Episode 74: The Role of B Corporations In Conservation And Communities With Keith Bowers

About KeithIn the early 1980s, an outdoorsy, nature-loving undergrad named Keith Bowers had an epiphany. Keith had been studying landscape architecture at the University of Virginia when he met Ed Garbisch, a pioneering practitioner of marsh restoration along the Chesapeake Bay.“Wait a minute,” thought Keith. “I can apply my education to restoring the places I love?”After graduating in 1982, Keith started Biohabitats, an ecological restoration company. 36 years later, with a mission to “restore the earth and inspire ecological stewardship,” Biohabitats has become one of the most recognized names in ecological restoration and conservation.Topics* Why conservationists need to work more tightly with companies to achieve the lofty goals ahead.* What is a B Corporation or "B-Corp?"* Why we can't wait for regulations to force businesses to do the right thing.* How to be a profitable while giving back to the planet, workers, and communities.* Environment, people, and business as "nested" pieces of a whole, rather than business as usual.Extra CreditBenefit Corporations – A benefit corporation is a legal tool to create a solid foundation for long term mission alignment and value creation.B-Corps (Biohabitats B-Corps score) – Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is a community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good.* 1% for the Planet (Biohabitats) – 1% for the Planet is a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through annual memberships and everyday actions.JUST – Just is a nutrition label for socially just and equitable organizations.Biohabitats 2019 Annual Benefit Report – The annual benefit report is the backbone of a benefit corporation,