Prabhuji’s Gifts has struck gold! Green America’s environmental gold standard, that is: the top of the pedestal for a U.S. business. Prabhuji’s Gifts was first certified in early 2013 by Green America, a not-for-profit organization that certifies businesses that create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society, empowering consumers to take action through their purchases. Due to our nonstop efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and give generously to those in need, Green America has now granted us its gold standard, lifting us up from silver, in official recognition of our efforts as we use our business as a platform for positive social change. Consumers increasingly want to know that the products they buy have not only been manufactured and transported in a way that has the least possible impact on Mother Earth, but that those who make them have been treated fairly. This echoes our own high values to work towards social justice, environmental sustainability, and commit to extraordinary practices that benefit workers and communities. This gold-level certification affirms that we are industry leaders in social responsibility, a value embedded into our company’s DNA.

But what can a New York-based company that sells incense, smudging herbs, perfumed body oils, prayer beads, meditation shawls, statues and other spiritual gift items possibly do to make a positive impact on the world in its day-to-day business?

We’re glad you asked!

With heightened environmental awareness, Prabhuji’s Gifts uses recycled boxes and other packing materials for the majority of its shipping. But we don’t stop there. When we send those packages across the United States, we offset the carbon emissions produced by transporting them through Green Shipping at no extra cost to the customer. Avid recyclers in our daily in-house operations, we are taking our passion for reusing the earth’s resources another step further. Those of you who regularly buy our stick incense will soon notice the colorful packages will be printed on 100% recycled paper, an impressive jump from 10%. Socially conscious, we frequently send a representative to observe the working conditions of raw material suppliers to ensure they are being treated fairly, working in safe and healthy conditions, and ensuring there is no child labor. And while Prabhuji’s Gifts is a business, those who operate it firmly believe in the importance of giving back to the global community. With this, the company supports humanitarian projects by regularly donating to the Vimukti Yoga Mission, which helps feed hungry people living in poverty in the United States and abroad through the Ramakrishnananda Humanitarian Projects.

The initiatives that Prabhuji’s Gifts has completed with its Green America Gold Standard are too many to list here so we’ve highlighted just a few for you:

•    Build an equitable, supportive and inclusive workplace
•    Educate employees, customers and vendors
•    Ensure a fair and responsible supply chain
•    Reduce emissions and exposure to toxins
•    Minimize transportation impacts
•    Take a leadership role in an organization that continually works to improve the environment or social responsibility nationally or in our area.
•    Conserve resources, recycle and minimize waste
•    Track performance and progress
•    Support responsible industry practices
•    Support our community
•    Operate with transparency

When you purchase our products, you support social and environmental responsibility!
As a Green America Certified Business, we adhere to the following aims:

Green Business
Helping socially and environmentally responsible businesses emerge and thrive.

Fair Trade
Promoting economic justice for farmers and artisans through fair trade.

Stopping Sweatshops
Using economic power to end abusive labor practices and promote living wages for workers worldwide.

Climate Action
Our Climate Action Campaign brings together individuals, shareholders, and communities to pressure corporate polluters to take climate change seriously.

Responsible Shopper
Providing information to help you make socially and environmentally responsible purchasing decisions in the corporate marketplace.

Shareholder Action
Giving you the information and action steps you need to vote your proxies in favor of socially and environmentally responsible corporate practices.

Shop & Unshop
Providing tips and strategies to green your purchasing–and help you stop buying what you don’t need–that are practical, easy-to-use and fun!