How Our Junk Removal Business is Becoming a Force for Good.
The Journey to B Corp Certification.
"Certified B Corporations are businesses that do more than make a profit. B Corps prioritize people and our planet in everything they do."
There are over 2,000 certified B corps in the US and Canada, some with familiar names. Companies like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Toms and New Belgium Brewing.
Status Update: Certified (3.27.24)
We are proud to announce that we’ve earned our B- Corp certification. We’re the first US- based junk removal company to earn this designation and only the 2nd in the world. It was a difficult but rewarding process. We learned a lot about ourselves and are better for the experience. Our final point total was much lower than our initial submission which demonstrates how rigorous the process is. It also means we have a lot of opportunities to improve as we work towards recertification in 2027.
Keep up with on-going efforts to balance purpose with profits here.
What's it Take to Get Certified as a B Corporation?
There are 5 categories that need to be addressed as part of the B Corp certification process.
The truth is we’re already doing a lot of this in our regular business practices. We take great care of our people (staff and customers). We give back to our community with programs like our 2nd Life Resale Program and our Give and Save Promo. We work really hard to keep as much as possible out of the landfill. The B Corp process though is forcing us to document, commit to and improve these efforts. It’s an accountability system.
How to Get B Corp Certified?
The process to get B Corp certified by B Lab involves several steps, including:
- Take the B Impact Assessment: The first step in the certification process is to take the B Impact Assessment. This assessment is a comprehensive tool that evaluates a company’s social and environmental performance across the 5 categories.
- Meet the performance requirements: Companies need to achieve a minimum score of 80 out of 200 on the B Impact Assessment to be eligible for certification. This score indicates that the company is meeting the performance standards set by B Lab in terms of its social and environmental impact.
- Meet the legal requirements: To become a B Corp, companies also need to meet the legal requirements for a Benefit Corporation or another recognized legal structure that allows them to pursue a social or environmental mission in addition to making a profit. This requirement varies by state and country.
- Verification and review: After a company submits its assessment and legal documentation, B Lab conducts a verification process to ensure that the company’s claims are accurate and transparent. B Lab may also request additional documentation or information from the company. Once verified, the assessment is reviewed by a third-party Standards Advisory Council to ensure that the company meets the performance standards set by B Lab.
- Sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence: The final step in the process is for the company’s leadership to sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence. This document is a statement of values that reflects the company’s commitment to using business as a force for good.
Once a company completes these steps, it becomes certified as a B Corp and can use the B Corp logo on its website and marketing materials. The certification is valid for three years, after which companies need to re-certify to maintain their B Corp status.
Trash and Stash Mission Statement:
Trash and Stash relieves stress by removing junk. We make it easy for people to responsibly get rid of the clutter and the anxiety it causes.
Vision:
We’re the most eco- friendly, most- considerate, most responsive, easiest to use junk removal business in the greater Charlotte area. We make it super simple for people to do the right thing with their stuff. We make junk removal cool.
The nice thing about the B Corp process is you can tailor your approach so it’s consistent with your company’s mission and vision. There are some categories and strategies that are more relevant to our business and our beliefs than others. The B Corp certification process allows us to pursue points in those categories and deprioritize others that are less relevant to us. This means the B Corp Certification process is not political. There’s no agenda and the organization does not speak for us. We’re sincerely doing what we believe in.
I don’t know how long this certification process is going to take. We know where we’re going, but we now need to create and document the processes and systems to get there. The things we’re currently doing may not be as impactful as we thought. We need to record and document better. We may need more time and better execution to advance to the levels that qualify. Regardless, the process of B Corp certification will make us better in both the short and long term.
Why Is Getting Certified as a Benefits Corporation Important?
The Local Circular Economy
Charlotte is doing a lot to become a leader in the circular economy. We excited to play a small role. Here’s more about the Charlotte Sustainability Scene.
Why is B Corp Certification Important for Junk Removal Services?
For example, as a junk removal business, our goal is to keep as much out of the landfill as possible. We’ve implemented a recycling program with the goal of recycling or donating over 50% of the items we remove. We also partner with local charities to donate usable items, such as furniture and appliances, to those in need.
What We Get. A Marketing Return on Our B Corp Status.
By becoming a B Corp, we are differentiating ourselves from our competitors in North and South Carolina. We are demonstrating to our customers that we are committed to responsible business practices and that we are willing to be held accountable for our impact on society and the environment.
We believe that our B Corp certification will help us attract and retain customers who share our values and are looking for a junk removal company that is committed to making a positive impact. It will also help us attract and retain employees who are passionate about our mission and want to work for a company that shares their values.
