A Study On Circular Economy

Companies are using environmentalism as a straw man for overconsumption. Coming straight out of writer Amy Westervelt’s article, “Can Recycling Be Bad for the Environment?”, Westervelt clearly sees through this ploy of emotional appeal, stating “American consumers

It can help companies to become environmentally friendly, since they aren’t travelling as much it reduces their

Creation of products that reduce energy usage, support sustainable forestry practice, promote cleaner water and less air pollution

The organization further strengthens its daily sustainable products procurement policy while improving its offer ecological service by adopting solutions in waste disposal and optimizing energy consumption: in just one year, Staples recycled over 63 million ink cartridges (only in the US). Moreover, the company has worked hard to develop over 8000 products with positive environmental characteristics. Staples understands that a successful business is not just about its turnover and profits. It must therefore ensure that all of its employees, suppliers and partners comply with ethical and environmental

The carmaker, which employs 15,000 people, including 3,500 engineers at two product development centres in the Midlands, is part of the EU ETS scheme and has signed up to a Climate Change Agreement. Head of sustainability Frances Leedham says One of my objectives is to make environment and sustainability part of doing business. It was unheard of a few years ago, but there is a clear incentive to decarbonise our economy and focus on renewable energy. Across our UK facilities we have set ambitious targets, and by 2012 we aim to reduce operating carbon emissions by 25 per cent, waste to landfill by 25 per cent and water consumption by 10 per cent. So crucial is the companys sustainability agenda to long-term business growth that a 9m fund has been set aside for investment in efficiency measures across the business, targeting areas where the biggest savings can be made. Jaguar Land Rovers paint shops, for example, have been identified as the largest consumer of energy in the whole manufacturing process. By sharing best practice between production sites, the company has implemented more than 50 initiatives-from optimising use of air compressors to closing parts of the paint shops when they are not being used. These measures have saved 13,200 tonnes of carbon emissions and more than 1.5m in energy costs over the past two years. But Leedham insists smaller schemes have a significant effect, too Things such as lighting, heating

No matter the company, the production of goods in any shape or form is bound to have both costs and benefits to its consumers, its workers and the environment. The widely used phrase ‘commodity chain’ describes process by which firms gathers resources, transforms them into goods (commodities) and, in the final step of the process, and distributes them to consumers (Sparke, 2013). In our age of technology and the ever reigning presence of the internet, commodity chains are becoming increasingly more transparent, just as transgressions of large multinational corporations are brought to the public’s attention much more frequently (Sinclair, 2012). To thoroughly explore the logistical side of commodity chains, this paper will be examining the example of Apple, the American multinational corporation headquartered in California, which designs, develops and distributes our Apple electronics - our iPhones, iPads, iPods, MacBooks, iMacs – as well as various online services and computer software (Apple Inc., 2014). When it comes to customer service, Apple is a bold innovator – very much leading the industry and forces others to catch up. To Apple’s credit, they have also set an incredibly high standard in their innovative energy-efficient electronic products (in fact, the most

“Going green” is the spread of knowledge and practicing environmentally and ecologically friendly habits. It is providing tips and ways to be involved in sustainable living. This concept uses the terms reduce, reuse, and recycle. Goodwill exploits these skills. Their business revolves around collecting unwanted things and selling it to be used again. Most people shop there not knowing that they are doing their part and recycling. Job training comes into play because they teach individuals in their community skills that also enhance the recycling process. They teach them how to analyze objects, repair them, and determine decent prices. This is an investment for not only their industry but in the economic health of their community. Goodwill teamed up with Dell to formulate the Reconnect program. Dell describes the program as a program that puts "technology and jobs back into the hands of those who need them most” (Johnson). The program started in 2004 and opened 250 jobs. Reconnect allows people to donate old computers, this donation helps allow “technology, education, training and career services” to people who need extra help” (Johnson). This program abstracted more that 96 million pounds of potential waste. Both Dell and Goodwill meet high standards for workplace and environmental

The industry can be very susceptible to environmental issues together with other manufacturers. With the advent of campaigns toward saving the environment and “going green”, the society is now more concerned with how the industry’s wastes and other by-products are being managed. Using recycled materials and recycling one’s wastes can affect the industry’s over-all image as an environmental advocate.

Kroger’s key strengths are strong ties to the communities they serve, diversity within and across the supply chain, and fostering innovation with food waste uses that both help their community as well as reduce overall carbon footprint. By involving their supply chain with food waste, Kroger expands its sphere of influence to ensure all biomaterial is reused, either to feed the hungry, livestock, or to reduce carbon footprint. Kroger’s engagement with small businesses also fosters a climate of innovation, along the full supply chain. Collaborating across the community and the supply chain bolsters Kroger’s ability to positively meet their zero waste goals while enlarging opportunities for small businesses, specifically minority and women owned business, via innovation in the supply chain. Kroger’s leadership in this are provides opportunities for all businesses in

The United States is economy is based on a consumption driven model. Corporate law has more to do with lining shareholder pockets than environmental protection. Externalities have become a byproduct of doing business in the United States. Perhaps this is why economics has become an environmental issue as well as a financial one. The release of greenhouse gasses into the environment is increasing. The environmental impact of electronic goods is negatively affecting our ecosystem. From water, to farming, to the amount of trash we dispose of our consumption continues to impact our environment in negative ways; in the not so distant future the damage could become irreversible. Recycling helps a great deal, but, the only reasonable path back to a sustainable way of life must, by necessity, include less consumption.

| * Johnlewis retailer of the year(11) * Produce less waste, conservewater,greener energy, reduce carbon emission(13)

Cooperated with partners and leaders in the field of supply chains and transport, the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Future of Logistics and Transportation started to conduct research on the supply chain. The report “Beyond Supply Chains Empowering Responsible Value Chains” analyses the impact that supply chain practices has brought to business, society and environment, and explores the issue how shared value can be made through better supply chain decisions. The report identifies “a set of 31 proven supply chain practices which provide companies with a blueprint of where they can gain both commercial and socio-environmental advantage (both environment and local economic development)—driving a triple advantage” (). In addition, the report “provides a framework for evaluating the potential value at stake behind each of these practices, and an implementation framework for

Increasingly globalized distribution systems present obstacles to promoting sustainability and justice in the distribution of goods. It is harder to track the location and conditions under which products are made and harder to hold decision makers accountable along the way.

The 20-minute video, “Story of Stuff,” by Annie Leonard was very interesting and shocking. It made me realize that the products we use in our everyday life are running low, and they should not be taken for granted. The economy of the world is in crisis and we cannot continue to run on a linear system, given that we live on a planet with limited resources. Many individuals are obsessed with consumerism, especially when it comes to new inventions of technology and new fashion trends. We are consuming products to the point where 1/3 of our resources are already used up with 30% of our waste being shipped to other areas of the world, such as China, which is talked about in the 5-minute video called “E-Waste Dumping in the Poor.” Corporations are

Amazon is the big online shopping conglomerate we know today, which is known for their presence in the online shopping scene. They started with Jeff Bezos’ leadership, growing to where they are today. Amazon is a powerful company, however it is not without its problems. The company’s problems regard its strategies with growth, compared to Patagonia, leading them towards unsustainable results (LMPGS). To bring forth my proposal, I will talk about the narrative of Amazon’s start. Also, the definition of sustainability and why it’s relevant to the proposal at hand. Thirdly, a counter-argument will be brought forth on a practice used by companies that counteract sustainability. The proposal to change practices, such as the waste of packages, and the communication with suppliers. Amazon could be made more sustainable by studying other, less growth-oriented companies.