¶ … Anderson's determination to forge a company that is profitable and environmentally- sustainable is admirable, and no doubt an example to other companies in his industry. A common sentiment is that it is impossible to be ethical in an environmental manner and still make a profit, particularly in industries that are not image-driven. The Body Shop and Starbucks cater to environmentally-concerned consumer demographics who may buy small luxury products based upon a product's 'green' image. However, most people buy carpet based upon price and appearance.
Interface is an example that a company can strive to have a low carbon footprint and still succeed. Other companies in the modern marketplace are following suit: "Wal-Mart, Nike and McDonalds are examples of large corporations attempting to enact sustainability efforts," such as using organic foods and observing ethical labor practices (Krishnaswamy 2010). "By adopting goals like zero waste to landfill and 100% sustainable sourcing, it becomes a more powerful way for these companies to claim leadership" (Krishnaswamy 2010). Anderson's example of leadership was different than the methods used by these popular companies. While Wal-Mart and Nike enacted reforms, based upon popular pressure to do so, Anderson did so of his own free will, before environmentalism became fashionable.
It is when environmentalism and consumer interests can be merged companies seem most successful. A good example of this is the Toyota Prius -- consumer flocked to this hybrid car because of the high cost of gasoline, and helped the environment in the process. "Companies that...
That could be a very good thing, both for shareholders and the planet" (Krosinsky 2011). This April, Prius sales surpassed passed 1 million, as gas prices continue to rise (Healey 2011).
References
Healey, James. (2011). Prius sales top 1M. USA Today. Retrieved:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2011-04-06-prius-tops-one-million-in-sales.htm
Krishnaswamy, Vignesh. (2011). Corporations veering toward
environmental sustainability.
The Duke Chronicle. Retrieved:
http://dukechronicle.com/article/corporations-veering-toward-environmental-sustainability
Krosinsky, Cary. (2011).How going green can make you rich. Daily Beast: Newsweek.
Retrieved: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2011/10/16/green-rankings-2011-what-investors-should-know.print.html
Second student
Of course, sustainability is important. However, there remain concerns (particularly in the
developing world) as to whether large-scale development and environmentalism are really compatible. It is important to remember that American companies are not the only polluters and developing nations may have less of a strong will to change than countries in the developed world. "By 2020, and probably earlier, China is also expected to replace the United States as the number one generator of global warming emissions...Indeed, although estimates vary, a study by Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency shows that China has already become the predominant source of carbon dioxide, the main global warming emission" (Goffman 2007). Even if the United States and corporations such as Interface enact reforms, there is a widespread distrust of the potential ability of environmentalism to 'pay off' in large dividends in many other nations. These countries would rather focus on expanding economic growth and then…
