For a company to go Beyond Corporate Responsibility as currently conceived, it takes a human and economic interest in the vitality and viabilities of the communities from which they source materials and affect labor.
The key to such human interest is the connecting of each person in the business to the effects of their sourcing in the work they do each day. Often companies, and therefore individuals using materials, only have a vague notion of the source because they are acquired via intermediaries. For the new responsibility, this will not be acceptable. For materials and labor that are likely to be suspect, it is important to take the next step of knowledge and action.
Two such companies that are moving in that direction are:
Theo Chocolates From their website:
The meaning of Fair Trade Our founding principle is that the finest artisan chocolate in the world can (and should) be produced in an entirely ethical, sustainable fashion. We believe that every gold medal we win is a testament to both our commitment to excellence and to the people and families who grow and harvest our cacao. The child who gets adequate nutrition and access to healthcare and education today also gains access to a world of opportunities. Fair Trade enables farmers to take their livelihoods to the next level in sophistication, blending the benefits of modern techniques with artisanal practices, while participating in greater social change through the democratic Fair Trade cooperative organization.
Theo Chocolates is certified by @Institute for Market-ecology, which is also used by Whole Foods for their guarantees.
Merida Meridian
Merida Meridian produces natural fiber (such as jute, sisal, or wool) rugs for commercial and residential use. It emphasizes design quality and innovative production practices as a way to fully engage the creative skill of its co-creators, many of who live in or come from rural communities in the developing world. The company has strong value for the cultural expertise brought by its co-creators, and acknowledges their stature as artisans.
Merida Meridian continues to work on development for its suppliers. Merida supports cooperatives in Brazil and small weaving companies across Asia, working with each to improve its design capacity and ability to manage a business so that it can grow into employing more community members through time. Merida helps these small businesses understand their effects on the living systems from which they draw their raw materials, so that they can secure an increasingly reliable source for livelihood. The aim is to help local communities and landscapes increase the ability to determine their own futures through their ongoing relationship with Merida.
Friday: There will be a book review on how important Caring is to build into a business. And stories of how many have done it.