Mission and Guiding Principles
A Community of Sustainable Businesses Leading the Way to a Regenerative Economy
Our Mission
Sustainable business innovation is a growing force driven by the common aim of achieving economic development along with shared prosperity and environmental stewardship. Hundreds of thousands of businesses, large and small and across all sectors, are proving daily that an expanded definition of success is possible.
Building on their proven approaches, NJSBN is where like-minded businesses join to create a new and dynamic 21st-century economy for the Garden State based on the “triple bottom line”: people, planet, and profit. As a state affiliate of the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN), NJSBN and its members are working together to:
- Constructively influence and shape relevant public policy and legislation at the state level
- Amplify the voice of sustainable businesses at the national level
- Serve as inspirational models, collaborators, and educators for all New Jersey businesses and organizations that wish to adopt or improve their triple bottom line strategies and results
Our Guiding Principles
Market Economy
A market-based business system must remain the heart of our economy, but it also must account for the human health and environmental costs that otherwise are passed on to the general public. Our capitalist system spurs innovation and efficiency, and allocates resources better than any alternative yet devised. True markets are part of the solution, characterized by honest competition, and lacking unfair advantages and subsidies. They should also include a variety of ownership mechanisms such as cooperatives, community and social enterprises, benefit corporations, and employee-owned businesses to ensure a balanced and robust system.
Sensible Measures and Regulations
Good rules help us tap the power of innovation while protecting the sustainability of business. Sensible regulations are essential to foster a sound economy. Regulations promote fair competition and innovation while protecting and strengthening safeguards for public health and safety. By placing reasonable limits on the power of traditional industries and technologies, they help ensure the stability of the financial system and the adequate flow of capital to develop opportunities for new entrants to the marketplace. Regulations and rules should be devised with all stakeholders having a voice at the table. Such regulation protects against actions that hurt the environment, and the public, and ultimately damage the economy itself.
Sustainability
The business sector must make decisions that take into account the long-term needs of people, the planet, and profits. We must manage the economy to meet the needs of the current generation without impairing the ability of future generations to do so. Stewardship and regeneration of natural resources throughout their lifecycle is an essential foundation, as is reinvestment in communities that fosters long-term economic vitality.
Democracy Works
An approach to the economy based on these principles preserves the benefits of a market economy while guarding against the overuse of resources and maximizing human potential. It is clear that innovation and growth are now inextricably tied to sustainability. With smart policies and priorities, we can ensure that businesses continue to profit while enhancing the lives of people and protecting our environment.
So let us choose wisely. It is time to reshape our economy toward a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable future that meets our needs today and for generations to come.
Broad Prosperity
Everyone deserves an opportunity to participate in, and prosper from, a sustainable economy. It is the right thing to do, and a matter of pride and national self-interest, to manage the economy in a way that engages the capabilities, creativity, and industriousness of all Americans. Quality and relevant education must be a fundamental right and obligation for all. At the same time, we have a right to expect businesses to provide living wage jobs and take actions that contribute to, not detract from, the creation of healthy and vibrant communities.
Join Us
When sustainable business leaders show up in the policy process, great things can happen! For starters, both the media and elected officials begin to better understand what it really means to build a successful values-based business.
Together, we are redefining what it means to do business—creating a world where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand.
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