Are Developing Economies Really Benefitting from Large Companies?

Many people around the world still criticize large companies for doing more harm than good in emerging markets, accusing them of extracting wealth from poorer countries for the benefit of shareholders in developed nations. In the past, the focus has been on minimising the negative impacts of business. The emphasis is now shifting to how companies can be part of the solution to the big issues facing the world today. Three studies on Unilever’s operations in developing countries help us understand how companies have an impact on the local economy. …read more

Vermont Resort Cuts Carbon Footprint with ‘Cow Power'

The Equinox resort will eliminate about 212 metric tonnes of carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions through its partnership with the Central Vermont Public Service’s “Cow Power” program, which promotes the development of renewable energy in Vermont generated from cow manure. …read more

'We Must Reap the Benefits of Palm Oil, but Manage the Environmental Costs', says Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for the Environment

We all like to think we have the power to make our own ethical choices when we shop; that our personal decision to buy Fairtrade or free-range will make a difference. But what if we don't have that choice? What if, regardless of our best intentions, we are not given the option to choose sustainably? …read more

Industry-Wide Eco Index Will Rate Apparel on Sustainability

Judging by the recent actions of companies like Walmart and Samsung, sustainability indexes (aka green supply chain rating systems) are the next big thing in corporate social responsibility. So it isn't all that surprising that a group of 100 retailers and apparel brands are joining together to form an industry-wide Eco Index--a software-based tool that allows companies to track product impacts through a series of questions on labor and environmental efforts …read more