A brand that I found to be very socially responsible in my research was Ben & Jerry’s. They’re mostly well-known for their delicious ice cream flavors including non-dairy and vegan recipes, but what some may not know is that Ben & Jerry’s is changing the game for corporations.
It’s Just Ice Cream
According to Ben & Jerry’s website, it’s actually a lot more than ice cream. Under their “Activism” tab you can read their progressive values, their mission, and vision statement. The following is an excerpt from this section on their website:
Capitalism and the wealth it produces do not create opportunity for everyone equally. We recognize that the gap between the rich and the poor is wider than at any time since the 1920s. We strive to create economic opportunities for those who have been denied them and to advance new models of economic justice that are sustainable and replicable.
Ben & Jerry’s Website, Our Progressive Values
Other instances of Ben & Jerry’s being socially responsible include giving their employees a fair wage, fighting to reduce food waste, and supporting nonviolent ways to achieve peace in the world. That’s a tall order for an ice cream manufacturer, but I feel more companies should follow suit.
Controversy
While one may think that Ben & Jerry’s may be like most large corporations and be involved in controversy for playing into capitalism, the opposite is true. Unlike other companies of their size, Ben & Jerry’s speaks out on social justice topics like BLM and same sex-marriage. I fully believe that Ben & Jerry’s isn’t only responsible for the profit, and that they truly care about the environment, peace, and their employees.
To learn more about Ben & Jerry’s and to help the causes they care about, check out their website!
References:
Progressive values. https://www.benjerry.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://www.benjerry.com/values/our-progressive-values
