Letting Nothing Go To Waste

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12137680

As the population worldwide increases, our natural resources continue to decrease. Some resources, such as fossil fuels, will never regenerate and slowly this reality seems to be sinking in across the globe. In the future, using alternative forms of energy and fuel won’t be a decision we can make, it will be a reality we will live. Perhaps not in my lifetime, or the lifetime of my children, but at some stage in the future, reliance on energy not harnessed from fossil fuels will be our reality.

Jernhusen, a real estate company in Sweden is taking a unique approach to lowering dependency on non-renewable resources by taking advantage of something we take for granted: body heat.

"There are about 250,000 people a day who pass through Stockholm Central Station. They in themselves generate a bit of heat.” ~ Klas Johnasson, head of Jernhusen’s environmental division.

The excess heat, which otherwise would likely be vented outdoors, is converted into hot water which is then directed to a nearby office building where it is used as a heat source.

If this same practice could be applied elsewhere, not only could businesses reduce their ecological footprints, but they could save a lot of money. Money that perhaps could be donated to charitable organizations (thus netting the company a tax break, making it a win/win proposition).

Until gas prices rise considerably or fossil fuel supplies dwindle significantly, it is unlikely that we will see innovations such as this in North America, but as emerging business people, my generation has the power to lay the foundation for new ideas such as this to become a reality.


By: Jon Craven

Sustainability : Lets Get Educated!

We all know how important it is to practice sustainable initiatives on a business level, but how do we ensure that the future business men and women are aware of how to build their company to have less of an ecological footprint?

Many people believe that educating the youth in secondary school is where this lesson should begin, and I agree with them. It is very important that once you’re finished secondary school, the voyage to partake in a sustainable lifestyle should not be over.

Post Secondary Institutions are realizing that they can center full courses on the idea of sustainability as well as build facilities that are eco-friendly.

Sustainability is a hot topic in colleges and universities. Schools are now incorporating sustainability plans into every decision that is made. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leader in post secondary institutions that are making the move to be more sustainable. UBC has made it apparent that they want to be the leader in sustainability in Canada and are now putting their money where their mouth is.

“The Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) will be the most innovative and high performance building in North America, serving as a living laboratory to demonstrate leading-edge research and develop sustainable design practices, products, systems and policies.” (1) Even the structural building has been centred around sustainability. Materials have been made to be eco friendly which in turn will reduce the emissions from the building. The building will also reduce energy use and water use. UBC is setting themselves up to be seen as a worldwide leader in sustainability. The immaculate building will be self reliant. CIRS will rely on natural resources such as the sun to heat its facility, the wind to power the lights and the ground that it sits on to produce energy. How cool is that!?

Check Out this Video! : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3WwTmkEXr0

More Information at:

(1) http://www.sustain.ubc.ca/hubs/cirs/about-cirs




Fleming steps up!

Fleming College is known for many things, one of which is its sustainability initiatives set forth by our Lindsay campus “Frost”. Frost campus is known for having more outdoors programs that centre around maintaining the environment and natural resources. They are also known for their FSCI (Frost Sustainable Campus Initiative). This initiative is empowering students to be the agents for change; not just in the school, but in the community.

Notable accomplishments of FSCI to date:

 Hired a permanent Sustainability Coordinator

 Banned the sale of Bottled Water at Frost starting on Earth Day 2011
 Implemented a pilot scale Re-useable to-Go Program which has replaced throw-away wares in our cafeteria with the re-useable wares.

 Opened instructional and sustainable research platforms such as the “Green Roof”, “The Living Wall”, and “The Butterfly Garden”

 Instructional Community Garden, with partnership from YWCA.

This campus has shown that change does not start with just the staff; it has to encompass the students as well. Frost was the first campus to step up efforts to make Fleming College more sustainable. Sutherland campus is now in a catch up mode, but we are on the right track. In Fleming’s strategic plan (2010-2015), they have stated that “leading in sustainability” is one of their top priorities. What this does for the school is raises our profile and makes us stand out. It creates more awareness as to what were all about and brings more students to Fleming College.

Sutherland is currently undertaking major assessments as to how we can be more sustainable. We are exploring all possible avenues to ensure that our carbon footprint is reduced, and that we are seen as a premier institute when it comes to Sustainability. Sustainability is finally being embraced; it’s the hottest topic out there. Let’s not let it fall by the wayside. At this point in time, we need to get the word out and be proud that we have Frost campus doing an excellent job in reducing its impact on society and the environment. Let’s look to the future and see that we can all make a difference. We can promote change in a good way, a way that will only benefit future generations.

More Information at:
http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.cfm/go/fleming/sub/fsci.cfm

By: Cameron Bradley

Are You Fracking Serious?

Hydraulic Fracturing better known as Fracking, is a natural gas extraction method that has swept our nation in the latest exploit for fossil fuel. The extraction process requires drilling some eight thousand feet into the earths platel shale’s to create seismic activity. During Fracking, drillers pump millions of litres of water mixed with chemicals and sand under high pressure into horizontal wells.

The extensive amount of water required to operate a single Frack extraction has the potential to create a very real water famine, in the near future. Once water has been used for Fracking purposes it is considered as contaminated material. Hydraulic Fracking companies have been known to strategically operate near water systems to exploit the environment, and lower costs from having to actually purchase water. What’s even more disturbing is the threat natural gas Fracking has on contaminating natural waterbeds and river systems.

The chemicals involved in fracturing have been held as proprietary trade secrets. Each company pumps their own lethal cocktail into the earth “contaminating essential life support systems - water, air, and soil- causing harm to the health of humans, wildlife, domestic animals, and vegetation” (Chemicals in Natural Gas Operations). Fracking chemical contamination has been directly linked to cancer and other serious life threatening diseases. MD Amy Freeth Antoinette Kuzminski, researched only one well and found severe health dangers from Fracking chemicals that include neurotoxins, skin irritants, carcinogens, sensitizers, and endocrine/hormone disruptors. In her study of a Wyoming well only 7 percent of the chemicals used in the Fracking operation were disclosed freely. “Her study provides a glimpse at the pattern(s) of possible health hazards posed by the chemicals being used. There are hundreds of products in current use, the components of which are, in many cases, unavailable for public scrutiny” (Chemicals in Natural Gas Operations). For more information on this study check out: http://www.endocrinedisruption.com/home.php
People living near natural gas Fracking operations have experienced sever water contamination. In some cases the water supply is not only toxic, but also flammable. Regular everyday people have been exploited by Fracking operations time and time again; and no one has been able to hold the multi-billion dollar industry accountable.

Gasland in my opinion one of the most moving documentary films I have ever witnessed explores the externalities involved in natural gas extraction. I implore anyone reading this blog to watch this documentary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0fAsFQsFAs

And as there are always two sides to a story, you can also watch the corporate response to Gasland at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1W8MnveFq8
I have vigorously researched the Fracking epidemic and in my personal opinion, I feel that the statements made in this PSA have no real validation. There have been thousands of outside studies proving the very real health concerns related to Fracking. These studies completely contradict this big business sponsored PSA. But I do feel it is worth looking into as it’s exactly the kind of green spin we need to look out for in the fight for sustainability.

-Hillary Flood

Green Management: Principles and Examples

I read an article about green management. In this article it studied 34 business in 20 different industries. It focused on 20 sustainability managers and how they all had the same common 10 principles.

Principle 1: Manager should establish their company's green values.

This principle mainly focused on companies and individuals who ran the companies values. Many ideas were implemented because of management core values. Many of them had mental models (their background; how they grew up, what they were educated in or even how they saw themselves in society). In addition these companies also had their own set of core values by their mission and action plans to help improve the environment. Companies are starting to understand that the environment is a key stakeholder in their company.

Principle 2: Managers should formulate and execute green goals.

Many companies are now becoming more environmentally friendly. They are setting goals to reduce their carbon footprint. They are planning on how to make their company's operation, products, and services more green. Some goals that have been taken into effect are, installing energy/water saving devices, renovating to LEED standard, buying products locally.

Principle 3: Managers should establish sustainability metric to ensure compliance.

Sustainability managers need to understand how to measure their progress towards their goals. They also need to understand what needs to be measured and how to measure it. Companies need to look at their product life cycle and assess their environment impact that the product has from birth to death. In addition they need to decide what can be measured and devise ways to reduce the impacts.

Principle 4: Managers should make the business case to go green.

Look at things from a cost effective perspective, install solar panels, make white roofs to keep buildings cooler. Doing so can help the business market share grow.

Principle 5: Managers should overcome resistance to change.

A strong leader can show a good example. It is a hard task to change everyone right away because you have to change their beliefs, behavior and attitudes. Influence the individuals by educating them on these procedures. Lead by example and start small. Every little bit helps.

Principle 6: Managers should reinforce sustainability practices and values within the organization.

Train employees and empower them. Let them know by reducing the lighting during daylight that they helped the company save money. Ask them for their opinion and ideas on how to be more sustainable.

Principle 7: Managers should seek buy-ins from suppliers.

Picking a supplier based on their core values as a company. Use your market power to influence your suppliers.

Principle 8: Managers should engage with customers and competitors.

Companies can get customers involved by engaging them with incentives to recycle. In addition companies can help educated the public by showing them what other life style choices there are. They can have commercials or interactive websites to help educate and train their consumers. Working with a competitor can help set industry standards and goals.

Principle 9: Managers should engage with NGOs, regulators and the general public.

Working with Non-Government Organizations such as World Wildlife Foundation can help reach strategies to solve environment issues. Working with regulators can ensure that the company is not only up to and beyond regulations but help influence future regulations. Working with the general public to help educate them and set up incentives for recycling programs that can contribute back to the community.

Principle 10: Managers should stay visible.

Sustainability managers are the face of the company's green committee. It is important for them to stay present. By creating a network with other similar companies, trade shows, speeches etc, it keeps their company's name out there with respect to sustainability.

In conclusion, all of these principles are small things that all of us can apply not only to our current or future careers but also to our lifestyle.

http://fandm.academia.edu/NancyKurland/Papers/207989/Green_Management_Principles_and_Examples

Mitisha Spaans

“Greenwashing” Corporation’s Dirty Little Secret

The new wave of eco friendly products has invaded our shelves with a green commitment to the environment. But has this movement induced sustainability in the corporate world, or is it all calculated smoke and mirrors?

Most claims of green practices are made without any outside research or proof. Product labels have been the biggest culprit for greenwashing. It seems that while our society has moved in a green direction; clever PR strategists’ have been working tirelessly to manipulate our green perception.

We, as the public have been taken advantage of left, right, and centre by Green PR campaigns without even realizing it. Green has become the new grey; and unless you’re an environmentalist, it is almost impossible to know the difference between a legitimate green product and a cleverly placed green label. An example of this is the ever so vague eco-friendly label. People purchase eco-friendly products to feel as if they have made a conscious decision. But how can a friendship be measured or even scientifically validated?

My personal favourite in green spin, would be the completely unrelated claim. How would an average consumer know the implications or relevance of a label that states it no longer uses chemical “XY” in their product? Corporations are banking on the appeal of being green, regardless if chemical “XY” has been banned since the sixties; the label implies that it’s a healthy change and consumers are buying it without question.

TerraChoice Environmental Marketing group has been battling the greenwash epidemic by creating a standard framework for green products to be validated on. This outline was ingeniously titled “The Six Sins of Greenwashing”. In order for a product to be considered ‘Sin-Free’, it must not breach any of the following sins:

1. Sin of the Hidden Trade-Off

2. Sin of No Proof

3. Sin of Vagueness

4. Sin of Irrelevance

5. Sin of Fibbing

6. Sin of the Lesser of Two Evils

For more information on what ‘Greenwashing Sins’ entail visit: http://www.terrachoice.com/files/6_sins.pdf

Our market has been completely saturated with illegitimate green products and practices. TerraChoice studies found that 95% of green products had misleading claims. The 2010 study was conducted based on the Competition Act of Canada, ISO 14021 Standards for Environmental Labelling, and the ‘6 Sins of Greenwashing’ framework. The full details of this report can be found at: http://www.terrachoice.com/files/TerraChoice%202010%20Sins%20of%20Greenwashing%20Release%20-%20Oct%2026%202010%20-%20ENG.pdf

There is just so much Greenwashing out there; the number of offenders involved is plain startling. The environmental stakes are too high for us to just ignore this issue. Today’s consumption levels have put a lot of strain on the environment; and radical standards are what we need to start adapting in order for this green movement to make any difference. I’m not saying I have a solution to the greenwashing pandemic, and I by no means claim to- but we need to protect our consumers with a universal labelling system.

The question remains whether or not this corporate green movement will jump on the TerraChoice bandwagon or if we as consumers will simply continue to blindly buy into green spin without any validation?

Side Note:

I’ve posted a YouTube video of a Canadian PSA parody on corporate sustainability. The video is stock filled with sarcasm and definitly good for a laugh. I also attached a live feed of Scott McDougall President of TerraChoice speaking on the ‘Six Sins of Greenwashing’. This guy has so much passion, and a true gift for public speaking. It’s well worth a few minutes of your life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLIbIdgrIaE-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnh1Y06DGCs&feature=related

-Hillary Flood

Growing Globally with Export Development Canada

http://www.edc.ca/english/docs/growing_globally_e.pdf

With all this talk of corporations only existing to maximize profits, it’s hard to believe that there are corporations out there who’s focus is the opposite. This is an article I was given for my Market Assessment and Export Management class about Export Development Canada. EDC is an example of a corporation that “conducts all aspects of its business in a socially responsible and environmentally sound manner.”

EDC Background Information:
- serves 8,300 customers
- facilitates $86 billion in global trade
- operates in 200 markets
- serves 30% of Canada’s trade in emerging markets
- employs 1,100 people across Canada and around the world

EDC has been able to expand Canada’s global trade by helping companies manage and reduce risks, export and invest globally. Since EDC reports to the Government of Canada, there are limitations and rules to abide by, this is why they are successful. It’s true that EDC is a corporation that will help your company increase profits, for the better of your company and the goodwill of society. I bet you wouldn’t believe me if I told you 0% of their revenue generated was from externalities.

The difference with EDC and other corporations is EDC’s commitment to conduct socially responsible business practices. EDC’s goal is to exist and succeed for the greater good of everyone. To create and maintain long-term jobs, promote research and future development and help smaller companies grow and penetrate upcoming market opportunities.

If there were more corporations like EDC, would we be any closer to that insurmountable, unattainable, peek of sustainability? I think so. If corporations can work together and seek opportunities to create wealth not just for our economy, but the global economy; we’d be closer to attaining it.

By: Cait Kelly

CTV – W5: Cheap Smokes Floor Canadian Cities

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/WFive/20110128/w5-illegal-cigarette-market-110129/

If you could operate a business that involved low risks and high profits, tobacco would be your commodity of choice. The government has lost $2 billion from the sale of contra-banned cigarettes from Native Reserves. Cigarettes sold illegally off the reserve go for $3 dollars a pack, vs. the in-store over the counter price of $10 dollars. Why wouldn’t consumers buy contra-banned? It seems ideal to pay less and get more. Teenagers have firsthand experience with buying cheap cigarettes and are persuaded to do so easily. No wonder teen smokers start young; there are no warning labels on the cartons sold from the reserve. Research shows that more than half of teen smokers have tried contra-banned cigarettes and they make up 30% of the cigarette market. Cheap cigarettes are easily accessible from convenience stores, online, and from vehicles.
How does the government plan to solve this epidemic of contra -banned cigarettes? Their solution is to legally license manufacturing plants on the reserves so that the cigarettes can be sold off the reserve legally. It’s bad enough that ½ men, and 1/3 women will have cancer at some point in their lives. How can you plan to increase the production of one of the largest commodities that will ultimately kill your consumer? That concept boggles my mind. But, it works. There is no substitute for an addiction like smoking, thus creating a virtually inelastic market.
The CEO for Grand River Enterprises stated “the tobacco industry has enhanced life.” He obviously doesn’t realize the industry he’s involved in. With that said; who will take the responsibility? Who will stand up for the health of our consumer and economy? There seems to be a barrier between the government and its issues with cultural sensitivity. The police can’t enforce laws because politicians don’t want to step on any toes and create problems. What does that say about our government system? Are they weak and powerless standing beside the corporation? The government complains that they’ve lost $2 billion dollars from the selling of contra-banned cigarettes, yet nothing’s been done. The biggest and more disturbing issue is that nothing will continue to be done until a partnership is formed between the government and reserve manufacturers and contra-banned cigarettes can be sold legally.

By: Cait Kelly

The Ugly Truth About Beauty

http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/

After watching the video posted above, "The Story of Cosmetics", I was totally shocked at the externalities we're facing with the products we use every day.

I've worked as a Cosmetician at Shoppers Drug Mart for the past 5 years and had no idea that there were such awful toxins in the products that I sell and promote every time I go to work. It was a real wake up call watching this video and hearing what Anne Leonard had to say about labeling laws on cosmetic products. It's hard to believe that there isn't more regulation in the industry. The fact that less than 20% of chemicals used in cosmetic products have been assessed for safety by the industry is completely irresponsible.

Cosmetic companies create these products, advertise the heck out of them on TV, using words like "natural" and "organic" and then we as consumers purchase these products and make a habit of using them every day; all the while having no idea about the amount of damage we're putting on our bodies. In a way it makes myself, as a consumer and a Cosmetician, feel kind of stupid. Since words such as "natural" and "herbal" are considered to have no legal definition in the industry, it means that any company can just throw those words on their label and we think we're doing good for our bodes when in fact, we're doing just the opposite. It just makes me feel blindsided because I read those words and automatically just believe them and think they're what they say they are.

In my opinion, as far as corporate social responsibility is concerned, there is a huge break in the cosmetic industry. These companies obviously aren't taking into account the consequences of their actions. Who pays for it? Us! The consumers who use these products day in and day out are the ones cleaning up the mess and doing damage on our bodies. It's completely careless of these companies. When producing these products and advertising them to us are they not asking themselves if it is socially and ethically responsible to use these harmful ingredients? It really makes cost benefit analysis look scary in my opinion. Obviously it costs less to produce cosmetic products when companies use chemicals versus ACTUAL natural and organic ingredients, not to mention the research that goes into it; so they don't consider the negative consequences and in the end, they spend less money producing these products, make more profit and go home happy.

Something needs to change. There needs to be more rules and regulations behind this kind of stuff. Bottom line is that it's unfair to consumers.

-Ashley Dolan

Corporate Social Responsibility Diversity Strategy

By: Paul Carter

http://www.nationalpost.com/Journey+being+great+place+work/3908745/story.html

Loblaws recently developed a formal corporate responsibility strategy that focuses on the company respecting the diverse nature of our country and ensuring that the all of its workers across the country enjoy their work and are happy with the company.
In regards to diversity Loblaws has implemented a council that focuses directly on how to recruit and engage individuals from diverse backgrounds and make them want to work for a company such as Loblaws. Another strategy they are implementing is to hire more women into senior management roles. So far this strategy has been effective in that they have hired more women in the role of store managers in their stores. They have set up a group for female employees to connect with one another via the internet and engage one another in support and professional development opportunities. Also discussed are hiring practices of recent post secondary graduates into various positions within the Loblaws brand.
In my opinion, the implementation of a diversity strategy into the company’s policies will not only make for a more satisfied and productive workforce, but it will also allow for the company to stay on the cutting edge of recent developments in Canadian culture. By constantly working on ways to keep employees happy will result in a much more satisfied and productive workforce. Also, finding ways to diversify their workforce will ensure that there are equal opportunity hiring occurring at all stores. By ensuring the hiring of a diverse workforce, Loblaws is keeping on the cutting edge of what is considered to be equal opportunity for everyone regardless of gender, ability or ethnicity.
Through the use of Corporate Social Responsibility procedures Loblaws is shaking up its workforce to ensure that the best individuals are considered for the job. Strategies are being implemented to take on individuals who in the past might not have been considered for a position and ensuring equal opportunities.
Loblaw’s is also working with various community non-profit organizations to promote hiring individuals with disabilities. This not only works to expand their workforce but also is good for their overall brand image. It is clear, based on this article, that Loblaws is moving in the right direction and adopting a strong sense of Corporate Social Responsibility illustrating that they as a company are willing to move forward and adopt practices that keep them on par with changes in Canadian culture.