The Redemptive Entrepreneurship of Ben & Jerry’s

Conscientious Ice Cream

Few brands are as loved as Ben & Jerry’s. Beyond their delicious flavors and fun names, Ben & Jerry’s is known for its commitment to change. Whether it’s social justice or sustainability Ben & Jerry’s strives for transformation in all sorts of communities.

Humble Beginnings

Ben & Jerry’s didn’t start as the huge brand that it is now. They started in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield began in 1978 and from the beginning, the two of them aimed to use business as a force for good.

Political Advocacy

While it might come as a surprise Ben and Jerry’s is active in political advocacy. It takes bold stands on social and political issues. They advocate for marriage equality, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. The company uses its platform to raise awareness and drive change. For example, their “Justice ReMix’d” flavor supports criminal justice reform. Their commitment to social justice goes beyond making a profit.

Environmental Sustainability

Like many other food-based businesses, they have also attempted to maintain environmental sustainability. They have many sustainability initiatives to reduce waste, save water, and use renewable energy. Their main initiative comes from their sourcing. They refer to it as linked prosperity. Ben and Jerry’s source from many different suppliers from different backgrounds, and places, “from Vermont dairy farms to smallholder cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast.” Much of its sustainability comes from its packaging, Green & Lean energy efficient Freezers, and methane digesters. The company also supports policies to fight climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

A New Kind of Success

Ben & Jerry’s shows that a business can succeed while prioritizing social responsibility. Their focus on justice, sustainability, and community engagement sets them apart. Ben & Jerry’s embodies redemptive entrepreneurship. By enjoying their ice cream, we support a mission to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.