The Body Shop is a cosmetics company with a conscience, known for naturally-derived products and an emphasis on ethical business practices. Its founder, Anita Roddick, was devoted to philanthropy and social activism, and her views still inform the philosophy of the global business two years after her death.
The company's new campaign, "Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People" was given the spotlight at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York last week. Partnering EPCAT International (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes), which is an advocacy network spanning 75 countries, the Body Shop is publishing sex trafficking progress cards on assorted countries. It's estimated that 1.8 million children are trafficked for sex in nearly every country, including the U.S.
The Body Shop is donating 100% of the profits from the sale of its Soft Hands Kind Heart hand cream to EPCAT. The company has also has created Bag for Life, a stylish, resuable tote bag made from natural cotton emblazoned with the phrase "Green it not a colour; it's a state of mind." Two dollars from every sale of the bag go to Somaly Mam Foundation, which also works to fight human trafficking. The bag's so popular that it's currently sold out.