If you’re not supporting sustainable businesses, you’re not doing it right!
The Bay Area prides itself on championing sustainability, buying locally, and finding innovative solutions to keep our planet healthy and safe. If you’re looking to educate yourself on ways to help the planet, be sure to look into the B Corporation website. They certify businesses all over the world for having ethical practices and sustainably sourced products.
When a business receives a B Corporation certification, that means that it “meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.” B Corporation businesses must meet a rigorous set of parameters and are legally required to evaluate the impact of each business decision on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Businesses are evaluated on a 200-point B Impact Assessment scale, and must achieve a minimum score of 80 to receive the certification. Some famous B corporations include Ben & Jerry’s, Allbirds (started in SF!), and Klean Kanteen.
The following is an incomplete list of fantastic B corporations in San Francisco, but be sure to visit the B corporation website for a full list of certified organizations by category.
Food and Beverage
1. The FruitGuys
Combats hunger by delivering farm fresh produce from small farms, donating 20% of annual profits to organizations that serve the needy.
Overall B Impact Score: 96.8
Certified Since: August 2019
Location: 490 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080
2. Torani
93-year-old family-owned SF startup that creates flavored syrups, sauces, fruit smoothies and more.
Overall B Impact Score: 87.6
Certified Since: January 2019
Location: Various food retailers
3. Mixt
Family-owned restaurant chain ad food manufacturer offering delicious, healthy, high-quality lunch options.
Overall B Impact Score: 88.2
Certified Since: August 2018
Location: 5 locations across SF
4. ReGrained
Upcycles grain waste from beer brewing process to create award-winning nutrition bars, puffs and premium ingredients.
Overall B Impact Score: 89.4
Certified Since: March 2018
Order online for delivery
5. Olly
Creates delicious gummy nutrition supplements, multivitamins, protein powders, and bars.
Overall B Impact Score: 80.3
Certified Since: December 2017
Locations: Order online or find in your local pharmacy
6. Zego
Creates accessible plant-based packaged snack and breakfast foods.
Overall B Impact Score: 112.8
Certified Since: July 2017
Location: 912 Cole Street #294, San Francisco, CA 94117
7. Bi-Rite Family of Businesses
Serving San Francisco since 1940, Bi-Rite grocery markets stock accessible and diverse products from local producers, farmers, and neighbors.
Overall B Impact Score: 103.9
Certified Since: August 2015
Location: 5 locations across SF
8. Alter Eco
Produces premium chocolate products including chocolate bars and truffles. Supports regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration and full-circle sustainability.
Overall B Impact Score: 133.8
Certified Since: January 2009
Locations: Various food retailers across SF
Apparel and Accessories
9. Athleta
Since 1998, Athleta has designed stylish, comfortable, high-quality performance and sports apparel for women and girls. 71% of Athleta apparel is made of 30% or more preferred (sustainable) fibers, and they offer thousands of free fitness and wellness events.
Overall B Impact Score: 84.3
Certified Since: March 2018
Locations: 255 Sutter Street and 2226 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA
10. Allbirds
Shoe retailer from San Francisco that creates comfortable, breathable footwear made from ethically farmed sheep wool, recycled bottles, castor bean oil, recycled cardboard, sugarcane, recycled nylon, eucalyptus tree fibers, and more.
Overall B Impact Score: 89.4
Certified Since: December 2016
Locations: 3 locations in SF
11. Creative Action Network
Distributes fun and quirky presents created by a global community of artists and designers. Products include masks, socks, pins, posters, books and more.
Overall B Impact Score: 113.1
Certified Since: March 2015
Order online for delivery
Lifestyle and Personal Care
12. Cora (Lyv Life Inc.)
Manufactures safe, healthy, sustainable, organic menstrual products. Each purchase of a month’s supply of products also sends a month’s supply of pads to a girl in need in a developing country.
Overall B Impact Score: 105.1
Certified Since: July 2016
Location: Various pharmacies and retailers
13. Grove Collaborative
Creates innovative natural home products including cleaning supplies, laundry detergents and soaps.
Overall B Impact Score: 80.3
Certified Since: June 2014
Order online for flexible monthly shipments.
14. Yellow Leaf Hammocks
Hand-woven, customizable hammocks that create economic opportunities for marginalized ethnic groups including the endangered Mlabri Tribe.
Overall B Impact Score: 148.5
Certified Since: May 2011
Order online for delivery
15. P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You
[Photographer credit: @theteddietales]
SF-based pet store creating eco-friendly and sustainable pet beds and toys.
Overall B Impact Score: 87.5
Certified Since: June 2016
Location: Various retailers in San Francisco
[Featured Image: @acteevism via Instagram]