This Is Why It Matters Bigelow Tea Is B Corp Recertified
At Bigelow Tea, third generation president and CEO, Cindi Bigelow, carries on her grandmother’s legacy by giving back to people and the planet. As Cindi shares, “Being certified, and now recertified, as a B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded by my grandmother, Ruth Campbell Bigelow, over 75 years ago.”
Let’s look at what being a Certified B Corporation means and why it matters.
What Is a B Corp?
B Corp stands for “Benefit” corporation, which is a certification companies earn every three years by completing a rigorous assessment confirming the highest of standards for the following:
- Accountability
- Environmental and social performance
- Transparency
The nonprofit B Lab certifies for-profit companies by measuring how they treat the community, environment, workers and suppliers.
Why It Matters
The Bigelow family has always balanced purpose and profits. Bigelow Tea examples over the years include:
- Achieved a Green-e certification, meaning our facilities are powered with 100% renewable energy
- Mapped a global carbon footprint
- Contributed over $2 million to local nonprofits through our annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge (BTCC)
When we became certified as a B Corp in 2019, it recognized a deep-seated family and companywide commitment to “doing the right thing,” as Cindi Bigelow explains. “Re-certification proves how intentional we remain behind our commitment to a purpose far beyond making profits, and our aim to always do better. We’re committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability and transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities,” says Cindi.
And we’ll continue doing our part. Recently, our Corporate Responsibility Department took part in a day of service at NOURish Bridgeport. ,a Connecticut based nonprofit, offers direct service programs and provides thousands of people with weekly groceries and supplies. As a part of B Local Connecticut, a collective of Connecticut based B Corps, Bigelow Tea employees will continue to host and volunteer at similar giveback events throughout the year.
What Being a B Corp Means for You
For Bigelow Tea drinkers, you can trust that we make our teas using ethical and sustainable business practices. One of our “conscious consumers” recently shared in social media:
“I reached in the pantry for some tea and was pleasantly surprised to discover Bigelow Tea is a Certified B Corp, the symbol of business as a force for good! Certified B Corps, like Bigelow, usually have multiple certifications of their positive social and environmental impacts! These badges attract customers and employees that align with their ethical values. Well done, Bigelow!”
We are proud that the impact of our work resonates with our tea family. Next time you reach for a cup of Bigelow Tea, know that we made it with a serious commitment towards making the world a better place. Our B Corp certification is just one way to show our dedication to you and the planet.