Purchasing with Purpose

Impact Enterprise of the Week: Zebo

This week we're highlighting Zebo, a People and Planet First Verified enterprise helping eliminate workplace plastic waste in the United States—one office at a time.

Zebo makes it easy for organizations to switch to more sustainable office and household supplies, as well as thoughtful corporate gifts, through a carefully curated selection of environmentally responsible products and subscription services.

Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the products they sell. Whenever possible, Zebo ships orders in reused packaging, and any new packaging is plastic-free, made from post-consumer recycled materials, and printed with algae-based ink.

Zebo also supports climate action by donating a portion of every purchase through Stripe Climate and partners with local organizations, including Austin Sustainability Professionals and the Austin Reuse Coalition, to help raise awareness about plastic waste prevention and climate solutions.

By choosing suppliers like Zebo, organizations can reduce waste, support climate action, and make everyday purchasing decisions that create a positive impact.

Learn more about Zebo: https://shopzebo.com/

⚽️ Join Us for the World’s First Fair Fan Zone

There has never been a better time to celebrate the connection between Fair Trade and football.

On Saturday, July 11, Fair Trade LA is partnering with Watch Me! Sports Bar in Long Beach to host what we're calling the World's First Fair Fan Zone Watch Party. Join us from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. for an afternoon that brings together football fans, Fair Trade businesses, and our community to celebrate the Quarterfinals.

Whether you're a lifelong football fan or simply passionate about ethical business, everyone is welcome.

Admission is free and open to the public.

An interesting announcement from Anthropic: Claude Corps, a $150 million fellowship program that will train 1,000 early-career workers in AI and place them within nonprofits across the U.S.

As AI continues to reshape the economy, the initiative raises important questions about how we can leverage AI to support both organizational impact and inclusive economic growth. And of course this all sits alongside the perennial discussion around the social and environmental impacts of AI.

Keen to hear thoughts on what else people would like to see from tech companies to drive equitable access to AI skills?

Link to article in the comments.

This week's Impact Enterprise of the Week is AutonomyWorks.

AutonomyWorks provides digital marketing, transaction processing, data management, quality assurance, and AI services while creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with autism.

Their work shows how procurement decisions can strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity, and deliver high-quality business outcomes at the same time.

Join us on June 25 for our next Impact Session featuring Melissa Widen, co-founder of First Women's Bank.

Women own 39% of U.S. businesses and generate $2.7 trillion in economic activity, yet receive only a fraction of small business lending. First Women's Bank was created to help close that gap by directing capital toward women-owned businesses and advancing economic opportunity.

Melissa will share the bank's journey, innovative impact deposit model, and lessons that can help all of us think differently about using capital to drive meaningful change.

The session will include a presentation followed by small-group discussions focused on practical takeaways for our own organizations and communities.

June 25, 2026 at 12:00PM ET.

Space is limited, register today:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pshqfVCWQHK1rsbt6WlFEA #/registration

Impact Enterprise of the Week: Jubilee Trading Co

This week we’re highlighting Jubilee Trading Company, a mission-driven nonprofit creating sustainable, life-changing work through global fair trade partnerships and local employment opportunities in Tennessee.

Jubilee Trading Company partners with skilled artisans in Morocco and Kenya to produce handcrafted leather goods using environmentally responsible practices while ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and reliable income for artisan communities.

Closer to home, Jubilee creates employment opportunities for women facing barriers to work, including domestic abuse survivors, through job readiness programs and supportive local hiring initiatives in rural Tennessee.

Beyond their products, Jubilee invests deeply in community. Their Lawrenceburg storefront hosts free workshops and events, while their Kenyan workshop also serves as a community gathering space for medical camps and local programs.

Learn more about their work:
https://jubileetradingco.com/