CSR For Dummies

“CSR for Dummies” is an Earth911.com series highlighting the different pledges and commitments made by companies in regards to product stewardship and recycling. Companies and services featured do not pay for placement and are not endorsed by Earth911.com.

Are you an environmentalist, a humanitarian, an investor and a consumer, who is not sure how to reconcile all of these interests? Don’t despair! It is possible to be socially and fiscally responsible thanks to the growing business trend of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Businesses that embrace the CSR model are not only interested in the monetary bottom line; they are also focused on the long term triple bottom line—people, planet and profit. According to the news service, CSRwire, “CSR is defined as the integration of business operations and values, whereby the interests of all stakeholders including investors, customers, employees, the community and the environment are reflected in the company’s policies and actions.”

While many companies have embraced the concept of CSR since inception, even more are now responding to the consumer demand for products produced with the environment in mind. As a consumer, it is smart to become educated about the different aspects of CSR in order to ensure that you are purchasing products with the triple bottom line in mind.

Some of these aspects include:

• Activism
• Environmental impact
• Resource use
• Community development
• Fair trade
• Socially responsible investing

More and more companies and organizations are embracing different aspects of CSR, and as more consumers demand products manufactured in a socially responsible and sustainable manner, many more businesses and organizations will do the same.

In order to help you, the consumer, learn more about these companies and their commitment to product stewardship, Earth 911 is beginning a CSR for Dummies series. Check back each month for more CSR information and how it relates to you!