The Daily Clean

Business Intern, Carson Ransom, sits down with our local food bank, the Samaritan House Ministries, representatives to discuss the impact ReNu Hygienics has on its programs. The main takeaway? Our donations are vital.

The development of social enterprise as a field is reflected in the rise of “impact investing” and “responsible consumption”. But what the hell is a social enterprise exactly? A non-profit? A socially conscious corporation? Do charitable businesses count? Tesla produces eco-friendly vehicles. Are they a social enterprise? Here’s a nuanced take on what a social enterprise is.

Since the year 2000, 50% of Fortune 500 companies have vanished, and this is expected to continue unless we begin identifying and effecting purpose into our businesses. It is no longer enough to sell the workforce on the “dream” of climbing the corporate ladder and nor is it sufficient to sell great products.

Did you know that the average person produces 600 times their body weight in waste in their lifetime? To put this shocking reality into perspective, your average Joe contributes about 120,000 lbs to landfills. Astonishing, right?

Crisis moments also present opportunity: increased use of flexible technology, a revived appreciation for the outdoors and urgency to preserve our beautiful parks, and the chance to adjust to a higher, more sustainable quality of life by consuming responsibly.