Few of us can deny the negative environmental impact of single-use plastics and disposable products in general. After all, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste ends up in our oceans every year, to say nothing for the myriad plastics sitting in landfills. Consumers are increasingly prompted to do our part to reduce the effects of climate change, and rightly so.
Yet why isn’t corporate responsibility a bigger part of the discussion? The mismanagement of natural resources and the ability for corporations to continue with hazardous production methods, no matter the environmental repercussions, needs to be addressed with greater emphasis. No matter what happens at the consumer level, it’s becoming abundantly clear that corporations as well as national and state governments must lead the modern sustainability charge.
For our part, consumers can continue to eschew single-use plastics in favor of more sustainable options, and advocate for the widespread use of alternative, clean energy sources. But we must also increase our support of corporations that are doing their part to reduce the effects of climate change. By consciously supporting only those companies that are ethical, sustainable, and transparent, we may be able to drastically reduce carbon emissions and curb climate change before it’s too late.
Influencing Corporate Sustainability
Of course, seeking increased corporate responsibility in the realm of sustainability isn’t a new concept: In 2008, writer Ginger Strand published an exposé on the hypocrisy of the long-standing Keep America Beautiful campaign and the dangers of ever-increasing consumption. According to Strand, America’s obsession with prolific consumption began at the close of World War II, and “consumer spending increased by 60 percent” during the first five years of peace. Our modern capitalistic system (as well as the idea of the “American dream”) essentially spawned from this postwar consumer spending.
Unfortunately, the tradition of consumer spending has continued into modern times, and is essentially out of control. But despite its inherent pitfalls, capitalism isn’t all bad. More and more, corporations are working to foster improved accountability and increase sustainability initiatives. The philosophy of conscious capitalism may just be the future of consumerism.
The conscious capitalism model views the natural environment as a silent stakeholder that cannot advocate for itself yet still has a voice in the decision-making process. Northeastern University reports that the practice of conscious capitalism offers numerous benefits to a business, in addition to a positive environmental impact. Conscious capitalism can help fuel enhanced stakeholder loyalty and greater satisfaction among employees and customers alike.
Making Changes at the Corporate Level
The good news is that numerous companies around the world are practicing conscious capitalism, and doing their part to help combat climate change. Southwest Airlines, for example, attributes equal value to people, planet, and profits. And on the alternative energy front, corporate clean energy buying surged to new heights in 2018. Across the world, about 13.4GW of clean energy contracts were signed by 121 corporations, 60% of which were located in the U.S.
In some ways, consumers have it easier than corporations when it comes to saving energy. At home, we can help cultivate a greener world and save energy by beefing up our insulation, adjusting our water heater’s thermostat, and unplugging unused devices that are acting as energy vampires. But these types of small changes must be significantly magnified at the corporate level to make a real difference on a grander scale.
The good news is that saving energy and purchasing clean power are just the beginning in a landscape of almost infinite possibilities for green corporations. Providing quality, long-lasting products in lieu of disposable items can make a big difference in reducing waste and energy from manufacturing processes.
Product Manufacturing: Quality Over Quantity
One unfortunate side effect of a free market economy is that many people are willing to sacrifice product quality in exchange for a lower price tag. Yet the majority of inexpensive items, from clothing to housewares, furniture, and beyond, aren’t made to last. Unfortunately, cheaply made items quickly end up in landfills, creating a vicious cycle of consume-waste-consume.
On the bright side, many companies are working to end the consumer waste cycle using creating green technology and sustainable, high-quality materials. And sustainable manufacturing methods aren’t confined to small products like toys and clothing. Even methods of transportation are increasingly constructed using green technology, from electrical scooters to cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles.
In terms of RVs, common structural problems in older models include mildew, mold, and rot. This type of damage is costly to replace, but it’s also harmful to the environment. To combat these issues, the forward-thinking company EverGreen RVs has begun to use ComposiTek in the manufacturing process. The material resists moisture and weighs up to 20% less than traditional plywood. And less weight equates to less fuel consumption, further compounding the environmental benefits of the ComposiTek material.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, however, no matter the type of sustainable material used or amount of clean energy credits purchased, honesty is the true influence towards working to eliminate climate change. Corporations need to be completely honest about their part in the current global environmental crisis, and take responsibility for their contributions to climate change. Further, corporations must then take action, by practicing conscious capitalism and searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, thus fostering a healthier planet for all consumers.
