B Corp & Other Certifications:
A Guide for Conscientious Consumers

Most conscientious consumers are familiar with products that are certified organic, certified gluten-free and/or non-GMO verified and we enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that these certifications offer the conscientious consumer. In this newsletter, we’d like to tell you about some other important certifications that can help you make better-informed choices when you shop.

B Corporation

BUSINESS AS A FORCE FOR GOOD

B Corporation is an international non-profit organization that certifies businesses that, according to their website, “meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. … accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.” Since the first certifications in 2007, B Corporation has certified more than 3,800 companies in over 70 countries.

B Corp certification is the benchmark for socially responsible business practices that have a positive effect, not just for shareholders but for employees and the local community as well. B Corp sets the standards and holds companies accountable for maintaining them. B Corp examines five aspects of each company’s business practices (governance, employees, customers, community and environment) by considering their business models and their daily operations including particulars such as diversity among employees and the environmental impact of raw materials and energy sourcing. Their aim is to create a new worldwide paradigm for doing business.

Reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty,
a healthier environment — who doesn’t want that?

People feel good about supporting B Corporation companies whose goal is “reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose.” B Corp gives us the opportunity to help improve the planet, one transaction at a time.

B Corporation certified companies at Evergreen Nutrition:

Country Life  •  Desert Essence  •  Dr. Hauschka
Garden of Life  all lines including  mykind  &  Dr. Formulated
Gaia  •  Genuine Health  •  Good Clean Love  •  HerbPharm
MegaFood  •  New Chapter  •  Organic India

BDIH

CERTIFIED NATURAL COSMETICS

Founded in 1951, BDIH (Bundesverband Der Industrie-und Handelsunternehmen [Association of Manufacturers and Distributors]) is a German non-profit association of over 400 entities producing products in the body care, cosmetics and other categories. They independently test thousands of products for content and production methods.

Products bearing the BDIH “Certified Natural Cosmetics” logo contain natural raw materials from controlled biological cultivation/wildcrafting where the ecological impact is also considered. BDIH regulations require that raw plant materials must be certified organic, not treated with ionizing radiation and that care must be taken to harvest sustainably. Environmentally-friendly production methods, renewable and biodegradable materials and minimal use of packaging are expected. Animal products, such as milk and honey, are permitted but nothing from dead vertebrates is allowed. Animal testing is also not allowed. Organic-synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, silicones and petroleum-derived products are among the substances that are not permitted. Certain nature-identical preservatives are permitted as are natural fragrances.

Since, in America, cosmetics do not require FDA approval, BDIH certification is an easy way to know that what you put on your body is safe to use. Dr. Hauschka is a BDIH-certified company creating natural skin care, body care and make-up.

Leaping Bunny

CRUELTY FREE COSMETICS

In 1996 eight national animal protection groups joined forces and became the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) to promote “a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo” to designate cruelty-free/animal friendly products. Leaping Bunny companies do not and will not use any materials that have been tested on animals, their finished products are not tested on animals and their suppliers are audited for compliance as well. In addition, companies consent to independent auditing and renew their commitment annually.

Informed Choice for Athletes

EFFECTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT

Informed Sport is an international quality assurance program, founded in 2007 in the U.K., that specializes in sports nutrition products and supplements. Informed Choice certification means that products have been regularly tested to minimize the introduction of banned contaminants and are of high quality. They assure that every batch of a supplement (or raw material) they certify meets their standards for being free of substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) thereby giving athletes peace of mind. Garden of Life has Informed Choice certified grass-fed whey and organic plant protein.

Boiron Now HSA & FSA Eligible

A BENEFIT FOR HEALTHCARE FREEDOM

Boiron, maker of homeopathic remedies since 1932, is happy to announce that over 900 of their medicines are now eligible for reimbursement through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) due to recent changes in the CARES Act legislation. Of course, you should check with your insurance provider for details relating to your plan. For example, a medical professional may need to produce a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for a remedy used to treat a specific medical condition in order for it to be eligible for reimbursement. To find out if a remedy is HSA/FSA eligible, check out the list on Boiron’s website.