Our Commitment

TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL (EFFECTIVE 2021):

investing in climate-smart agriculture and forestry projects as a self-imposed carbon tax to offset guides and guests’ carbon footprints
neutralizing our carbon impacts for every guest and guide who traveled with us (on tour and during R&D). Standard business practice would allow us to ignore this impact, but we don’t want to be a standard business. So far (2021 and 2022), we have offset estimated carbon emissions from all air miles (international and domestic flights, calculated from actual ports of departure/entry), road miles, accommodations, meals, and business-related internet use.
partnering with Vermont-based Native (another B Corporation) to ensure verified, certified carbon offsets using the most rigorous standards and expertise
- for 2021, we neutralized 200 tonnes by supporting equivalent emissions reductions of a composting project at Laurelbrook Farm in Connecticut
- for 2022, we neutralized 628 tonnes by supporting equivalent emissions reductions of a solar cookstoves project in Madagascar

TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

recycling plastic, glass and paper both at home and on tour, and minimizing water consumption whenever possible
avoiding food waste by always ordering food in the right satisfying amounts
purchasing additional carbon offsets (beyond the above, in order to assure carbon neutrality) from reputable organizations such as Terrapass, and Carbonfund, which support emission reduction projects around the United States, and Treedom, which aims to make the world a better place one tree at a time

TO OFFER THE KIND OF TOURISM WE BELIEVE IN:

promoting sustainability, biodiversity, respect for people, animals, and environment on tour, during local events, through social media, and on our website
featuring pillars of cultural preservation on tour including Slow Food Presidia, agriturismi, and alberghi diffusi (see “Ingredients”)
visiting lesser-known, less-celebrated places that nonetheless hold deep stories of incredible people connected to beautiful landscapes and traditions
patronizing restaurants, farmers, and artisans who produce "good, clean and fair food"
considering all of our stakeholders—not only guests and guides, but also suppliers, local community, and environment. We work hard to leave a positive handprint on the Earth [see below]. We are a proud certified B Corporation.

TO INVEST IN THE PLACES WE GO AND NGOS WE BELIEVE IN:

donating at least 1% of sales revenues to non-profit organizations that move and inspire us (See below). For 2021 and 2022, we surpassed 2% of sales revenues (this, in addition to purchasing certified carbon offsets).

Who We Support
- 1% for the Planet building, supporting and activating an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet
- Carbonfund selling emissions-reduction certificates to offset carbon emission
- Cooperativa Dalla Stessa Parte creating jobs for differently-abled people in agriculture and manufacturing
- Cooking Matters empowering families with skills to stretch their food budgets and cook healthy at home
- Hawthorne Valley Farm producing high quality, biodynamic and organic foods while providing farm-based learning experiences for children and adults
- Hawthorne Valley Association growing social and cultural renewal through the integration of education, agriculture and the arts
- Mass Audubon protecting the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife
- MassBike advocating for community wellness, equity, and inclusion, sustainable growth, vitality, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- Rainforest Alliance protecting both forests and the livelihoods of farmers and forest communities
- Shelburne Farms inspiring, educating, and cultivating a sustainable future
- Slow Food linking the pleasure of good food with a commitment to local communities and the environment
- Terrapass selling emissions reduction projects certificates to offset carbon emissions
- The Nature Conservancy bringing an innovative spirit to preserving life on Earth
- Treedom planting trees (another B Corporation)
- Vermont Fresh Network advancing relationships among farmers, chefs, and eaters to grow markets
- Water.org visioning safe water and the dignity of a toilet for all
- Wholesome Wave fostering linkages between local agriculture and under-served communities, imagining a more vibrant and equitable food system for all
- World Central Kitchen using food to heal and strengthen communities in crises, and beyond

Being a B Corp

Food.Stories.Travel. became a Certified B Corporation in 2014. B Corps are a new type of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corp is to business what Fair Trade is to coffee and what USDA Organic is to milk.

Food.Stories.Travel. was certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Unlike traditional corporations, Certified B Corporations are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions not only on their shareholders, but also on their stakeholders (e.g., workers, suppliers, community, consumers, and the environment).

As of the end of 2021, there are over 4,300 Certified B Corporations around the globe from over 75 countries in over 150 industries all with a unifying goal. We are proud to join them in redefining success in business, so that one day everyone uses business as a force for good.

To learn more about our certification, check out our most recent B Corp impact report.