Corporate Social Responsibility

All Natural.” “Green!” “Made from Recycled Materials.” These are the wholesome words we see slapped on limited-edition, earth-toned packaging gracing the grocery store shelves. 

The “better” version of things — where your money goes to good! But does it? In a perfect world, we could guarantee our dollars support companies that care. The companies that prioritize creating sustainable revenue that pours back into the world.

In a more common scenario, the promise of ethics is used as a misleading marketing ploy with no real plans of follow-through. 

So, what are corporations, big and small, really doing to give back? Today, we’ll explore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), its benefits, and what it means for a company to uphold it. 

What is Corporate Social Responsibility? 

Corporate Social Responsibility is the way an organization impacts society as a whole. In short, it refers to all the “good” a business or company can do for the public on which it relies.

While these values are often assumed to be embedded in everyday operations, the pursuit of maximum profits keeps our favorite brands operating below those ideals.

According to Harvard Business School Online, CSR can be examined through a few core categories:

• Environmental

• Ethical

• Economic

• Philanthropic

Maintaining fair and responsible practices across each of these areas ensures that, beyond profits, your organization leads with purpose and sustainability, strengthening both the company and the consumer for generations to come.

CSR in Action: Who Gives A Crap! (They Do!)

So, what do businesses aligned with CSR look like — and what exactly do they do?

Toilet paper retailer Who Gives A Crap is revolutionizing the sanitation industry with a regenerative business model that prioritizes both people and the planet.

Sustainably Sourced – Who Gives A Crap’s 100% bamboo and recycled-material toilet paper reduces waste and helps prevent deforestation. The company also transparently reports on its commitment to maintaining a low carbon footprint.

Ethical – 50% of profits go directly toward installing high-quality sanitation systems in underdeveloped communities that need them most.

Animals rely on their habitat to survive. Without forests, biodiversity is threatened.

Who Gives A Craps’ success stretches far beyond creating sustainable, safe-to-use hygiene essentials. The embodiment of CSR caters to the planet, animals, and underprivileged communities, which is what makes them great. 

This is just one example of a company making rockstar efforts to create a meaningful impact through its products. We love to see large-scale change, but real transformation begins with the everyday consumer. Looking to shop with people and planet in mind? [Click here for more]

How does CSR benefit my business?

Beyond benefiting our communities and the planet, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is also a smart business strategy. Consumers are more likely to support companies that align with their values and make a positive impact. When people know their money is contributing to something meaningful, they feel better about their purchases, and that loyalty keeps them coming back.

CSR doesn’t just resonate with customers; it also strengthens the company culture at its core. Economic CSR efforts can create clear pathways for career growth, including opportunities for investment, healthcare, and fair pay.  Benefits like these help businesses attract and retain top talent who are committed to growing with the company for the long haul.

In conclusion, making intentional efforts to establish CSR efforts in your company will only strengthen your company and its relationships with the world around it. 

Want to share your CSR success story? Let us help you spread all the good you do! Visit WR today. 

Harvard Business School Online. (n.d.). Types of corporate social responsibility. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/types-of-corporate-social-r

University of Connecticut Center for Career Development. (2021, March 5). 5 ways to identify a company’s social responsibility. https://career.uconn.edu/blog/2021/03/05/5-ways-to-identify-a-companys-social-responsibility/

Who Gives a Crap. (n.d.). Our impact. https://us.whogivesacrap.org/pages/our-impact