Over the past century, companies have increasingly found themselves under pressure – both internally and externally – to reflect a more socially-aware society, which has been instrumental in ensuring that businesses consider the impacts of their activities on both people and the planet.

According to Bill Schantz, Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an organization’s responsibility and commitment to the community or environment. More specifically, it is how organizations contribute to society by addressing its needs while following high social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency.

5 Corporate Social Responsibility Activities for Your Business

1. Tree Plantation

Planting a tree is a great way to help the environment. This initiative can be taken up by any organization regardless of the industry or nature of business. It will give the employees a sense of belonging and build goodwill for the company. The company can plant trees on its premises, in schools and colleges around its location, and encourage employees to plant trees in their residences. Whether you plant your tree or volunteer with an organization that plants trees, you will be giving back to your community and the world significantly.

2. Community Cleanup

Community cleanup is one of the best corporate social responsibility activities for businesses. It is suitable for the environment and positively impacts the local community. It can also be a fun and rewarding way to engage staff, customers, stakeholders, and local communities in an activity that provides an immediate and tangible benefit to the environment. However, Bill Schantz advises that it is a good idea to check with your local council before planning an activity to find out if any restrictions exist at the location you want to work in.

3. Clothes Drives

People in need are always looking for clothes to keep warm and dry, and this is an excellent chance for your company to do good while having fun. Choose an organization that you would like to benefit from the drive. Then, get in touch with them and let them know you would like to hold a drive. They should be able to tell you what they most need — whether it is jackets and coats, t-shirts and pants, or unopened toiletries — and set up a time frame when they could take physical possession of the items.

4. Going Paperless

Using less paper is another way for your business to be environmentally friendly. Many companies have stopped printing out invoices and have instead gone paperless. This reduces the number of trees being cut down, but Schantz says that it also reduces waste and saves money on postage costs and other expenses related to mailing paperwork back and forth.

5. Food Donation

If your business produces a lot of food, donating unused food could be a great way to give back to your community while also helping the environment. Consider giving unused food to shelters, pantries, or places where they can distribute it among those who need it most in your community.

Key Takeaway

While there are many corporate social responsibility activities that brands can do to impact society positively, these are the ones that Bill Schantz has found most effective thus far. I hope they can provide some inspiration to help you on your way.