Welcome to our next method profile! Our previous entry focused on using Novel Model in social enterprise. In operating any venture, everything flows from your approach, and identifying a proper method helps you effectively fulfill your team’s initiative.
Together, we’ll be profiling interesting social enterprises to discuss an anchor method in their strive for social good. The term “anchor method” is to express the intentional and grounded nature of the approaches propelling a social enterprise forward.
This post is an outside observation of a company for inspiration in social enterprise initiative improvements.
In today’s post, we’ll look into physical self-care retail company B.A.R.E. Soaps leveraging Consumer Education. This stylish social enterprise sells fashion with the community in mind first.
Knowing the Company
Clare and Jessie built a small business around soaps. Original interest came from the first intention to create a sustainable cash flow to support non-profit initiatives, which emphasized improving hygienic access. Clare participated in numerous missions trips, leaving her exposed to the truth around lacking basic health necessities. Understanding the health issues could be prevented with items others take for granted. She initiated the idea, and Jessie was added later. Now, Jessie is the single-woman business co-founder while Clare pursues the next level of her education.
Most of the company’s soap packing is plantable. Simply wet the packaging and place it under a thin layer of soil, you’ll get to watch the flowers grow from the packaging breaking down.
Profits contribute to an initiative in India that recycles used hotel soap into new soap. The renewed soap under this initiative will be distributed in slums and clinics.
Text on the about page states the initiative’s founding goal to “ effectively help prevent the spread of diseases and illnesses while improving overall health and hygiene”. The name B.A.R.E means “BRINGING ANTISEPTIC RESOURCES TO EVERYONE”.
Honoring the Educational Value
B.A.R.E. Soaps refers to the environmental trade-offs of mass consumer consumption “silent burdens”. To counter the harmful effects, the initiative embeds solutions to reduce environmental issues.
Education plays a major role in the communication style. Mainly, the informative component of B.A.R.E. Soaps influences how purchasing power is carried out. Bringing awareness to the big picture reasons behind sustainability shows the consumers the authority held in choosing what and where to buy. On the “Sustainability First” page, the company gives a new definition that gives perspective to the purpose behind sustainable living:
“Sustainability is most often defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.”
While reading, you’ll notice the entire page is a run down on why B.A.R.E. Soaps made the choices they did to arrive at the company we currently see in operation today. Each buyer is given a chance to understand the sustainability they participate in with a new depth.
Take this passage from the same “Sustainability First” page educating the reader on B.A.R.E. Soaps efforts to support reforestation:
“We are currently supporting reforestation efforts in the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. This project supports:
The planting of native tree species that supports biodiverse forests. Bio-diversity isn’t just about having abundant wildlife. It’s a critical component to developing rich soil which also helps sequester CO2 and helps prevent against soil erosion.”
This was one of several points made for this impact priority.
Read far enough, and you’ll see text explicit info showing the priority of educating the audience. The text is as follows:
“And thus, a three-fold vision was born –
1. To provide an all-natural product for those at home that is safe and worry-free to use
2. To create a sustainable cash flow vehicle to fund non-profit initiatives
3. To educate consumers on sustainability challenges, specifically on the trade-offs inherent in every decision made around sustainability “
Educational Storytelling
A good story will typically get any point across. B.A.R.E. Soaps use their personal journey educate consumers adds a level of empathy. Viewing the Vision & Impact page, unlocks an opportunity to shift the idea of sustainability. Instead of being a large, ominous force no one understands, B.A.R.E. Soaps makes groceries
Not every customer cares to read through the web for more information. Informing readers empowers the consumer to make more sustainable decisions even beyond interactions with your initiative. If consumers became accustomed to pushing their purchasing power for sustainability, the impact on the market would grow significantly.
B.A.R.E. Soaps understands this either intuitively or by chance. Either way benefits both the social enterprise, and the priorities of sustainability held by the social enterprise.
Applicable Takeaway
An anchor based on Consumer Education can shift purchasing power. One beneficial assessment is to find educational moments to connect with your audience, whether it be web copy, brochures, or a mini-seminar.
B.A.R.E. Soaps easily digestible Consumer Education completes this profile.
People Helping People Podcast is seeking methods clearly supporting an effective impact. Observations and discussions on happenings in the social enterprise community is a significant part of our contribution to social good. Continue to check-in for more conversation-starting content.
