In a previous post, I explored how businesses are striving to become a "force for good," and highlighted eight companies making a difference to both the planet and its people. And those companies aren't alone. Read Part I here, and read on for eight additional companies that stand out for their outstanding sustainability efforts and dedication to giving back to communities.

1. ALOHA

ALOHA, a certified B-corp, and leader in plant-based protein bars, is also climate neutral certified and deeply committed to making a positive impact. According to Amy Boyer, Chief Commercial Officer, the company's strong sustainability values are embodied in its new Kona Bar, a special edition product that represents the "intersection of impact and innovation." Made from locally sourced macadamia nuts, 100% Kona coffee and Ponova oil produced using sustainable farming practices in Hawai'i, the Kona Bar not only supports local farmers but also contributes 10% of its proceeds to Kupu (a leading youth-focused conservation non-profit in Hawai'i) to fund agricultural education programs. These free programs include education and service, with environmental restoration at the core.

2. Daily Harvest 

Daily Harvest is deeply committed to delivering meals built from organic, sustainably grown plant foods that support human health and improve the health of the planet. "One of the most important expressions of our mission – to take care of food so food can take care of you – is through our sustainable agriculture work,” said Rebecca Gildiner, Director of Sustainability. “We believe organic regenerative agriculture is a powerful and critical way to support the planet and farmers." Beyond working with growers who adhere to organic regenerative practices, Daily Harvest helps conventional farmers transition to organic farming and invests in research to show the positive impact of regenerative growing approaches. The company is focused on finding solutions that can help to evolve the food system toward a more regenerative future while delivering nutrient-dense foods to households. 

3. Gimme

Gimme is a leading brand in seaweed snacks that prioritizes nutrition and sustainability. Recently, the company took a step toward reducing plastic waste by launching trayless, single-serve packaging. According to Diego Norris, Gimme's Chief Marketing Officer, the company’s co-founders worked with the USDA to develop the industry standard for organic, non-GMO seaweed certification. Seaweed in itself is a highly sustainable food, as it requires no fresh water or fertilizer to grow, absorbs carbon dioxide, and provides habitat and food for marine life.

4. Justin’s

Justin's, a pioneer in nut butter, takes pride in using only simple, mindfully-sourced, and non-GMO ingredients. When it comes to sustainability and giving back to the community, Justin’s is also a leader. Recently, the company introduced new nut butter jars that use 30% less plastic, a significant step towards reducing their environmental impact. "We’re proud of this step in our sustainability journey to help reduce the impact of our products on the environment,” said Penny Andino, VP of Marketing. “We are continuing to seek more sustainable packaging options to feel as good about our packaging as we do about the products inside." Additionally, the company has joined forces with several organizations for hunger relief and pollinator conservation. Justin's recently introduced super dark chocolate nut butter cups made with 80% cacao and only 5 grams of sugar.

5. La Colombe Coffee

La Colombe is on a mission to make the world a better place, one coffee bean at a time. “Throughout our supply chain, we strive to keep the environment and our partners in mind,” said Kathryn O'Connor, Chief Marketing Officer, who shared that the company utilizes renewable energy, composts coffee grinds, and uses reusable totes for coffee shipments to reduce waste. "From the very beginning, our founder has been adamant about our mission of leaving the world a better place than we found it.” Social justice, O'Connor added, "has always been at the core of who we are, and a partnership I am especially proud of at the moment is with ACLU in their ongoing fight to protect civil rights and civil liberties.” The company also supports non-profit organizations such as the National Park Foundation, Food 4 Farmers, Grounds for Health, and World Coffee Research and is committed to building, strengthening, and healing communities.

6. LiveMore Organics

LiveMore Organics is helping people eat more fruits and veggies by creating nutrient-dense smoothie cups that make smoothie-making a breeze. With 80 years in the fruit business, LiveMore sources from the highest quality farms and partners while helping them thrive. By forming meaningful relationships with their farmers, LiveMore ensures that their fruits are handpicked, frozen, and packaged within 24 hours, embodying their farm-to-table mentality. Committed to sustainability and quality ingredients, LiveMore Organics is the only 100% certified organic frozen smoothie cup on the market. “Our mission is to make healthy eating more accessible and affordable to all,” said Julia Klen, LiveMore’s co-founder. “We want to make it easy for individuals to eat healthy on the go.”

7. MALK Organics

MALK creates minimal-ingredient plant-based milks that are good for people and the planet. "We want our customers to know that they are getting the best possible product with ingredients they can recognize," said Jason Bronstad, CEO. The brand prides itself in building relationships with farmers to implement sustainable practices for organic oats and almonds. “We are committed to water sustainability, and our partners use 25-30% less water when growing almonds,” added Bronstad. To reduce its carbon footprint even further, MALK has made its bottles fully recyclable and recently transitioned to full-truck load deliveries to customers, which are more efficient and eco-friendly.  

8. SIMPLi

SIMPLi is an inspiring example of a food company making a difference by prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices. Co-founder Sarela Herrada, originally from Peru, explains that SIMPLi is committed to supporting small-holder farmers using regenerative organic farming practices that help revitalize the environment while improving farmers’ livelihoods. “I was inspired by the amazing work that the indigenous farming communities were doing and how those practices are truly carrying the world on their shoulders,” said Herrada. By sourcing ingredients that benefit the regenerative organic ecosystem, such as cover crops and sustainable ingredients like quinoa, amaranth, and Lupini beans, SIMPLi is making a significant contribution to the environment and the health of the communities they work with.

A Force For Good

From reducing waste to supporting local farmers and partnering with non-profit organizations, these companies are making a significant impact on the world around them. By prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility, they are demonstrating that businesses can be successful while also making a positive impact on the environment and society. As consumers, we can support these companies and their efforts by choosing to purchase products that align with our values and by spreading the word about the positive impact they are making. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.