The reality is that most companies are not about any values at all - they are about making money. It is extremely rare for a business to stand for anything because most businesses don't want to alienate potential customers, and if you believe in anything you are going to alienate someone.

You know, I get frustrated with our country's administration, which is really the people who are not acknowledging global warming. I mean, it's accepted by scientists around the world, scientists in our country and it's accepted by every country around the world with the exception of the United States.

Business can be a source of progressive change.

If you open up the mind, the opportunity to address both profits and social conditions are limitless. It's a process of innovation.

I guess I harboured hopes that things would happen more quickly, but I'm not disappointed.

I like that Ben & Jerry's is willing to speak out about social and political issues that aren't always safe - but are the right thing to do.

If your support the community, they will support you.

It's good to stand for something, to believe in something and base your business on values.

It's pretty rare to have CEOs or high level executives at big companies who are social activists. They tend not to be drawn to those areas of life.

One of the great things about Ben & Jerry's for me is that not only is it delicious, but I get it for free.

One out of every 100 families in Vermont was a part owner of Ben and Jerry's.

Recycling, packaging, businesses are changing all of those things because that's what consumers want.

We measured our success not just by how much money we made, but by how much we contributed to the community. It was a two-part bottom line.

When you are led by values, it doesn't cost your business, it helps your business.

Ben & Jerry's evolved into what it is doing and is trying to transition its supply chain, but this is essentially retrofitting. In the social enterprise movement, we see companies whose essence, the products they make, the reason they exist from day one, is because these people see something out in the world that they cannot accept.

Ben & Jerry's is an indulgent dessert that should be eaten in moderation. You should not be replacing more than one meal a day with ice cream. We do not consider a pint or a tub of ice cream to be a single serving.

Businesses can lead with their values and make money, too. You don't have to simply be purely profit-driven. You can integrate social and environmental concerns into a business, be a caring business, be a generous business and still do very well financially.

Businesses typically look at issues like price, quality, time of delivery. They don't often think about social and environmental impact because they're focused on their financial bottom line.

Don't just do something because it's a trendy idea and will make you a lot of money. The reason I say that is because any kind of venture involves going through difficult times. If you're doing something you are passionate about and really believe in, then that will carry you through.

I eat many different ice creams. I'm not an ice cream snob, although I do think Ben & Jerry's is the best. But I'm happy to eat anybody's ice cream, really. As long as it's good.