Bs Go Big at EXPO

Last weekend was the 33rd Natural Products Expo West (Expo) where 63,000 industry members and 2,430 Exhibitors gathered to sample or showcase the latest in natural and organic products from supplements to socks, with a smattering of sweets. Deals were done, friendships were forged and announcements were made: way to go Whole Foods for doing what Californians couldn’t and committing to full GMO labeling by 2018!

49 Certified B Corporations played a part in Expo West this year, taking it further in the amount they care and how much they share. B Corps lead the way on corporate environmental and social impact and I hope to help get the word out and tell the world about it.

Leading the band of Bs at Expo were four of the the Rockstars of the New Economy: Happy FamilyOrganic Superfoods; Seventh Generation home & personal care; King Arthur Flour and Guayaki brand yerba mate. As should be expected at any good party, the lawyers were on hand — not just Brand Geek but also Expo veterans Bill and Don from Wendel Rosen. Making sure kids start out right werePlum Organics, gDiapers, nurturme, Little Duck Organics and of course Happy Family. Keeping us fresh and clean were Seventh Generation, GladRags, The Honest Company, Episencial, Elemental Herbs, Method and EO Products and making sure they have good, clean fun is Back to the Roots.

B Corps like Lotus Foods, CORE Foods, Andean Naturals, Essential Living Foods and Culinary Collective nourished our bellies and souls, while Cabot Creamery, Peeled Snacks, Love & Hummus, Home Free, ALTER ECO & Fearless Chocolate kept us smiling and full. Bad breath wasn’t a problem thanks to Sencha Naturals and we were kept well hydrated by Sambazon,Guayaki, Traditional Medicinals and Mamma Chia. There was caffeine aplenty to keep us going all day thanks to Numi, Runa, Bhakti Chai, Ethical Bean Coffee. And though Expo can be exhausting,Genuine Health and Herbalist & Alchemist kept us well balanced while ECOlunchbox, Eco-Bags,Preserve, Blue Avocado and of course, Klean Kanteen were encouraging reuse and for those (hopefully rare) instances where reuse is impractical, Susty Party and World Centric did their part to make our consumption more responsible. We had PACT to thank for making sure that we save the planet in planet-saving style and Partnership Capital Growth to help raise capital. GreenerPrinter was there too to share our messages responsibly. Topping it off by hosting the B Corp happy hour were our friends at Klean Kanteen, who educated us about plastic pollution, encouraging us to support 5 Gyres and use only reusable cups (even at Expo!) on our path to living green.

B Corps use the power of business to solve environmental and social problems. We also have way more fun. Want to see what I mean? Join us!!