For Tom’s of Maine, that looks like climate change, packaging, and waste. In their 2022 Goodness Report, they share how reducing their water footprint, decreasing the amount of plastic used in operations and packaging, and waste reduction efforts are all examples of individual projects that yielded measurable impact. (Compared to 2020, their total 2021 carbon emissions decreased 14%.) To tackle a subject as broad as the environment, they had to get focused. But how did they get results? On top of an internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program, Tom’s of Maine has ongoing philanthropic initiatives. Their corporate giving program, Giving for Goodness, donates 10% of annual profits to fund climate change, health and well-being, and disaster relief organizations. Their Get Into Nature initiative was created to help young people from underrepresented communities access the outdoors. And according to the 2022 Goodness Report, 80% of the program’s funding this year went to BIPOC-led organizations. Learning, growing, and bettering ourselves through DEI work, and giving back is a way we can make a difference today and every day. Devon’s first book, Earth Women, is coming soon. To learn more, join the mailing list, and receive updates, head to www.devonbarrowwriting.com.
