With SBN’s 2026 Annual Meeting coming up on Thursday, February 5, the Triple Bottom Champion Award returns, recognizing a business within SBN’s network that embodies the triple-bottom-line approach of being mindful of people, the planet, and profit.

This year’s award winner will serve as SBN’s Triple Bottom Champion Ambassador, helping to amplify their commitment to sustainability and presenting next year’s award, will receive a complimentary year of free membership, and a certificate during this year’s Annual Members Meeting.

Six outstanding local businesses are nominated for their positive environmental, social, and economic efforts over the last year. Voting is open to the public Monday, January 19 through Wednesday, January 28. The winner will be announced towards the close of the Annual Members Meeting, and there’s still time to register for the event, so please find tickets here.

Feast Your Eyes

Feast Your Eyes is an experiential catering and events company grounded in the belief that exceptional hospitality has the power to uplift people and strengthen community. With a people centered culture, Feast makes sure every team member feels supported and valued. They are equally committed to environmental stewardship through local sourcing, seasonal menu development, food-waste reduction, composting partnerships, and continuous efforts to reduce our operational footprint across both our kitchen and on location at events.

Glitter

Glitter was born from a simple idea: that everyone deserves to live on a clean, safe block—and that neighbors can come together to make that happen. Since 2021, Glitter has built a unique, pay-what-you-can model that pools small contributions from residents and businesses to fund weekly block cleaning. The service is delivered by local cleaners, many of whom face barriers to employment and are earning a living wage averaging $30/hour plus profit sharing. 

This model has allowed Glitter to clean thousands blocks and remove over 1,000,000 pounds of litter, while providing meaningful, dignified work for 34 Philadelphians—75% of whom face barriers to employment including being formerly incarcerated. They are proud to now serve over 1,400 active subscribers across 350 blocks, and are continuing to grow with new city partnerships and grant-funded projects in areas like Germantown, West Philly, and Northeast Philadelphia.

Glitter’s work directly contributes to all three pillars of the triple bottom line:

• People: At our core we are helping neighbors come together to solve hyper local problems by building connection and community pride through collaboration.
• Planet: By removing trash from our ecosystem we are preventing stormwater pollution and reducing environmental harm through regular block-level cleanups.
• Profit (with purpose):  We prioritize equitable hiring and living wages as well as profit sharing to our whole team.

PWPvideo

PWPvideo (PWP) provides Video with a Mission. They are a boutique production company specializing in video and podcasting services to nonprofit organizations, sustainable businesses, and education agencies. From the founding in 2000, to their initial B Corp Certification in 2012, through today, PWP has been aligned with the organizations they serve. PWP uses their creative talents to help improve the lives of others through education and opportunity. Core values at PWP include deep sustainability practices and promoting volunteerism. In addition to their team volunteering annually on Martin Luther King Day and throughout the year, their company principals serve on nonprofit boards. 

What sets PWP apart from other companies is their combination of experience, instincts, and ability to thoroughly understand the organizations they serve. PWP knows that nonprofits have to stretch every creative dollar and, above all, serve the mission of the organization in the most effective way possible. They serve nonprofits, their staff has worked with nonprofits, it is a part of their culture and who they are as people. This experience enables PWP to produce media that enlightens and moves viewers by telling thoughtful and respectful stories of real people, while understanding pacing, visual interest, and purpose. PWP is built on courtesy, honesty, creativity, and successful communication. This recipe has led to them developing long-term client relationships with like-minded organizations. 

Re:Vision Architecture

Re:Vision was founded in 2002 to make a positive difference in the natural, built, and social environments. Today, Re:Vision is comprised of two studios in one LEED-certified building—an Architecture studio that designs sustainable projects and a Sustainability Consulting studio that supports other architects, owners, contractors, and organizations to  make their work and their companies more sustainable.

Sustainability is part of Re:Vision’s DNA and it shows in our portfolio of Zero Energy verified, Passive House certified, LEED Platinum, Living Building certified, and common-sense-green projects. Re:Vision has been recognized nationally and locally as sustainable design experts and thought leaders by leading organizations including the AIA, The New York Times, Metropolis Magazine, PHIUS, Living Future, and others.

With care for the impact of our business, Re:Vision has been a certified B Corporation since 2007 and Just labeled since 2021 to make transparent our social and environmental performance.

Solar States

Solar States is a certified B-Corporation founded in 2008 with a dual-mission to install solar and educate the next generation. They take a triple-bottom-line approach to solar: People, Planet, and Profit.

PEOPLE: Solar States provides full healthcare, 401k, and profit-sharing to all employees—but more importantly, they build careers. In 2025, their Find Your Power program trained 100 students, employed 27 paid interns, and extended 8 full-time offers—up from 5 interns and 3 hires the year before. To date, they’ve trained 600+ people through partnerships with Philadelphia OIC, PowerCorpsPHL, and the Energy Coordinating Agency.

PLANET: Their 2,000+ installed systems have saved customers $15+ million in avoided electricity costs and kept millions of pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Solar States makes solar accessible to ALL in our communities.

PROFIT: Seventeen years in business, driven by reputation and referrals. They avoid high-pressure sales tactics and instead find sensible solar+storage solutions for homeowners and businesses across the region.

Strategy Arts

Strategy Arts is a planning and facilitation consulting firm with an emphasis on equitable community engagement. Since our founding in 2003 we have been guided by a set of principles centering humanity and being good stewards of the earth. When B Lab was established it gave a structure to our values and we became a founding B Corp and in 2019 a Best for the World honoree. We also had the honor of being part of the founding board of SBN and our Managing Partner, Elizabeth Guman, served as co-chair with Judy Wicks. 

Strategy Arts works directly with marginalized communities and the organizations serving them on many societal issues such as high rates of economic insecurity, food insecurity, disproportionate rates of infant and maternal mortality and morbidity, reentry issues and more. We know all too well that these disparities predominantly affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and that understanding root causes of these disparities is a requirement for changing the system.

To engage in this work we do extensive professional development, including unpacking internal bias for privileged identities and support and healing for marginalized identities. In our client work, we incorporate equitable practices relevant to the processes required for the project that range from ensuring marginalized voices are included through stakeholder engagement, incorporating equitable norms in meetings, training on equitable practices for clients and equity audits.  

We continue to develop a strong internal culture that values each of our team members through our policies and our collaborative working processes. Our latest project has been to learn about and incorporate self-governance practices to deepen our commitment to shared decision-making and power.

The post SBN Announces Nominees for the 2026 Triple Bottom Champion Award appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

As a member of SBN’s Board of Directors, you’ll play an integral role in shaping the strategy, major organizational policies, and direction of SBN going forward. If you’re passionate about advancing SBN’s mission of building a just, green, and thriving local economy in our region, fill out an application today! See below for a brief description of the position and qualifications:

Board of Directors: At-Large Position Description and Qualifications

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is seeking Board members to provide appropriate foresight, oversight, and insight in service of our mission, and work in partnership with the Executive Director to advance SBN’s Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Strategic Objectives. 

SBN Vision: We envision a future where businesses are investors in the quality of life for all citizens. We challenge and support the business community to build profitable enterprises that serve community needs, share wealth, and protect the environment.

SBN Mission: The mission of the Sustainable Business Network is to build a just, green, and thriving economy. We accomplish this by educating and growing a broad base of local, independent local businesses and educating policymakers and the general public.

SBN Core Values: Sustainability and Respect for the Earth, Community Self-Reliance and Cooperation, Diversity, Optimism, Authenticity and Accountability, and Pioneering leadership

SBN Strategic Objectives: 

1. Equity and anti-oppression are embedded in all we do
2. Critical growth industries—the regional food system, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and green stormwater infrastructure—thrive in the region, creating opportunities for diverse small businesses and workers, providing family-supporting wages, enhancing equitable community development, and advancing climate resilience
3. The policies and budget priorities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and City of Philadelphia support an economic ecosystem that centers localism, protects our environment, and ensures prosperity for all
4. SBN continues to be recognized as the region’s thought and practice leader on local independent business issues, triple bottom line business practices, and an equitable, inclusive, and climate resilient economy
5. The region’s diverse independent businesses are doing well by doing good
6. SBN has the infrastructure, and human and financial assets necessary to achieve our goals

Our ideal candidates are business owners or leaders with a track record of practicing – and measuring success by – the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit; a proven ability to provide both strategic and innovative thought leadership; an orientation towards prioritizing the best interests of the Board, organization, and members; a demonstrated record of taking a cooperative and collaborative approach to their work; comfort and confidence in acting as an ambassador and connector for the organization; practiced at engaging in difficult and probing conversations both as a contributor and a listener; and has the capacity to invest the time the organization needs from Board members.

To review the Board director position in full, please find it here: SBN Board Member 2026-2029 Job Posting

How to apply:

Candidate application forms are available here (or click the button below). Applications are due no later than Friday, November 7, 2025. 

All candidates must complete the candidate application form, and include requested submissions detailed on that form. Send completed candidate application forms and/or any questions via email to SBNBoardApp@gmail.com. 

SBN values the diversity of our region’s assets, perspectives, and voices. We believe that the broadest possible participation of different races, genders, and other identities is vital to SBN’s continued relevance and our ability to best serve our mission. As such, we strongly encourage people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other identities to apply for this and all open positions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. SBN’s non-discrimination policy can be found here.

The post SBN’s Call for Board Member Candidates for the 2026 – 2029 Term appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

As we kick off Earth Month, SBN is celebrating by spotlighting some of our member’s sustainable products and services that have a positive impact on the environment. Although environmental stewardship should be recognized throughout the year, this month is a perfect reminder that we all play a role in preserving our environment. Whether you’re well-versed in sustainability or you’re looking for a new opportunity to make an impact, our Earth Day Business Guide is here to highlight the businesses in our area that can help you reach your environmental goals.

Bar Hygge

HYGGE (pronounced HOO-GAH) is a word that embodies a culture of Danish living that embraces warm atmosphere and cozy surroundings, where people can spend time surrounded by loved ones enjoying good food, drink and conversation. Bar Hygge was designed and built to offer a space where guests can experience hygge firsthand.

The restaurant and brewery located at 1720 Fairmount Ave., opened in 2016 was constructed using a sustainability model utilizing repurposed wood, barrel staves and pallets. The scratch kitchen presents a new/contemporary American menu with seasonal changes, local ingredients and a focus on neighborhood comfort food.

Brewery Techne is their in-house 10 barrel brewery. They exclusively use local barleys grown in Pennsylvania and malted in Philadelphia. Eight to ten seasonal and year-round beers can be found on draft and in cans.

Composting is an integral part of Bar Hygge’s daily routine and they are proud to use fellow SBN member, Bennett Compost.

Make a reservation today and stay up to date via their Instagram, @bar_hygge!

Crust Vegan Bakery

Crust is a queer woman owned vegan bakery that values high quality ingredients and purchases local products when possible to support other like minded small businesses. Crust strives to find the balance between offering an affordable and quality product to customers while providing a living wage and supportive work environment to their staff. They ensure there is always room to give back to our community within their costing structure, and they embrace their politics in deciding who to donate to. Crust keeps it political because food is political.

Crust was also the winner of SBN’s Inaugural Food Saver Challenge last year! They were recognized for their unique repurposing solutions that helped prevent waste from entering landfills. Learn more about Crust’s win and other food waste reduction achievements in our Food Saver Challenge Report.

Visit their storefront location at 4409 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127 to learn more and order. You can also check out their Instagram, @crustveganbakery, for weekly and seasonal menu updates!

Triple Bottom Brewing

Triple Bottom Brewing Company is a woman-owned craft brewery and event space located on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia. They are the first and only brewery in Pennsylvania to have earned the B Corp Certification, and have been a fair chance employer since their founding in 2019. Triple Bottom Brewing recently launched their Future of Service Apprenticeship program, which helps people impacted by the justice system and housing insecurity to build meaningful careers in the hospitality industry and beyond.

Visit them at 915 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19127 and check out their instagram, @triplebottombrewing for more updates and fun events!

Cork & Candles

Cork & Candles is an interactive, hands-on candle making experience where guests create their own personalized candles in a welcoming space. Select your favorite scents, blend them to perfection, and create your own candles during their 90-minute experience!

Cork & Candles’ scent bar is designed to be a sensory delight, with a wide range of fragrances that cater to every preference, from exotic and fruity to earthy and floral. It’s more than just candle making; it’s about the joy of creation, learning, and exploration in a cozy environment where memories are made.

Follow @corkandcandles on Instagram and book an experience at one of their locations throughout the region!

Weavers Way Co-op

As a community-owned organization, Weavers Way has a long history of putting planet before profit, ensuring shoppers have opportunities to reduce waste, with extensive bulk shopping opportunities, incentives for shoppers to use their own containers, an innovative container refund program that recirculates reusable containers, and community work to improve our environment. Weavers Way has a long history of environmental action, and they continue to seek ways to improve. Their stewardship for this planet is written into their Ends. They also invite community engagement in sustainability efforts through the Weavers Way Environment Committee (WWEC) and their Plastic Reduction Task Force (PRTF) who work together with Weavers Way administration and staff to make the Co-op sustainable.

Weavers Way was also awarded as SBN’s 2025 Triple Bottom Champion at this year’s Annual Meeting. The Triple Bottom Champion Award recognizes a business within SBN’s network that embodies the triple-bottom-line approach of being mindful of people, the planet, and profit.

Visit one of Weavers Way’s store locations in Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and Ambler. Stay updated on their news and events as well via their Instagram, @weaversway and Facebook, @WeaversWayCo-op!

Perrystead Dairy

Perrystead Dairy is an urban Philadelphia producer of American original cheeses made with pastured milk from local, sustainable family farms. In the past four years, they have won 20 domestic and international awards and the Slow Food Snail of Approval, along with major media coverage affirming their uncompromising commitment to flavor and quality, environmental stewardship, and supporting both the urban community and farmers who do right by land and animals.

Their cheeses bring together novel ideas and heritage techniques, to create distinctly American flavors that speak to our place and time. They are also one of your most local producers.

Learn more about Perrystead Dairy by following their Instagram, @perrysteaddairy.

Glitter

Cleaning up Philly, one block at a time—while creating living-wage jobs.

Glitter is a community-powered cleaning service that helps neighbors crowdfund weekly block cleanings while providing fair-wage jobs for people facing barriers to employment. Since 2021, they’ve cleaned thousands of city blocks, improving neighborhood quality of life and environmental health.

Glitter’s work directly reduces litter in storm drains, keeps public spaces cleaner, and fosters stronger, more connected communities. By investing in cleaner streets, they are not only making Philly greener—they’re creating economic opportunities for those who need them most.

SBN is excited to team up with Glitter for Earth Month to bring cleaner, healthier streets to more neighborhoods. As part of this partnership, SBN members can get a FREE first block cleaning! This offer is valid for new blocks who have reached at least their first pledge goal of $50 (to be split between as many neighbors as you want!). Sign up today and help make Philadelphia a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming place for everyone! (If you are not already an SBN member, learn more and join today!)

Start a cleaning fund for your block today and visit their social media for more updates: Instagram: @shareglitter, Facebook: @shareglitter, and Linkedin: @ShareGlitter.

Baby Gear Group

Borrow, don’t buy!

Baby Gear Group is a local baby gear library helping families gear up for their little ones while saving money, reducing clutter, and living sustainably. Replace your registry items with a sustainable alternative or rent a la carte for summer travels!

Earth Month Promotion: Use promo code SBN20 to get 20% off gift cards for the month of April. Buy for yourself or give a gift to a friend!

Shop online today or check out their Instagram, @babygeargroup for more news and updates!

ECHO Systems

Cut Costs, Waste Less, and Elevate Your Business with Reuse!

Tired of watching your hard-earned dollars disappear with every trash pickup? At ECHO Systems, they help food, beverage, event, and hospitality businesses slash waste-hauling costs, reduce single-use expenses, and boost their brand by adopting reusable solutions that work. ECHO Systems’ circular systems and warewashing strategies don’t just save you thousands each year—they make your business look good while doing good. Sustainability isn’t just about the planet; it’s about profitability, too. Let’s build a smarter, cleaner future—where waste is out, and reuse is in!

Earth Month Promotion: Get 10% off of our consulting services to help any businesses set up an end to end reuse system using code SBN10%!

Visit their Instagram or Bluesky profile to learn more and get updates!

Grow Our Food

Grow Our Food is a full-service edible landscaping company. Transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, productive landscape that provides fresh food for your family and friends! Whether you have a small urban yard or a larger suburban plot, Grow Our Food will help you understand your land’s potential and create a roadmap for developing a sustainable food garden.

Services offered include: vegetable garden setup, native gardens, pollinator gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, fruit trees & berries, garden coaching, expert consultations, and full site design & planning.

Earth Month Promotion: Get a 10% discount for all landscape projects using code SBNSPRING2025 executed before June 1, 2025. Reach out via email, growourfooddesign@gmail.com, or phone, 267-415-6076, and get on the calendar today!

Rego

Rego believes that what gets measured gets improved. The most significant and overlooked opportunity in climate is helping organizations accurately measure their waste management data that would help organizations recoup billions of dollars of waste costs and increase global waste diversion rates. Rego is building incredible tools that make it easy for any organization, anywhere in the world, to easily measure waste and take action.

First-time clients can access Rego’s Zero Waste tracking at any organization for $9 per month for their first 12 months with a 100% money-back guarantee. Whether you’re a local coffee shop or global organization wanting to learn how to achieve Zero Waste, lower your waste costs, or show off your sustainability efforts to your stakeholders, Rego’s platform can help!

Earth Month Promotion: First-time clients can unlock a 40% discount to try Rego’s waste tracking platform at any location! To claim your offer, email Josh at Josh@liverego.com.

Stay up to date with Rego through their Instagram and Linkedin!

Green Investment Strategies

Green Investment Strategies crafts portfolios that aim to help you maximize return potential for your risk tolerance level and keep as much of that return as possible by making investments that minimize risk and maximize opportunities for our shared future. Green Investment Strategies is proud to be a Climate Investing Firm.

Earth Month Promotion: The Earth needs a good financial advisor. In honor of Earth Day, Green Investment Strategies is extending its friends and family discount of 10% off for the remainder of the year to all new clients who sign up in April 2025.

Bargain Thrift Center

Reduce overproduction and waste this Earth Month by buying used — commit to buying your clothes, housewares, decor, and more secondhand by shopping at Bargain Thrift Center! By shopping secondhand, you can help keep over 30,000 lbs of items out of the landfill every month.

Follow Bargain Thrift Center on Instagram for more updates and visit their storefront at 5261 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144 to start shopping!

That’s a wrap!

Supporting local, sustainable businesses like these is a powerful way to advance environmental goals by reducing carbon footprints, minimizing waste, and promoting ethical resource management. Investing in these businesses also strengthens our local economy and communities by encouraging more companies to adopt environmentally-conscious models. By choosing to support businesses that prioritize sustainability, consumers help drive demand for greener and more ethical products and services, ultimately contributing to SBN’s mission of building a just, green, and thriving local economy.

If you’re interested in joining SBN and supporting our work this Earth Month and beyond, please consider donating or becoming a member today!

The post SBN Earth Month Business Guide 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

When sophomore Marketing major Julia Knies stepped in to lead the Saxbys Temple University Liacouras Walk cafe as the Fall 2024 Student CEO, she knew she’d be making a lot of decisions that impacted her team’s development and her cafe’s profitability. But it wasn’t until she began winding down her inventory in preparation for winter break that Julia began to understand how these day-to-day decisions had broader implications for her cafe’s overall efficiency–and its commitments to sustainability. 

In partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN), Saxbys launched its inaugural Food Saver Inventory Wind-Down Challenge in November 2024. Last year, SBN launched it’s first Food Saver Challenge to reduce waste in food businesses throughout Philadelphia, where food waste comprises 25% of the city’s overall waste stream. Saxbys’ version of the Challenge extended this mission to its entire network of Experiential Learning Platform (E.L.P.) cafes, and tasked Student CEOs with logging detailed inventory management decisions in the weeks leading up to winter break. 

The Challenge’s goal was to maintain product availability–including key Saxbys menu ingredients, like smoothies, breakfast burritos, and grilled cheese–during the final weeks of the semester. At the same time, Student CEOs needed to minimize waste, as any perishable items at risk of expiring over break would need to be thrown away. Teams earned points for all decisions made, both in terms of their weekly ordering decisions from Saxbys suppliers, and their production decisions to prepare perishable menu items, or keep the bakery case stocked. After tracking performance across 8 Philadelphia-area cafes, Saxbys Student CEOs saved 96% of the food that could have otherwise been wasted. 

Julia and the Temple Liacouras Walk team claimed victory at the end of the Food Saver Inventory Wind-Down Challenge, in large part due to Julia’s attention to both ordering and production decisions. Saxbys uses Periodic Automatic Replacement (PAR) as its inventory management method, and Julia noted that the Challenge helped her learn to manage her inventory in real time “At the beginning of my Student CEO term, I understood how PARs were supposed to work in theory, but it took me some time to understand how to put them into practice….By the time the challenge came around at the end of my term, I was really confident in knowing how much we needed to order and prep because I was in the cafe every day and had a better sense of what to expect,” she said. 

While she was primarily responsible for logging the inventory decisions each week, Julia noted that the Challenge victory was very much a team effort. “When the challenge was first announced, that was coincidentally right around the time that I held one of my team meetings. I decided to sit with my Team Leads first to discuss as a group about the best way to approach the challenge. Then, at the team meeting, I was able to make sure everyone was aware of the challenge expectations,” she said. Julia also took the Challenge as an opportunity to retrain her team on waste reduction best practices, including the “First In, First Out” (FIFO) process. FIFO ensures that items with the closest expiration date are used or sold first, so that they are not wasted unnecessarily. 

In partnering with Saxbys for the Challenge, SBN saw an opportunity not only to raise awareness around food waste reduction, but to train young leaders to be change agents for sustainability. “Saxbys has been an ideal partner to extend the goals of the Food Saver Challenge because of their student-run cafe model. By applying the Challenge to their cafes, they have the ability to improve food saving practices not only in Philadelphia, but in all of the areas in which their cafes operate,” said Devi Ramkissoon, Executive Director of SBN. 

Ramkissoon was especially impressed by how the Saxbys Student CEOs displayed their critical thinking skills in logging inventory decisions to adjust orders and minimize waste. “This is exactly the kind of shift in thinking that we were hoping to encourage,” she said. 

The Food Saver Inventory Wind-Down Challenge will run again in April 2025 as Saxbys cafes prepare for summer break. By combining Saxbys’ and SBN’s shared commitments to sustainability, Ramkissoon noted, “We have the ability to inspire a new generation of business leaders to adhere to sustainable practices.”

Saxbys is an education company disguised as a coffee company: a one-of-a-kind hospitality platform delivering coveted, career-launching outcomes for students and higher education partners. In 2015, Saxbys pioneered The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (The Saxbys E.L.P.), a network of cafes entirely designed for and run by college students. The Saxbys E.L.P. emboldens the next generation of changemakers by providing undergraduates with entrepreneurial opportunities, complementing classroom learning with tangible real-world experience. Founded in 2005 by Nick Bayer and headquartered in Philadelphia, Saxbys operates 30 cafes across nine states; 26 of which are part of The Saxbys E.L.P. network, and include Boston University, Georgia State University, Drexel University, Bowie State University, and an array of other incredible partners.

Find the Saxbys location nearest you at hellosaxbys.com or follow @saxbys on Instagram.You can also stay updated on SBN’s food waste reduction efforts by joining the organization, subscribing to its newsletter, and following it on social media @sbngreaterphiladelphia.

The post Change Agents for Sustainability: A Saxbys Story appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

With SBN’s 2025 Annual Meeting coming up on Thursday, February 6, the Triple Bottom Champion Award returns, recognizing a business within SBN’s network that embodies the triple-bottom-line approach of being mindful of people, the planet, and profit.

This year’s award winner will serve as SBN’s Triple Bottom Champion Ambassador, helping to amplify their commitment to sustainability and presenting next year’s award, will receive a complimentary year of free membership, access to Unit of Impact, a platform that helps businesses and organizations efficiently collect and organize their impact data, and a certificate during this year’s Annual Members Meeting.

Six outstanding local businesses are nominated for their positive environmental, social, and economic efforts over the last year. Voting is now open to the public through Monday, February 3. The winner will be announced towards the close of the Annual Members Meeting, and there’s still time to register for the event, so please find tickets here.

The Welcoming Center

The Welcoming Center is dedicated to supporting immigrants in their transition to life in the U.S. Through a holistic approach, the center empowers individuals by providing resources for career development, entrepreneurship, cultural integration, and essential skills training. This includes English language support and digital skills development, crucial for success in today’s economy. In addition to its social mission, the center is committed to adopting sustainable business practices and contributing to the local economy, aligning with the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework: People, Planet, and Profit.

By embracing the Triple Bottom Line approach, The Welcoming Center amplifies its impact by simultaneously supporting the social integration and empowerment of immigrants, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring financial viability. Through its focus on People, Planet, and Profit, the center not only helps immigrants build better lives but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of both the community and the environment. This comprehensive approach strengthens the social fabric, drives local economic growth, and fosters a more inclusive and responsible society for all.

Weavers Way Co-op

Weavers Way Co-op is a cooperatively owned food market open to the public. Thanks to the dedication of our members and neighbors throughout the years, a tiny buying club that began in Mt Airy in 1973 is now a multi-store co-op serving more than 13,000 member households at four stores located in Northwest Philadelphia and Ambler, PA. The Co-op also operates two urban farms and a seasonal Farm Market in Roxborough. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op – membership is not required, but it has its perks! 

As a not-for-profit cooperative, our organization can put people and planet before profit, focus on issues such as sustainability and community, and make an extra effort to leverage local, sustainable, and ethical food producers. The Co-op provides discounts to members who volunteer in our stores or in the community, and provides additional discounts to members who are in need. Co-op members help shape the Co-op through their initiatives, including environmental initiatives such as plastic reduction, a unique container refund program to reduce waste, and the promotion of zero and bulk waste shopping.

Greenline Access Capital

Greenline Access Capital, a loan fund (and emerging Community Development Financial Institution), is an organization founded in 2021, in the principle of providing equitable access to financial resiliency and wealth through entrepreneurship. They do this by leveling the playing field for the resources that are needed to thrive economically. That includes facilitating access to capital, capacity, connections, and conviction.

Greenline Access Capital aims to empower the Latino and immigrant community in Philadelphia by fostering sustainable business practices that drive economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship. 

The Franklin Fountain

In Old City on Market Street, “Confectionery Row” includes The Franklin Fountain, Franklin Ice Cream Bar, Shane Confectionery and The Cacao Pod. All assembled within the same half block-these storefronts serve exceptional historic confectionery experiences. There’s an emphasis on quality, seasonality, local sourcing, ethics and dressed up fun. Sustainability starts with their mindset. Delivering top quality sweets requires high standards and expectations of excellence at every aspect of the guest experience. Since the pandemic in 2020, Franklin Fountain has reinvested into their people and properties on Market Street while expanding their menu and offerings. They have also expanded their reach into wholesale and corporate business at Shane Confectionery, launching their candy bar line, ice cream cakes, and refillable pints and soda syrups for home consumption. An expanded relocated Staff Lunch Room at Shane and improved Onsite Storage Space will improve operational flow with a focus on other sustainable aspects of our business-Facilities Management. The team at Franklin Fountain hope to start roasting their cacao beans within The Cacao Pod this year and offer select historic block tasting tours in collaboration with Historic Philadelphia. Sustainability looks different to each business each year, but change is the constant at Franklin Fountain as they adapt to their customers and their own various needs in the future.

Botanic Village

Born and raised in Philadelphia, founder Meagan Cook grew up planting with her Father. A small garden that became her first job and love for planting. They grew strawberries, eggplant, tomatoes, and her curiosity.  Her Mother was a plant lover. A home enriched with house plants, clippings of foraged stems that she propagated in old mason jars. Her parent’s love would teach her that her mind is a garden that should grow wildly. The caretakers of an important seed they constantly watered: Meagan a wild flower embarking on life.   

Over time, her infatuation for flowers and plants grew rapidly, inspiring her to share her creative talents and her love for flowers. Honoring everything she’s learned along the way would help her hound in a craft of combining textures, color, design, and love. Without much thought, just a feeling, Meagan started what is now Botanic Village, a local flower shop offering sustainable options for beautiful flower arrangements.

The Hart of Catering & Cafe

The Hart of Catering & Cafe is a Center City Philadelphia based catering company and cafe focusing on high-quality food and customer service. While running a highly successful catering company and cafe, the team also focuses on people. They are a recovery friendly employer and operate a side non-profit, Hart of Recovery, to help people from the beginning stages of their recovery to an independent drug and alcohol free lifestyle. Their cafe menu includes a Pay it Forward section where patrons can prepay for a meal for someone in need. From an environmental standpoint, Hart of Catering strives to use sustainable packaging for their delivery services on both the cafe and catering sides and strives to keep environmental sustainability at the forefront of their practice.

Again, voting is now open to the public through Monday, February 3. Cast your vote today! 

The post SBN Announces Finalists for the 2025 Triple Bottom Champion Award appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

Discover a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts from businesses local to Philadelphia that are consistently prioritizing sustainability.

From upcycled treasures to zero-waste essentials, from toy libraries to composting services, our 2024 Circular & Sustainable Holidays Gift Guide has something for everyone on your list. Each featured business represents a commitment to reducing waste, supporting local artisans, and reimagining how we consume and give during the holiday season.

Without further ado, our 2024 Circular & Sustainable Holidays Gift Guide!

Unless Kids

Remember when getting new toys didn’t take the organization skills of Marie Kondo? The Unless Kids Declutter Toy Chest is perfect for the lead up to the holidays so you can feel great today about getting rid of yesterday’s toys. One parent actually called the system “magic” for her daughter. 

Try it out today! And through the holidays, anyone who orders a Declutter Toy Chest also gets 3 free months of Unless Kids membership.

• Promo Code: DECLUTTER

Check out @unlesskids on social media or visit their website to learn more about this circular solution to toy clutter.

Bennett Compost

Bennett Compost: Don’t just give a gift – give a greener future! With Bennett Compost, you’re not just filling stockings, you’re filling local farms and gardens with life and keeping our planet happy.

Follow their entertaining and educational Instagram @bennettcompost for daily deals during the 12 Days of Compost (through 12/12/24). Sign up for 12 Days of Compost email alerts here!

Don’t trash your tree!  Schedule a hassle-free pickup for just $20 or get it FREE with a year of curbside service. 

Pro tip: Their locally made soil products make perfect gifts for the green thumbs in your life and a service subscription is the nudge your neighbor needs to go green.

• Website
• Social media: @bennettcompost

The Resource Exchange

Make your holidays greener at The Resource Exchange, Philly’s Creative Reuse Shop & Gallery. 

Shop small, local, and sustainable with over 50% off retail prices on artist-made works, vintage gifts, reclaimed craft supplies, and secondhand seasonal decor. 

Visit their Holiday Gift Thrift & Decoration Station at 1800 N American St. in Kensington and follow @theresourceexchange for inspiration on circular gift-giving.

Learn more and shop from home here!

Ray’s Reusables

Get crafty and sustainable this holiday season with Ray’s Reusables! 

Join their candle fill event on 12/15 in collaboration with Queer Candle Co. Bring your own glass or ceramic vessel and transform it into a unique, eco-friendly candle.

It’s the perfect way to upcycle and create a personalized gift. Follow @rays_reusables for more zero-waste inspiration and event updates.

Click here to check out their refill menu and order adorable stocking stuffers from home with guilt- and plastic-free shipping.

Circle Compost

Give the gift of a greener future with Circle Compost! Make sure your tree becomes mulch, not landfill waste. Schedule your tree pickup here. 

Love composting and want to share the sustainable habit? 

Spread the joy of composting with a gift certificate for their composting service. It’s a present that keeps on giving – to your loved ones and the environment. 

Use this link to purchase a gift certificate for anyone who lives within our service area. The $42 minimum purchase covers 3 months of our popular every other week service or 2 months of our weekly service, or can be used toward any of our other composting service options.

Visit their website or follow @circlecompost to learn more about their circular solutions.

Yardley Refillery

Fill your home with natural, seasonal scents from Yardley Refillery. 

Their store-made simmer jars in Coffee Cinnamon, Rosemary Citrus, or Ginger Almond Spice make ideal hostess gifts. Made with select shop ingredients and garden-grown herbs, these jars embody the essence of local, sustainable gifting. 

Not sure what your loved one will like? Give a gift card and plan a day to check out their beautiful shop in quaint Yardley, PA. While your there, bring household items you need repaired instead of tossing them out. Not super handy? No sweat – they offer services like knife sharpening and window re-screening!

Felt + Fat

Elevate your holiday table with locally crafted ceramics from Felt+Fat. They’re offering their deepest discount of the year – 30% off site-wide through Dec 5. It’s a perfect opportunity to invest in beautiful, durable pieces that will bring joy for years to come. 

Check out @feltandfat for inspiration on sustainable tableware.

Baby Gear Group

Give the gift of sustainable parenting with Baby Gear Group! Their rental library helps families access top-quality baby gear without the waste. 

Enjoy 10% off gift cards until 12/31/24 – a perfect present for new or expecting parents. 

Visit their website and follow @babygeargroup to learn how they’re making baby gear more circular.

Remark Glass

Transform waste into wonder with Remark Glass! Their zero-waste glassblowing studio creates unique barware, tableware, and light fixtures from used bottles and jars.

Support local, sustainable businesses this holiday season with their recycled blown glass line or self-care sets. 

Shop online, order a custom keepsake, and follow @remarkglass to see how they have recycled over 420k lbs of glass – and turned Philly’s trash into true treasures.

Shane Confectionery

Indulge in sustainable sweets from America’s oldest continuously-run confectionery. Shane Chocolate Works crafts ethically sourced, bean-to-bar chocolate that honors tradition while innovating for sustainability. 

Enjoy 10% off with code SBNMemberHoliday. Peruse their entire collection of sweet treats and follow @shaneconfectionery for a taste of their commitment to responsible sourcing and local production.

Wallace Dry Goods

Elevate your holiday hosting with Wallace Dry Goods’ curated bundles. 

Their discounted hosting sets and non-alcoholic options ensure everyone can raise a glass this season. It’s a sustainable way to celebrate that doesn’t compromise on style or taste. 

Cheers to choices!Check out @wallacedrygoods for more circular sober-curious lifestyle inspiration.

Head & Hand Books

Give the gift of knowledge and support local literature with Head & Hand Books. Their gift guide features favorite titles and local maker goods. 

Plus, their Book Bank program lets you donate old books for credit towards new reads – a perfect example of circular economy in action! Follow @theheadandthehand for literary inspiration.

Bargain Thrift Center

Discover sustainable treasures at Bargain Thrift Center in Germantown. This 40-year-old thrift store offers high-quality used goods for everyone on your list. From vintage typewriters to toys and jewelry, find unique gifts while supporting the circular economy. Follow @bargainthriftcenter for thrifting tips and deals.

Old City Canning Co.

Bring the cozy scents of the season home with Old City Canning’s handmade candles. Their new holiday scents like Cranberry Birch and Fir & Balsam create a festive atmosphere while supporting local craftsmanship. 

Follow @oldcitycanningco to explore their sustainable candle and room spray collections.

The Wardrobe

Gift style and social impact with The Wardrobe Box. 

This quarterly subscription offers high-quality secondhand clothing in sizes XS-4XL, and each box sold provides clothing to someone in need. It’s fashion that truly gives back. 

Follow @thewardrobeorg to learn more about their circular approach to fashion.

Crust Vegan Bakery

Gift style and social impact with The Wardrobe Box. 

This quarterly subscription offers high-quality secondhand clothing in sizes XS-4XL, and each box sold provides clothing to someone in need. It’s fashion that truly gives back. 

Follow @thewardrobeorg to learn more about their circular approach to fashion.

Tiny WPA

Deck your halls with purpose this holiday season! Tiny WPA is turning everyday Philadelphians into Building Heroes, crafting a brighter future for our city one unique gift at a time. 

Snag a “jawn”-dropping Philly Slang ornament, light up your life with one-of-a-kind candlesticks, or stick it to boring decor with tool magnets – all handmade by local change-makers.

These aren’t just gifts; they’re tiny revolutions. Every purchase from Tiny WPA’s online shop fuels their mission to build a more equitable, vibrant Philly. So why settle for ordinary when you can gift extraordinary and make a real difference in your community?

Be a hero this holiday – shop Tiny WPA’s circular, locally-crafted treasures and check out their work at tinywpa.org. For a daily dose of inspiration and impact, follow @tinywpa.

That’s a wrap!

As we wrap up our 2024 Circular & Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide, SBN is incredibly grateful to our members and the sustainable business community for offering a variety of unique and innovative gift options for everyone. By choosing thoughtful, sustainable gifts, we reduce waste, support ethical practices, and inspire others to live by the triple bottom line. Whether it’s a locally sourced item, a reusable alternative, or a heartfelt experience, every conscious choice adds to the spirit of giving responsibly.

Our partnership with Circular Philadelphia this year has allowed us to expand our reach and showcase even more local, sustainable options for your holiday shopping. We hope this guide has inspired you to think differently about gift-giving and to support the innovative businesses that are leading the charge to a circular economy in our region. 

Remember, every purchase from these businesses is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in – one where waste is minimized, local economies thrive, and the joy of giving doesn’t come at the expense of our planet. As you check off your gift list this year, consider how your choices can contribute to building a more circular Philadelphia.

And don’t forget – an SBN donation or membership makes a fantastic gift that keeps on giving all year long. It’s an opportunity to actively participate in shaping a more sustainable future for our city.

Already a member of SBN? Join Circular Philadelphia for 10% OFF with code SBN10!Already a member of Circular Philadelphia? Join The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia for 10% OFF with code CIRCULAR10!

From all of us at Circular Philadelphia and The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, we wish you a joyful, sustainable, and circular holiday season!

The post SBN & Circular Philadelphia Holiday Gift Guide 2024 appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

“I wanted to work in corporate sustainability,” says Donato Grimaldi (MES ’23). “I knew the Master of Environmental Studies program could get me to where I want to be.”

A West Philadelphia native, Donato grew up enjoying the contrast of city living during the year and summers spent on his family’s dairy farm in rural Italy. “My father was a farmer before he emigrated from Italy to the US,” he shares. “They’re very tied to the environment there. The society is inherently sustainable,” he says, as are the farming industry policies and regulations. “My uncle, who runs the farm now, is very progressive in farming techniques. He’s always at workshops or switching to a new agricultural product that’s good for the environment. I learned from the farm to always think about the future and adopt new practices to help sustain the farm.”

As Donato got older, he carried those lessons forward to his college and career plans. “I knew I wanted to solve problems pertaining to the environment; that’s where I could benefit society the most.”

As an undergrad at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, Donato studied environmental engineering and started a sustainability club. “I was getting my feet wet with sustainability,” he shares, as well as homing in on his career goals. Learning that corporations and certain industries were responsible for much of the post-industrial change in the environment, Donato’s professional path became clear: He could make the biggest impact on reducing environmental pollution by helping corporations become sustainability leaders.

With a future in corporate sustainability in mind, Donato determined graduate school was the next step—and his choice of schools was easy. “I knew the direction I wanted to go, the niche of corporate sustainability, and that led me to the Penn MES program.”

Penn’s MES offers an interdisciplinary program, with core coursework in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science and the opportunity to take courses from other Penn departments and schools. The Environmental Sustainability concentration provides focused options covering corporate sustainability strategies, the environmental impacts of energy, risk management, and more.

“I knew the Environmental Sustainability concentration was right for me,” he shares. “It offered a diverse pool of classes—corporate-focused classes and business classes—and you can tailor the concentration to suit the industry you want.

“Corporate Sustainability Strategies with Linda Froelich was one of my favorite classes,” he says, noting he learned about the constantly evolving discipline of corporate sustainability from a leader in the field. “At Penn,” he says, “I got to work with so many industry and academic experts.”

Energy and Its Impacts from Penn Engineering was another favorite course. “We learned about the risks and side effects of energy production,” he says, a top-polluting industry. He also took a risk management course from the Wharton School of Business, where he quantified future risks, including environmental risks, which are often left unidentified in risk assessments, into clear business costs.

During his studies, Donato also completed two internships. “I got to dive deep into corporate sustainability in different industries,” he says, which helped him focus his job search after graduation.

For his culminating capstone project, Donato took a close look at fracking waste streams as possible sources of valuable chemical resources. “There are many byproducts in fracking that other industries are working hard to get, like cobalt, lithium, and manganese,” he shares. While it is not necessarily cost-effective to extract many of those resources currently, future technology may bring extraction costs down with the added benefit of removing pollutants from fracking wastewater. “I learned about how one industry can produce so many resources for a lot of other industries.” Making those connections between industries, where one company’s by-product serves as another’s raw materials, is called industry symbiosis, he explains. “That’s what I look at now in my work.”

Not long after graduating, Donato launched his career as a corporate social responsibility project engineer for an international label and packaging company. In short, his job involves proving that being good environmental stewards makes good business sense. “A lot of green practices, like landfill reduction and emissions reduction, don’t look great on paper at first because of the short-term costs, but the long-term savings and future risk reduction is what makes it make sense,” he says. “Sustainability is about addressing those future risks right now.”

Donato is currently leading a number of successful landfill reduction projects. “So many of our waste streams are resources for other industries,” he shares. Leveraging industrial symbiosis opportunities, his company has diverted hundreds of metric tons of materials from landfills for new uses, reducing waste while creating revenue streams for his company and providing more affordable raw materials for others.

“A lot of what I learned at Penn drives my daily business decisions,” he says, noting that the Penn MES program got him exactly where he wanted to go. “Corporate sustainability is so much fun,” he smiles. “I’m grateful to wake up every day and work in an industry I love. And I’m excited to see where the industry goes in the future.”

The post Sponsored Post: Advancing corporate social responsibility for a sustainable future appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

As a member of SBN’s Board of Directors, you’ll play an integral role in shaping the strategy, major organizational policies, and direction of SBN going forward. If you’re passionate about advancing SBN’s mission of building a just, green, and thriving local economy in our region, fill out an application today! See below for a brief description of the position and qualifications:

Board of Directors: At-Large Position Description and Qualifications

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is seeking Board members to provide appropriate foresight, oversight, and insight in service of our mission, and work in partnership with the Executive Director to advance SBN’s Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Strategic Objectives. 

SBN Vision: We envision a future where businesses are investors in the quality of life for all citizens. We challenge and support the business community to build profitable enterprises that serve community needs, share wealth, and protect the environment.

SBN Mission: The mission of the Sustainable Business Network is to build a just, green, and thriving economy. We accomplish this by educating and growing a broad base of local, independent local businesses and educating policymakers and the general public.

SBN Core Values: Sustainability and Respect for the Earth, Community Self-Reliance and Cooperation, Diversity, Optimism, Authenticity and Accountability, and Pioneering leadership

SBN Strategic Objectives: 

1. Equity and anti-oppression are embedded in all we do
2. Critical growth industries—the regional food system, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and green stormwater infrastructure—thrive in the region, creating opportunities for diverse small businesses and workers, providing family-supporting wages, enhancing equitable community development, and advancing climate resilience
3. The policies and budget priorities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and City of Philadelphia support an economic ecosystem that centers localism, protects our environment, and ensures prosperity for all
4. SBN continues to be recognized as the region’s thought and practice leader on local independent business issues, triple bottom line business practices, and an equitable, inclusive, and climate resilient economy
5. The region’s diverse independent businesses are doing well by doing good
6. SBN has the infrastructure, and human and financial assets necessary to achieve our goals

Our ideal candidates are business owners or leaders with a track record of practicing – and measuring success by – the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit; a proven ability to provide both strategic and innovative thought leadership; an orientation towards prioritizing the best interests of the Board, organization, and members; a demonstrated record of taking a cooperative and collaborative approach to their work; comfort and confidence in acting as an ambassador and connector for the organization; practiced at engaging in difficult and probing conversations both as a contributor and a listener; and has the capacity to invest the time the organization needs from Board members.

To review the Board director position in full, please find it here: SBN-Board-Member-2025-2028-Job-Posting

How to apply:

Candidate application forms are available here (or click the below button). Applications are due no later than Friday, October 18, 2024. 

All candidates must complete the candidate application form, and include requested submissions detailed on that form. Send completed candidate application forms and/or any questions via email to SBNBoardApp@gmail.com. 

SBN values the diversity of our region’s assets, perspectives, and voices. We believe that the broadest possible participation of different races, genders, and other identities is vital to SBN’s continued relevance and our ability to best serve our mission. As such, we strongly encourage people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other identities to apply for this and all open positions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. SBN’s non-discrimination policy can be found here.

The post SBN’s Call for Board Member Candidates for the 2025 – 2028 Term appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

See our member list of Woman-owned businesses in the region and join us in supporting these companies! 

• 12th Street Catering 
• 470 Baking Company 
• Allelo Design
• Archewild
• B Balanced CPA Inc. 
• Baby Gear Group
• Bar Hygge
• Brandywine Stormwater LLC 
• Cake Life Bake Shop 
• Circle Compost
• Crossroads Women’s Center
• Crust Vegan Bakery

ECHO Systems

ECHO Systems is a member-based, localized network of businesses, organizations, and private citizens in the Philadelphia area intent upon—through its actions—eliminating single-use waste.

• Edible Philly
• Element84 
• Emerald Green Infrastructure LLC 
• Entrust Financial, LLC 
• EZ Exposures 
• Fishtown Montessori School
• Fringe Salon
• Glitter
• Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger
• GreenBeams
• Green Weaver Landscapes
• Greenline Access Capital
• Ground Reconsidered

High Street Hospitality Group 
High Street Hospitality Group (HSHG) is founded and owned by restaurateur Ellen Yin and Eli Kulp. The group operates five of the country’s most noteworthy restaurants and bars: Fork, High Street Philly, High Street Provisions and a.kitchen+bar in Philadelphia.

• Honeysuckle Provisions
• Impact Essentials
• InLiquid 
• La Chingonita 
• Love City Brewing 
• Lovett Keshet Studio
• LUHV Food
• Magagna & Company 
• Meliora Design
• PA Flax Project
• Pixel Parlor 
• Philly Neat Freaks 
• Polymath Consulting 

Practical Sanctuary

At Practical Sanctuary, we work with more than just your furniture, color design and layout. We address your pain levels, your health needs, your functional needs and your relationships. We walk with you through a creative process which allows you to be more you than ever before.

• Proteger
• R2E | Revitalize. Reinvent. Empower. 
• Re:Vision Architecture
• Real Estate with Heart 
• Remark Glass
• River Twice
• SALT Design Studio
• Solo Real Estate
• Spelt Berry Bakery
• Spotted Horse Provisions
• Studio Sustena
• SWAY Home Inc. 
• The Random Tea Room & Curiosity Shop
• The Wardrobe
• Total Benefit Solutions 
• Triple Bottom Brewing 

Tuft the World

Tuft the World was established in 2018 by Tiernan Alexander and Tim Eads, Texas-born artists and business owners living and working in West Philadelphia. The company was founded to provide tufters with the high-quality tools, materials, and instruction they need to make their own tufting projects. Tiernan and Tim’s collective experience as crafters and educators, as well as their uniquely creative approach to art and life, inspire their mission to make the craft of tufting accessible to a broad audience, while staying true to their values of equity and sustainability.

• Untapped Communications
• Vetri Community Partnership 
• Wallace Dry Goods
• WFGD Studio 
• White Horse Coffee Roasters and Sustainable Marketplace
• Women’s Opportunities Resource Center
• YIKES, Inc.

Check out spotlights of Women-owned businesses in our network

Combating Systemic Issues through Sustainable Fashion (Grant Blvd) 

Building a Green Playground for All (SALT Design Studio)

The smallest decisions create an energy for change (The Random Tea Room)

Without people or the planet, profit is not possible (Pixel Parlor) 

See our directory of diverse businesses that practice the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.

Interested in becoming a SBN member? Join today!

The post Celebrate Women’s History Month with Women-Owned Local Businesses appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

For the second time in the organization’s history, SBN is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Triple Bottom Champion Award. The award recognizes a business within SBN’s membership that embodies the triple-bottom-line approach of being mindful of people, the planet, and profit. The recipient will be awarded one year of free membership with SBN, courtesy of Unit of Impact, a platform that helps businesses and organizations efficiently collect and organize their impact data, and a certificate during this year’s Annual Members Meeting on Thursday, February 1, at 6 pm at the Science History Institute (315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106).

Please see the nominees listed below for more information about their business and practices. Voting is now open to the public through Tuesday, January 30. This year, there is a ranked choice voting system that allows you to rank businesses from #1 – #8. The winner will be announced towards the close of the Annual Members Meeting, and there’s still time to register for the event, so please find tickets here.

Honeysuckle Provisions

Honeysuckle Provisions is a family-owned and -operated afro-centric grocery/cafe created by chefs Omar Tate & Cybille St.Aude-Tate, committed to the highest quality standards from not only a culinary perspective but also socially and politically. Rooted in the values of nourishment and reclamation of Black food traditions and cultural aesthetics, Honeysuckle Provisions is a hub for Black life that aims to redesign neighborhoods and transform communities through their relationships with food. Prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices holistically, all staff are paid a living wage and are offered traditional and nontraditional benefits and resources with an emphasis on equitable work culture. Given the connection to farmers and overall respect for food and the land that supports it, sustainability is tapped in a more literal sense via the cafe, which is zero-waste. Honeysuckle has many community partnerships that help serve the immediate needs of those within the corridor beginning with providing free meals to anyone who needs it with the assistance of Double Trellis Food Initiative or by working directly with the farmers at Sankofa Community Farm in Southwest Philly to provide kitchen tours or conversations with local youth.

River Twice

River Twice is a modern American restaurant dedicated to sustainably sharing the richness of our region’s bounty. Our goal is to encourage a sincere connection to the Delaware River Valley and mid-Atlantic region through the ingredients we select and the dishes we serve. A close relationship with local purveyors allows us to develop an evolving menu, making every visit a unique experience. James Beard-nominated Chef Randy Rucker’s culinary style has been defined by an ethos of using ingredients of the highest quality possible to create focused cuisine that highlight the natural flavors of the region. Amanda Rucker’s focus on sustainable design and working with local artisans is the guiding force behind the interiors of River Twice. After living and working across the country, they are proud to have found a home on Passyunk Ave.

The Wardrobe

Serving their 100,000th client in 2023, The Wardrobe’s mission since 1995 has been to eliminate clothing insecurity in the Philadelphia area. Whether it’s workwear for a job search and employment or casual attire for life’s transitions, The Wardrobe believes clothing shouldn’t be a barrier to success. The nonprofit organization outfits 5,000 people annually and partners with over 200 community organizations.

With their excellent selection of quality secondhand apparel from generous donors, curbing fashion and textile waste is a crucial side effect of The Wardrobe’s mission. In partnership with the B-Corporation Helpsy, The Wardrobe ethically rehomes and recycles every garment and textile that does not meet their service needs. In 2023, The Wardrobe’s partnership with Helpsy saved over 200,000 pounds of clothing from landfills.

Glitter

Glitter is a neighbor-powered platform for community improvement. We provide a weekly block cleaning service funded locally by neighbors and businesses. We have a unique pay-what-you-can pledging system that fits every budget. We hire folks with barriers to work who want to earn a living wage keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe. Our 20-person cleaning team is sweeping nearly 300 blocks every week with the support of nearly 1,000 Philadelphians. Every block in Philadelphia is eligible for our services and neighbors can get started today at www.ShareGlitter.com

Circular Philadelphia

Circular Philadelphia drives a thriving circular economy in the greater Philadelphia region through advocacy, infrastructure development, market transformation, and education.  By promoting smart policy, innovation, and action, Circular Philadelphia aims to transform Philadelphia’s linear economy to an efficient and resilient circular economy of the future. Circular Philadelphia comprises materials management and circular economy professionals who bring together individuals, businesses, manufacturers, institutions, local government, and policy makers to create the market conditions necessary for the circular economy to thrive.

Bennett Compost

Founded in 2009, Bennett Compost collects food scraps from over 6000 households and 100 businesses throughout Philadelphia and turns them into compost and other nutrient-rich soil products. This helps to keep over 70 tons of material out of the landfill every month.

ClearCOGS

ClearCOGS provides predictive demand forecasting to help restaurants minimize waste, reduce storage costs, and increase efficiency. ClearCOGS taps into your restaurant’s POS data, cleans and formats your data, then provides daily briefings on the information you need to run a more profitable operation. After distilling your information down, we provide your restaurant data-driven decisions on what food to purchase from your vendors and prep each day.

Engineering & Land Planning Associates, Inc.

Engineering & Land Planning Associates, Inc. (E&LP) is a multidisciplinary engineering firm that seizes opportunities for applying sustainable approaches and forward-thinking design to our communities. We are a team of Professional Engineers, Planners, Landscape Architects, LSRPs, Ecologists, and talented support staff working throughout the northeast region with particular focus locally in the Philadelphia metro area and in New Jersey. We take pride in our welcoming and compassionate culture, and are dedicated to upholding an equitable, diverse, and inclusive space while creating designs that are thoughtful and context appropriate.

Through each service we provide; civil and environmental engineering, planning, landscape architecture, renewable energy, water resources, permitting, and project/construction management, we emphasize our ability to build authentic relationships with partners, allowing us to strengthen our relationships with communities and co-create exciting and transformative projects.

Again, voting is now open to the public through Tuesday, January 30. This year, there is a ranked choice voting system that allows you to rank businesses from #1 – #8. Cast your vote today! 

The post SBN Announces Finalists for the 2024 Triple Bottom Champion Award appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.