WELCOME
to our 2023 impact report. This is Earth Animal’s second impact report, our first since we became a Certified B Corporation™.
2023 was a year filled with learning, considerable growth, and significant investments in making the world a better place for animals, people, and the Earth.
Through our 1% promise, we invested $665,455 to support impact-driven initiatives.
These initiatives:
• helped mitigate our environmental impact,
• bolstered our social impact by providing monetary and product donations to non-profit organizations that needed it most.
We are excited to share this impact “in” progress report with you about where we are today and where we aim to be tomorrow. Highlights include:
• inspiring stories straight from the point of impact,
• evidence of the impact we are making through our activities and investments,
• progress being made to improve our B Corp score,
• critical work we are doing in partnership with like-minded entities.
Thank you for your time and interest and hope you enjoy this read. We would love to hear what you think so please feel free to share your thoughts with us at impact@earthanimal.com
YOUR
YOUR IMPACT OUR PURPOSE
IT’S BEEN AN ADVENTURE
“We’ve always believed that animals are so much more than pets.”
1974
LEIGH
The Earth Animal story begins with Dr. Bob & Susan Goldstein’s golden retriever, Leigh, that suffered from debilitating arthritis.
1979
EARTH ANIMAL
Susan opens Natural Health Food Store for dogs & cats right next door to Dr. Bob’s Veterinarian Hospital.
1975
WELLNESS SOLUTIONS
Dr. Bob & Susan begin their quest in alternative therapies to help Leigh live a happier and healthier life, including natural remedies and supplements.
1985-1990
EARTH ANIMAL GROWS
After opening seven more stores, Dr. Bob and Susan create veterinarian-formulated holistic product line, helping countless pets.
2015
NO-HIDE CHEWS
Earth Animal transforms the world of dog chews by introducing No-Hide ® , the first easily digestible, delicious, and long-lasting alternative to rawhide.
2018
1% PROMISE
Earth Animal formalizes their commitment to use 1% of their annual net sales to invest in and strengthen programs for a more sustainable future.
2016
WISDOM & RIVERSTONE
Earth Animal purchases a plant in the farmlands of Maryland and transforms it into an SQF-certified facility. Soon after, Dr. Bob Goldstein’s Wisdom™ launches.
2022
B CORP
After years of dedication and commitment to animals, people, & the Earth, Earth Animal becomes a Certified B Corporation TM
Flagship store in Westport, CT
Leigh, living her most joyful life!
Founders, Dr. Bob & Susan Goldstein
YOUR 2023 IMPACT PROGRESS REPORT
$210,000 IN PRODUCT DONATIONS to animal care centers, shelters, and rescues
84,308 lbs of plastic waste removed from the natural environment + 123 waste workers supported with formal employment, safe working conditions, and increased financial security through our partnership with rePurpose Global
1,468 EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER HOURS spent during the workday uplifting and in service of our communities
34.9% usage at our Riverstone facility, in one year REDUCED PROPANE
$100,000 DONATED TO NON-PROFIT organizations globally that strengthen & support communities that need it most
$100,000 INVESTED IN MAKING THE WORLD A SAFER AND A HAPPIER PLACE FOR ANIMALS
93% TOWARDS OUR GOAL OF USING 100% RECYCLABLE, REFILLABLE, OR COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING
100% OF YOU CONTRIBUTED TO THIS IMPACT THROUGH YOUR PURCHASE OF EARTH ANIMAL PRODUCTS! THANK YOU.
OUR MISSION
We are called Earth Animal for a reason, and as such, it is imperative to do our part in improving quality of life for all Earth animals, as well as the planet that sustains us.
CORE VALUES
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY
Recognizing that as a consumer products company, we have a responsibility to use the Earth’s resources responsibly.
PERFORMANCE
We are defined by our actions and the difference we make.
INTEGRITY
We demonstrate candor with kindness and keep our commitments.
PROGRESS
It’s not about what we are, it’s about what we can become.
1% PROMISE
It’s our promise to have a big, bold impact on the world around us. And we do this through our long-established commitment to use 1% of our annual net sales to invest in a more sustainable future for all Earth’s animals, fund initiatives to improve our positive impact, and support mission-driven organizations that need it most.
That means that every person who purchases an Earth Animal product joins the community of people contributing to our promise and a more sustainable future for all. Thank you!
“
We believe that even though we’re a small company, each and every one of us has the power to make a major impact on the world, especially when we work together. “
-
Co-Founder
80.3 - Overall B Impact score
80 - Qualifies for B Corp Certification
50.9 - Median Ordinary Business score
B Corp Certification requires a rigorous B Impact Assessment to verify positive impacts on employees, customers, communities, and the environment, ensuring transparency, with companies needing a score of 80-200 to qualify.
A FORCE FOR GOOD
Being a Certified B Corporation™ means we have an obligation to continue to achieve high standards of verified social and environmental performance. We back up our words with actions and operate as a force for good in the way we value animals, people, and the Earth alongside profits.
It measures our advocacy for all Earth Animals, ensures we mitigate our environmental impact across our entire supply chain and requires that we create and use sustainable business practices to drive our success. It also means that our collective team is committed and accountable to continuously improving how we help support the communities where we do business and make the planet a better place.
GOVERNANCE
Governance evaluates a company’s overall mission, engagement around its social/environmental impact, ethics, and transparency. This section also evaluates the ability of a company to protect their mission and formally consider stakeholders in decision making through their corporate structure (e.g. benefit corporation) or corporate governing documents.
We became a PBC to hold our feet to the fire. It requires us to consider the impact of our decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This stakeholder governance model ensures we consider the interests of customers, workers, suppliers, communities, investors, and the environment. To make this change, we updated Earth Animal’s Articles of Incorporation in Delaware. EARTH ANIMAL IS A PUBLIC BENEFIT COMPANY
WORKERS
Workers evaluate a company’s contributions to its employees’ financial security, health & safety, wellness, career development, and engagement & satisfaction. In addition, this section recognizes business models designed to benefit workers, such as companies that are at least 40% owned by non-executive employees and those that have workforce development programs to support individuals with barriers to employment.
COMMUNITY
Community evaluates a company’s engagement with an impact on the communities in which it operates, hires from, and sources from. Topics include diversity, equity & inclusion, economic impact, civic engagement, charitable giving, and supply chain management. In addition, this section recognizes business models designed to address specific community-oriented problems. Examples include poverty alleviation through fair trade sourcing, distribution via micro-enterprises, producer cooperative models, locally focused economic development, and formal charitable giving commitments.
ENVIRONMENT
Environment evaluates a company’s overall environmental management practices as well as its impact on the air, climate, water, land, and biodiversity. This includes the direct impact of a company’s operations and, when applicable, its supply chain and distribution channels. This section also recognizes companies with environmentally innovative production processes and those that sell products or services that have a positive environmental impact. Some examples might include products and services that create renewable energy, reduce consumption or waste, conserve land or wildlife, provide fewer toxic alternatives to the market, or educate people about environmental problems.
Customers evaluate a company’s stewardship of its customers through the quality of its products and services, ethical marketing, data privacy and security, and feedback channels. In addition, this section recognizes products or services that are designed to address a particular social problem for, or through its customers, such as health or educational products, arts & media products, serving underserved customers/clients, and services that improve the social impact of other businesses or organizations.
OUR WORK
WORK
OUR WORK FOR ANIMALS
Our fundamental responsibility for the welfare of animals includes both the animals that are a part of our families, as well as those we rely on to make our products. Our actions must be meaningful , so we look to experts in animal welfare science to help us understand how our sourcing practices align with our values and how we can continually strive to do better.
IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
2023 IMPACT
We believe all animals deserve a good life.
Animal welfare science tells us that the emotional wellbeing of an animal is a key indicator of their welfare. We know that an animal will encounter a mix of negative and positive emotional experiences over the course of its life. Where that balance is strongly positive, and the animal has been cared for according to best practice, we would say that the animal has had a ‘good life.’ This is Earth Animal’s definition of Humanely Sourced, and we are committed to only source humanely sourced proteins for our animal-based products.
To help us govern our use of animals in our food, chews, and treats, we launched the pet industry’s first Animal Welfare Policy in 2021. Our framework is modeled after the universally recognized Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare and insists that animals deserve a good life and that a good life requires good nutrition, good environment, good health, good behavior, and good mental state. We encourage other companies in the pet industry and beyond to use this model as well.
BETTER CHICKEN COMMITMENT
In 2022, we signed our first species-specific commitment to better animal welfare: the Better Chicken Commitment [BCC]. We joined the US Working Group for Broiler Welfare , facilitated by Compassion in World Farming , to collaboratively improve broiler chicken welfare and align with higher standards.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
EARTH ANIMAL’S WISDOM™ DOG FOOD LINE’S BCC TRANSITION TIMELINE
EARTH ANIMAL’S NO-HIDE ® LINE’S BCC TRANSITION TIMELINE
*If BCC-Approved Breeds are being produced and there is availability.
“The pet food industry is growing by the day, yet farm animal welfare is often not included in sourcing strategies. That’s what makes Earth Animal different - in addition to caring about our pets, this company is also thinking about the quality of life for animals on farms across the United States. Compassion in World Farming is excited to continue to support Earth Animal’s animal welfare goals to raise the bar, setting a new standard for pet food.”
– Julia Johnson,
US Head of Food Business, Compassion in World Farming
PRODUCT DONATIONS
• I n 2023, we donated $210,000 in products to animal shelters + rescues.
Greater Good Charities, ARK Animal Shelter, Michigan Humane Society, and Lucky Dog Rescue
INVESTMENTS
• In 2023, we invested $100,000 to help make the world a better place for animals.
Greater Good Charities, Maui Humane Society, Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary, Project K-9 Hero, StreetVet, Pet Sustainability Coalition
Tamerlain Animal Sanctuary
Product donations to StreetVet
Greater Good Charities distributing food, essential supplies, clothing, housewares, toys, and more.
2024-2025 ANIMAL GOALS
LOOKING TOWARDS TOMORROW
We aim to be the advocate voice for all Earth’s animals. In 2024 and beyond, we will continue collaborating with like-minded organizations to be the leading animal welfare advocates in the pet industry.
2024 CRATE FREE ROADMAP – PREGNANT SOWS & GILTS:
• We are working with Compassion in World Farming and Ocatra Consulting to understand best practices.
• In 2024, Earth Animal will develop a public commitment to improving the welfare of pregnant sows and gilts in consultation with its stakeholders and supply chain partners. We expect that commitment will address key issues, including sow feeding and hunger, and alternatives to farrowing crates. We will also address practices that cause negative welfare outcomes in meat (grower) pigs, including stocking density, invasive procedures, and barren environments.
Best practice shows us that sows are never confined in gestation crates or farrowing crates. Pigs do not undergo tail docking or teeth clipping, and environmental enrichments and deep bedding are provided. We will pursue a meaningful animal welfare certification to verify these practices by 2027.
100% COMPLIANCE FOR BETTER CHICKEN COMMITMENT IN THE BELOW AREAS:
• Maintain a maximum stocking density of 6.0 lbs./sq. foot and prohibit all forms of broiler cages.
• Provide all birds with an improved baseline environment, including:
At least 3 inches of friable litter covering the whole floor of the house, managed to maintain dry, friable condition and prevent caked or wet areas.
At minimum 8 hours of continuous light ( ≥50 lux) and 6 hours of continuous darkness daily (<1 lux ).
One or more types of functional enrichment (such as perches, platforms, or straw bales) that multiple birds can use at any time. The enrichments must be available by 10 days old and maintained thereafter, dispersed throughout the house and available to the entire flock with 1 enrichment for every 1,000 sq. ft or 1 enrichment per 1000 birds, at a minimum.
• Work with suppliers that demonstrate compliance with all standards via third-party auditing and annual public reporting on progress toward this commitment.
Mary’s Chicken – Pittman Farms
OUR WORK FOR PEOPLE
Our community consists of our internal team of people, those in our local and global neighborhoods, our loyal customers, and dedicated business partners worldwide. Through inclusive, progressive, and supportive human resource policies, hands-on involvement, educational programs, and generous giving, we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our global and local communities of people.
IN SUPPORT OF THEUNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
VOLUNTEER TIME
1,468 employee hours were spent during the workday in service of and support for organizations such as The Pet Sustainability Coalition and nOURish Bridgeport, CT. Foodshare, B Local CT, SoundWaters, Compassion in World Farming, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, and various fundraising events hosted by our retailers nationwide.
Riverstone team garden
European Distribution Centre, Belgium
Goat yoga team building
Earth Animal Team at nOURish Bridgeport Neighborhood Pantry
2023 IMPACT
MONETARY GIVING
• $100,000 to organizations such as: Save the Children, nOURish Bridgeport, Greater Good Charities, Pets as Therapy, CT. Foodshare, StreetVet, and more that uplift and strengthen communities where we do business.
MITTEN PROJECT
• 2023 was our 16th Annual fundraiser and biggest year yet where we raised over $65,000 for CT Foodshare.
1,468 VOLUNTEER HOURS
$100,000 MONETARY GIVING
$65,000 FUNDRAISING
OUR PACK
Our pack is our core strength, and we heavily invest in our team’s well-being and happiness by offering outstanding benefits including robust healthcare packages at 90-100% employer paid, flexible PTO, paid volunteer time, 401K with a company match, wellness & mental health support, and paid parental leave.
OUR PARTNERS
investing together to enhance quality of life for animals, people, and the Earth.
Crystal Garden Herbs
• We invested $13,750 in support of Kristy Haley, our Master Herbalist and long-time partner & owner of Crystal Herb Gardens in becoming USDA Certified Organic.
“Crystal Garden Herbs and Earth Animal share a very unique relationship based on decades of dedication and support with a mission to provide effective organic supplements to animals through the power of plants.”
– Kristy Haley, Master Herbalist and Founder, Crystal Garden Herbs
2024-2025 PEOPLE GOALS
LOOKING TOWARDS TOMORROW
In addition to Annual Customer stakeholder surveys:
• We are implementing annual stakeholder surveys for Distributor Partners, and Supply Partners across our supply chain.
Introducing an employee paid sabbatical program.
Implementing an Intern Advisory Committee to help continue building a more diverse, inclusive, engaged, and progressive culture at Earth Animal.
OUR WORK FOR THE EARTH
To make real impact you must tackle the big issues – like plastics, carbon, and the use of harmful synthetic chemicals. We pledge to both improve our own operations and, with the support of like-minded partners, provide a model for other companies to emulate. By doing this, we aim to be a leading sustainable company in harmony with the world around us.
IN SUPPORT OF THEUNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
2023 IMPACT
Completed Scope 1 & 2 GHG Emissions Accounting – in 2021, 2022, and 2023 – with a reduction year over year!
Scope 1
Total Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas
*To learn more about our methodology, please CLICK HERE.
100% Scopes 1 & 2 carbon tonnage has been offset in partnership with Native Energy
Native Energy is a certified B Corp, that offers Help Build™ carbon offsets. Help Build™ carbon offsets are a new, progressive type of carbon offset with a bigger impact than conventional offsets. Learn more here
2021 Offset Project: Regenerative Agriculture Grazing Project – Montana, USA
2022 & 2023 Offset Project: From Waste to Fuel – Improving Agriculture & Livelihoods in Uganda (See page 36) EMISSIONS
AND RENEWABLE ENERGY IN
UGANDA
We are investing in infrastructure that aids the transition to regenerative agriculture and reduces methane emissions from organic waste - all with local Ugandan farms at the center. Together, we are taking action for long-term positive impact on farming communities and the climate.
WASTE TO FUEL: IMPROVING AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODS PROJECT
The contribution of funding from the project overcomes the financial barrier local farmers face to install biodigesters, biogas systems, and cookstoves. This makes the technology economically accessible to low-income farmers, helping to better meet demand for, and expand the scale of, biogas technology in this region for more families.
10-YEAR ~
660,000
REPURPOSE GLOBALCERTIFIED PLASTIC NEUTRAL
2022 - December 2023
Impact Project: Sueño Azul
• Bogota, Colombia
338,000 lbs. of plastic waste removed
123 waste workers supported
2024-2025 THE EARTH GOALS
LOOKING TOWARDS TOMORROW
100% Scopes 1 & 2 emissions measured and offset through Native Energy
25% Scope 3 emissions measured and offset through Native Energy
Environmental Management System implemented at Riverstone
rePurpose Global Partnership Goals:
• Project: Nuevo Ciclo in Medellín, Colombia
Goal: Recycling plastic waste and supporting community development in Medellín.
• Project: Paraiso de Ballenas in Buenaventura, Colombia
Goal: Rehabilitate coastlines and protecting whale breeding grounds on Colombia’s Pacific Coast.
PARTNERSHIPS
IN SUPPORT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERSHIPS
THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT GOALS
UNITED IN ACTION
Printed locally on FSC ® Certified paper using soy-based inks.
“As the Co-Founder of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, it is my honor to celebrate our long-standing partnership with Earth Animal. Earth Animal exemplifies unwavering dedication to sustainability, showcasing a collaborative approach that has significantly advanced our shared mission. Their contributions to our toolkit and case studies serve as a model for other companies, sharing valuable learnings and setting benchmarks that drive the entire industry forward. Together, we have made significant strides towards a more sustainable future, and we look forward to continuing this journey with Earth Animal as a key ally.”
– Caitlyn Dudas, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor, Pet Sustainability Coalition
“Businesses need to make a positive social and environmental impact. Bringing West Paw and Earth Animal together thrills me, not just because both companies are purpose-driven and our missions align so well, but also because we are better together and can double our positive impact on pets, people, and the planet.”
– Spencer Williams, CEO + Founder, West Paw
“Having Stephie Volo, Chief Impact Officer of Earth Animal join the board of B Local Connecticut has been fantastic. She has been a wonderful addition to the board, providing valuable feedback and input. She has helped us continue to elevate our event experiences for our members and community at large.”
- Jenn Grace, Board Chair, Founder, Publisher, & CEO Publish Your Purpose
LOOKING TOWARDS TOMORROW
Did you know that if dogs & cats in the US were their own country, they would be the 5th largest consumer of meat in the world? And we know that intense pressure on our Earth’s natural resources is not sustainable. That’s why we remain committed to reducing our dependency on animal industrial agriculture and making the most sustainable products for dogs & cats possible. And why we are tremendously excited about innovations like precision fermentation and cellular agriculture and our growing relationship with thought-leading organizations like Ten Lives
A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDERS
Since we founded Earth Animal in 1979, a lot has changed, and it feels like we should write another book telling her story from the many inspirational experiences which led up to her creation and the present. One thing for sure and something we should all feel proud about is that we have stayed true to our mission.
Protecting animals, people, and the environment is at the core of Earth Animal’s DNA. Our Earth Animal products, which promote wellness and empower healing in dogs and cats: Dr. Bob’s Goldstein’s Wisdom® Dog Food, Nature’s Protection™, remedies, supplements, and No-Hide® Chews are shining examples of Another Way® of mission deliverance.
Earth Animal operates in a ‘Cause No Harm’ environment, the veterinary oath which our family took many years ago. This philosophy is at the very pulse of our company and is newly referred to as Sustainability. Sustainability requires a company to have a soul and to beat to a different drum. It sometimes takes great courage to swim against the tides. But to really affect change, you must advocate for what you believe in like banning the use of pesticides and insecticides in flea & tick prevention.
Our B Corp Certification™ also requires ongoing dedication to our core values as well as accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in our social and environmental performance. It is a way of keeping on and keeping our feet to the fire.
Under the guidance of Stephie Volo, Chief of Impact, and the green light from Stewart Shanley, our Company’s CEO, we have become one of the leaders in the pet industry in purposeful business.
This requires conscious effort in all areas from how we care for our people, who we partner with regarding packaging and sourcing of ingredients, how and where product is made, and our environmental impact. We have come a long way from our days of being a small family business to a company with an international presence. The reality of it all is that our beautiful Earth Animal has left the runway, and she is soaring in good company with others of like mind and heart.
Our sustainable activities include the contribution of 1% of our annual net sales, which go to investments in mission driven initiatives, making the world a better place. With regards to animal welfare, we are a proud signatory of the Better Chicken Commitment and member of the US Working Group for Broiler Welfare. And we believe our responsible protein sourcing practices are leading the way and reflect our conviction that all animals deserve a good life. Environmentally, we are heavily engaged in sustainable activities to help reduce carbon emissions by being a founding donor and signatory of the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s Packaging Pledge to transition all our packaging to recyclable, refillable, or compostable by 2025. We are proud to be certified plastic neutral through our partnership with rePurpose Global. And measure our Scopes 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for all locations; our Earth Animal office, retail store, and Riverstone manufacturing.
There is more to be done and it has become clear that reducing our dependence on animal agriculture is a top priority. The plant-based movement is here to stay and necessary for our own health as well as our pets, the welfare of animals, and the wellbeing of our planet by the reduction of carbon. We feel honored to be a part of this mission and we are cradling Earth Animal’s Plant Based food, ‘From the Seed’ in our arms. This food is a food with a purpose, and we hope you feel the goodness in each bag you touch, feed, or sell.
Thank you all for being part of this journey. There are no coincidences in life, and we hope you know that you are part of a goodness plan.
CREDITS
CONTENT & EDITORIAL
Stephie Volo Chief Impact Officer
IMPACT
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Jess Hanson Senior Graphic Designer
All Earth Animals and our partners + customers worldwide