Is a social and solidarity approach really possible?

In a previous article, we talked about ESS, the social and solidarity economy and its benefits. Today, we are focusing solely on social and solidarity impact to distinguish it from the ESS.

The ESS is governed by many rules. Among these rules is a participatory and democratic management model. The profits made must be used for positive purposes. In fact, they must be reinvested in the interest of the company; individual profit is prohibited.

This is what makes the difference with a social and solidarity impact company or organization: It is possible to have a positive impact on society in general without necessarily being part of the ESS itself. Thus, other possibilities exist to allow companies to have an impact, and we will talk about them next.

 

 

What is social and solidarity impact?

According to the social and solidarity economy development portal Avise*, we find the following definition: "the set of consequences and activities of an organization on its direct or indirect stakeholders, as well as on society in general. "

In fact, the principle is quite simple: the company must be able, through its activity, to offer consequences from a social point of view. These consequences have an impact on all or some of the company's or organization's stakeholders. The impact can occur on several elements such as people, territories, the environment and many others. Of course, other elements can be added as long as they have a positive impact on the stakeholders of an organization.

 

Why is it important to have a social and solidarity impact?

Social and solidarity impact is important today because we are in a globalized economy. Many companies choose to maximize their profit by outsourcing to developing countries, which leads to individuals being very poorly paid and sometimes exploited. The environmental impact is also generally set aside. In fact, the goods produced abroad require a lot of resources, especially in terms of transport, to be delivered to the Western countries where we live. In a company concerned about its social and solidarity impact, the individual and ethics are placed at the center of the activity, unlike a classic economy that prioritizes profit at all costs.

The benefits of social and solidarity commitment

There are numerous benefits to a social and solidarity impact company; in fact, we are talking about a virtuous circle. Take the example of short-circuit production: the social entrepreneur will choose to locate their production in France to provide a fairer wage for their employees. The short circuit also helps limit resource spending for the delivery of goods. The benefit is then social for the employees, but also environmental due to the local location. With the individual placed at the heart of an impact company or organization, the human benefit is certain. In fact, the social entrepreneur does not seek to minimize social costs; they seek to produce ethically, especially in the interest of their employees, partners, and collaborators.

How is social and solidarity impact implemented by brands

A social and solidarity impact company or organization can implement its commitment in several ways. We will discuss a few of them, but there are a multitude of different solutions. 

NGOs

First, through a commitment to associations and NGOs. An NGO is characterized as follows: "non-profit private law legal entities independent of states. This type of institution often claims to represent "civil society". " Thus, by supporting a non-governmental organization, a company or organization can provide its financial support with the aim of creating a social impact. The goal is non-profit and has a real international utility for populations. Like some of the creators of the Meanwhile Boutique collective who support, for example, 1% for the Planet. It is an NGO that has been active since 2002, which aims to connect companies that wish to dedicate 1% of their turnover to environmental protection. 

 

 

ESATs

A social and solidarity impact company can also choose to work in collaboration with an ESAT (Establishments or services of assistance through work). These are places that work "within the framework of social action for families". ESATs offer jobs to workers with disabilities to train them and allow them to develop their skills while being supported by medico-social teams. The impact is real for these workers since the primary goal is to "promote their personal and social fulfillment". By supporting an ESAT in France, the social entrepreneur can not only participate in this action with a positive social impact but also produce Made in France products.

We talk more about it here, with our partner printer, ESAT Regain.

 

 

 

Fair pay for ethical production

To participate in a social and solidarity impact, the social entrepreneur can just as well work with service providers with fair pay. Many associations offer the services of workers with a special status, such as people with reduced mobility or those in professional reintegration. These workers are given fair pay based on the work they perform.

Labels

Being part of a label can also be a way to get involved from a social point of view, especially when the commitment is well controlled. The B Corp label, for example, is one of the most renowned labels in the world in terms of commitment to collective and environmental interests. In fact, "the B Corp movement carries strong values of change around the world to make companies "a force for good" and distinguish those that reconcile profit-making goals with collective interests. ". Created in 2006, this label certifies companies that fit the model defined earlier. The process to obtain it is long because it requires a lot of details about how companies operate, which is what gives it its great reputation and guarantee. Their goal is to bring a "positive contribution to society" through 5 areas: Governance, employees, communities, environment, and finally customers. In France, there are more than a hundred B Corp certified companies.

 

 

Thus, there are numerous ways for a company or organization to get involved from a social and solidarity point of view. At Meanwhile Boutique, we bring together many committed creators with eco-responsible values. As part of the social and solidarity impact, here is a selection of brands that fit into this committed model. 

Our selection of social and solidarity impact brands

Fjord lifestyle supports the environment

The Fjord Lifestyle brand available at Meanwhile Boutique offers zero-waste accessories such as insulated water bottles, stainless steel lunchboxes, or reusable bamboo cutlery. Founded by Iodelle and Clément, the brand demonstrates a real eco-responsible commitment with its zero-waste philosophy. The brand seeks to offer its consumers a more responsible lifestyle that is more respectful of the planet.

It was by joining 1% for the Planet that the brand wishes to fight for the preservation of the environment. The brand is also certified with the Climate Neutral label, a first for a French brand. This label is international and aims to help brands limit their carbon footprint. In addition, the brand is also in the process of becoming certified as a B Corp company.

 

 

 

Trendethics supports craftsmanship and education

Trendethics is a French association that supports the design of woven products in Asia. In fact, the association works to highlight the know-how of Asian women through their woven creations. 8 minority groups of women are highlighted and participate in this social project. The association acts in three areas in particular: education, employment, and the environment.

Trendethics also participates in funding associations such as Enfants du Vietnam in Hue. This contributes to its social and solidarity commitment.

 

 

 

 

Misti fights exclusion

Misti, an upcycled cap brand, was launched in 2019 by Quentin. The brand designs high-quality caps at the cutting edge of style, all made from upcycled fabrics found at flea markets. Quentin chose to donate part of his profit to associations that aim to fund social projects. The brand wishes to offer a positive impact on the consumption of its customers, which is why they will be able to choose the NGO they want to participate in through a purchase at Mitsi. The association Autre Monde, which fights against precariousness and exclusion, is the association with which Mitsi is currently in partnership.

 

 

 

BTDT collaborates with associations

Founded by Sandra and Alain, the BTDT brand is a recycled paper stationery brand. Of Lebanese origin, BTDT offers high-quality notebooks at affordable prices. Sandra being a trained graphic designer and Alain an expert in printing and production, they combined their skills for an impact project. They use Lebanese recycled paper, which is collected by the association Terre Liban. It is an environmental and eco-citizen recycling association in Lebanon. The association seeks not only to bring a positive impact for resources and the environment but also from a social point of view. For this, it participates in the education of young Lebanese people in terms of public health, sustainable development, and the preservation of natural resources. But it also raises their awareness about the importance of peace. Thanks to their sales, BTDT, which collaborates with Terre Liban, participates in this impact.

 

 

 

 

 

To conclude, social and solidarity impact aims to be positive for society in the same way that recycling aims to be positive for the environment. It is through committed brands like those mentioned above that social and solidarity impact is highlighted at Meanwhile Boutique. To perfect its commitment, Meanwhile Boutique supports an association every quarter, at the moment, it is La Maison des Femmes. This latter is a place of care and support dedicated to women in difficulty or victims of violence.

In addition, through its creators, Meanwhile Boutique wishes to offer eco-responsible and committed items to offer alternatives in favor of the planet.

And you, what social and solidarity impact touches you the most?