. From online to in-person sites, the options for accessing and searching for products with a positive impact are growing daily.
Recognizing Impact Businesses and startups can be a challenge if they don't have a distinctive seal of approval, but it's still possible to find them. Both those with and without certifications often attend specialized or thematic fairs and events, such as La Bío Feria, held in Buenos Aires every year; the E3i (Triple Impact Meeting) organized by the Buenos Aires City Government; or the Social and Solidarity Economy Fair, held in Tandil.
Social and Triple Impact Enterprises, which are part of organizations that verify their criteria to ensure they have an impact, are included in directories:
People and Planet First: A verification for social enterprises and cooperatives that put people and the planet first. It ensures that its members have a social and/or environmental purpose, prioritize people and the planet in their operations, have a self-sustaining revenue model, reinvest the majority of their profits back into their mission, and choose legal structures that ensure their long-term purpose. They can be found at https://www.goodmarket.global/peopleandplanetfirst/network
B System: Certifies triple impact companies, or B Corps, that meet standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It evaluates aspects such as governance, community impact, environmental impact, and employee impact. It proposes a path of continuous improvement accessible to companies from different sectors and sizes. They can be found at https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-ab-corp/
World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO): Guarantees that its members are organizations with a profound and authentic impact. They adhere to 10 principles, including fair payment to producers, gender equality, environmental stewardship, and others. This certification is one of the most internationally recognized and guarantees sustainability throughout the entire value chain.
Fair Trade Argentina: Brings together Argentine and Uruguayan producers certified by Fairtrade International. This organization certifies the value chain of certain products, complying with international Fair Trade standards. Many of the products are available at Alma Nativa's Shop Market and contribute to sustainable development primarily in the provinces of Santiago del Estero, La Rioja, Santa Fe, and Tucumán.
Sustainable Products on Mercado Libre: The platform has a dedicated section for products with a positive impact. These products come from companies and ventures with a social and environmental impact. These products are reusable, compostable, and made with recycled materials or organic ingredients. The selection is curated, prioritizing products that promote the reduction of waste, emissions, and energy consumption.
Sustainable Directory: This platform features a directory that connects responsible consumers with sustainable businesses. You can find local, organic, and responsible products, filtered by category and country. Currently, you can find brands from Latin America.
Other directories and brands that market different products and services with a positive impact are: Consuma Dignidad (from Tandil), Ofelia Market , Mercado Pax , Abracajabra and Ruca Impacto Positivo .
If you need advice on integrating impact into your business, improving your brand and orienting it towards Positive Impact, or certifying your business with positive impact badges, write to jessica@marcasquemarcan.com
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