These days, it seems like everywhere you turn, there’s another article about climate change, social injustice, or some other impending doom. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of these complex challenges. But what if businesses could be a force for good, helping to solve problems rather than creating them?
That’s the idea behind regenerative business—a growing movement of purpose-driven companies that are actively working to restore the planet and society.
What does regenerative business mean?
Regenerative business is more than just a trendy buzzword. It’s a fundamentally different way of thinking about business. Instead of focusing solely on maximizing shareholder value, regenerative businesses prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, and the environment. They recognize that business can be a powerful force for positive change and actively seek to make such a difference.
The regenerative business model goes beyond traditional sustainability practices, which aim to minimize harm. Regenerative businesses actively work to restore and regenerate ecosystems and communities, leaving the world better than they found it.
They do so by adhering to a few key principles:
- Stakeholder inclusion: Considering the needs and interests of all stakeholders — not just those with fancy suits — when making decisions.
- Transparency: Openly communicating business practices and their impacts — even if it doesn’t make you shine with perfection. (Cultivating a healthy dose of psychological safety at work certainly helps.)
- Circularity: Minimizing waste and creating closed-loop systems.
- Long-term thinking: Prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term profits.
Regenerative business examples
Inspired by journalist Esha Chhabra’s excellent book Working to Restore, the following 11 examples of regenerative businesses prove that doing good is good for business.
1. Veja
These stylish sneakers are more than just a fashion statement—they’re a statement about sustainability. Veja sources organic cotton from Brazilian farmers who use diverse cropping methods to improve soil health. Their wild rubber comes from sustainably managed Amazonian trees, helping to protect the rainforest. So you can look good and feel good about your footwear choices.
2. Toast Ale
This innovative brewery is tackling food waste one delicious sip at a time. Toast Ale uses surplus bread to brew their award-winning beer, giving new life to a food source that would otherwise end up in landfills. They also reuse their hops as garden mulch and spent grains as feed for local cows, taking circularity to the next level. Cheers to that!
3. Rwanda Trading Company (RTC)
This coffee company is brewing a better future for farmers and the environment. They’ve created a collaborative and transparent supply chain that ensures fair prices and profit-sharing for coffee farmers in Rwanda. RTC also provides training in sustainable farming practices, empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods while protecting the environment. Your morning cup of Joe never tasted so good.
4. Divine Chocolate
This company proves that chocolate can be both delicious and ethical. Divine Chocolate is partially owned by Ghanaian cocoa farmers, many of whom are women. They invest in community programs, including literacy initiatives that empower women and help them earn additional income. Talk about a sweet deal!
5. Singita
This luxury safari company is redefining what it means to travel responsibly. Singita uses tourism revenue to fund conservation efforts and community development in Africa. They employ local people in anti-poaching efforts and source most of their food from nearby villages. Their high-end tourism model helps limit the environmental impact while maximizing their positive impact on conservation and community well-being. It’s proof that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
6. Technicians for Sustainability
This solar panel installation company is shining a light on the power of employee ownership. They offer profit-sharing and employee stock options, empowering their workforce and creating a more equitable workplace. This business model aligns with the principles of Public Benefit Corporations, which prioritize stakeholder value and social good. Check out our blog post on PBCs to learn more!
7. Dr. Andrea Feinberg’s “Farmacy” Program
This innovative program is changing the way we think about healthcare. Dr. Feinberg, of the Geisinger Medical Center, recognized that treating illnesses wasn’t enough—she wanted to help people prevent them in the first place.
Her “Farmacy” program provides patients with nutrient-dense food, recipes, and nutritional training, empowering them to take control of their health. The program has also demonstrated significant cost savings by reducing ER visits and hospitalizations.
8. Thrive Market
This online retailer is making healthy and sustainable food accessible to everyone. They use a membership model similar to Costco, which allows them to offer lower prices on organic and ethically sourced products. Thrive Market focuses on reaching communities in food deserts, where access to fresh, affordable food is limited. They’re making it easier than ever to eat well and do good.
9. Arcadia
This company is making it simple to support clean energy. Arcadia connects homeowners with community solar projects, allowing them to switch to renewable energy sources without the hassle and expense of installing solar panels themselves. As more people join Arcadia, they collectively drive demand for wind and solar power, helping to accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future.
10. Triodos Bank
This ethical bank is putting its money where its values are. Triodos Bank invests in projects that create positive social and environmental impact, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and social enterprises. They’re proving that finance can be a powerful force for good.
11. Plastic Whale
This company is cleaning up Amsterdam’s canals one plastic bottle at a time. Plastic Whale collects plastic waste from the city’s waterways and transforms it into recycled boats and furniture. Their innovative approach combines environmental cleanup with job creation and upcycling, demonstrating the power of the circular economy.
A Better World, One (Regenerative) Business at a Time
Regenerative businesses are proving that it’s possible to be profitable while making a positive impact on the planet and society. By prioritizing stakeholder well-being, transparency, and long-term thinking, these companies are creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
As consumers and citizens, we have the power to support these businesses and encourage others to adopt their practices. Let’s choose to support businesses that are working to make the world a better place—one product, one service, one investment at a time.