The Pacific Northwest is green from more than just natural beauty. We believe in keeping life sustainable, supporting local or small businesses, caring for the environment and building a healthy future with room for everyone. At Dancing Goats Coffee, they work to create coffee products with low-impact processes and high impact taste. And their tireless dedication is getting noticed. In March 2023, the organization was awarded B Corp Certification, which recognizes equity, inclusivity, transparency and applauds social and environmental impact.
B Corp Certification is a Declaration of Interdependence
The B Corp Declaration of Interdependence beautifully sums up the program’s goal. It encourages participants to be the change they seek, conduct business as if people and place matter, do no harm, benefit everyone and “act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.”
To achieve certification, businesses must make a formal commitment to maintain accountability, transparency and be granted an 80 or above on the risk review. This demonstrates high social and environmental performance and shows the world a company’s belief in the future.
Aaron Shively, Dancing Goats Coffee director of operations, says that a coworker suggested B Corp Certification a few years ago. “I hadn’t heard of the certification, so I looked at their website and started exploring what companies had the designation,” he shares. “Since so much of the certification was acknowledging practices that share values with Dancing Goats’ mission around social and environmental sustainability, it seemed like a no-brainer to go for.”
B Corp also provides a community of like-minded businesses and resources, explains Becci Ryder, vice president of customer experience. “Consumers are demanding more from companies today and want to know they are buying from companies that hold themselves to a higher standard. Becoming a B Corp Certified company is a stamp of approval that consumers can trust.”
A Long History of Green, Sustainable Business at Dancing Goats Coffee
Applying for this certification aligns perfectly with the Dancing Goats Coffee philosophy. Ryder says that as far back as 2000, they were the first 100% green-powered coffee roaster in the United States. “Our roastery and tasting room are a wonderful example of our environmental sustainability,” she says. “If you visit, you can see from the beautiful landscaping how we have incorporated water reuse, solar panels and more while you sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.”
Their team has also worked to reduce the use of disposable paper cups since the 1990’s. They offer a $0.25 discount for bringing your own cup or larger kitchen container for freshly roasted beans. “We have a Right Way document that has guided our business practices in place for many years,” says Ryder. “This certification validates and supports that path.”
They also build long-standing, direct relationships with their growers, farmers and vendors. This means the product holds to the high standards we’ve all come to appreciate when sipping, grinding, brewing or steeping their not-roasted-until-you-order-them beans.
Olympia Coffee Shop Commitment to Excellence, One Cup at a Time
“I take great pride in the work our team has done over the years towards a better way to do business. Becoming a B Corp Certified company shows our continued commitment to our employees, customers and the environment,” said David J. Wasson, president and CEO.
Other low impact processes in place at Dancing Goats Coffee include near-zero landfill waste and near-100% composting and recycling. Their locations put power back into the grid and environmental purchasing guidelines are used when choosing partners up and down the supply chain. A Supplier Code of Ethics expects that the companies they work with pay a living wage, disclose any chemicals of concern used in the process, maximize environmental responsibility, avoid deforestation and maintain a welcoming, non-discriminatory workplace.
But at the end of the day, it’s all about the coffee…and the community who loves it. Because nothing’s better than sitting together, sharing a treat and spending time with friends old, new, or made in line while placing your order. Visit one of their fragrant, welcoming locations or set up a subscription with the delivery frequency of your choice. These also make amazing gifts for dads, grads, birthdays, anniversaries and just-thinking-of-you presents. Raise a mug of grade-A, B Corp java knowing it came your way thanks to the mindfulness of Dancing Goats Coffee commitment to our region.
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