The Business Case for Sustainability - Reflection/Research

Business sustainability is definitely an important factor in determining a business's success. However, some people may not be aware of the behind-the-scenes. The leading businesses of this world have gained their reputation through their great products/services, but they're successful because they identified problems and actually made strong efforts to solve them. As customers, we acknowledge those companies who take initiative in providing the best for everyone (people, environment), and continue to purchase their services. That's what separates great businesses from the good ones and the bad ones.

In 2009, McDonalds started a program called "The Road to Sustainability." They have taken steps towards lessening their environmental impact. For example, they recycle leftover cooking oils, and use biodiesel for their delivery trucks. 81% of their packaging is made from renewable materials, and 31% of that comes from recycled fiber. They are also working with Greenpeace in an attempt to stop illegal deforestation. And in 2001, they launched the "Sustainable Fisheries Program" with Conversation International.

When customers purchase food from McDonalds, it shows that they support the efforts the company is making. This is why McDonalds has a great reputation in the fast-food industry, because they show that they care. If McDonalds had not done anything in helping the environment, I doubt that their profits would be as great.

Link (video): The Road to Sustainability - McDonalds

The Corporation - Reflection

Despite the bias in the documentary, some of its points definitely made sense to me. A corporation is considered a "legal person" with legal rights. However, those rights don't include treating the public well or fairly. Pollution, toxic waste, animal cruelty, human rights, all of these are subjects that corporations need to attend to. Corporations can't deny that they aren't polluting because the evidence is in the environment. Certain species of animals are nearing extinction, and rivers are murky and dirty. Also, there was a part where the film creator was talking to the founder of Nike, and he was shocked to discover that the founder of his own company hasn't set foot in one of his own factories (in Indonesia), where the average worker is paid less than half a dollar, to work in less than ideal conditions, to make items sold for hundreds times more.

Are corporations honestly unaware, or are they feigning ignorance?

If a corporation is considered a legal person, I believe it must also have legal responsibilities to other members of society, and not just the shareholders of the corporation.