What is CSR? What Does That Mean in the Outdoors?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a common topic in the public relations industry. When you think of CSR in general, the goal has a number of different meanings. My initial thought is the “do gooders” of important storytelling. I think of the corporations who are standing up for important issues in the world. The world has changed dramatically when it comes to how we think about success; it’s about a lot more than just profit. In today’s market, survival is based on building a respectable brand.
CSR consists of 4 types — Philanthropy, Environment and Conservation, Diversity and labor practices, and Volunteerism.
According to https://smallbusiness.chron.com/four-types-corporate-social-responsibility-54662.html.
What does CSR have to do with Outdoor Recreation?
Most outdoor brands hold themselves more accountable than other corporations because they know that without a healthy and protected outdoor playground their businesses would be obsolete. As an outdoor enthusiast like myself, I know I value companies who produce sustainable products, find ways to take care of the environment, give back to the community and are overall ethical businesses. Generally, the consumers of outdoor focused products and gear and employees of the outdoors are more conscious of their impact on the environment. Outdoor brands often experience a more critical lense when consumers ask the hard questions or the business faces tough circumstances such as the COVID pandemic, overproduction of plastic, social justice issues and more.
A few ways that companies may demonstrate their CSR are as follows:
- They should be conscious of their carbon footprint and be actively looking for ways to reduce its impact
- A successful company wanting content and passionate employees strives to improve labor policies
- Corporations should be striving to create a successful business that participates in fairtrade
- Corporations often find ways to give back to the community through funding for nonprofits, charitable giving or other monetary gifts.
- Volunteering in the community is a great way to connect with consumers and give back for support.
- Outdoor industry corporations will receive more support from their consumers who care about the environment if they know they are honest and it has policies that benefit the environment.
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