“Environmentally friendly”: An idea or a commitment?

Added on: 01/08/2007
In: Environment

Over the last couple of years being ‘green’ has become a buzz word and even an advertising tool. Huge corporations have put tremendous effort and money in appearing socially aware; Starbucks on specific days sells Fair Trade coffee; British Airways have aimed to be carbon neutral; and hybrid cars have taken over America. Are these changes signs of greater awareness and integrity by big businesses or the drives of a PR spun machine?

It seems we are all on the global and microcosmic scale riddled with social irony. Some of us recycle, choosing green options yet purchase high energy Plasma TVs or drive excessively. Business corporations face a similar dichotomy balancing fascinating green innovations with unhealthy practices. For instance leading supermarket chains have been pioneering initiatives in packaging and fair trade, yet endorse destructive expansionist policies eradicating small business or rupturing green belts.

You may be left feeling ‘what’s the point’? Really, what is the point in scooping out the water in your boat with a colander? Like everything if the back door is bigger than the front door we will not see the necessary change we are hoping to achieve. Alternatively, we could be witnessing the first steps in a movement which will tighten up on businesses and bring corporations to greater accountability.

Whether you have hope or cynicism, the key point is to keep these issues on the table. MLS are keen to develop our social responsibility and have a company CSR Manager. If you have any interesting comments or issues you would like to discuss please contact info@ethosmls.co.uk