Discussion Forum 6:
One of the assumptions of much of the analysis presented so far is that developed nations have either stable or increasingly eco-friendly patterns of consumption. This assumption, however, has demonstrated not to be a good one in modern boom-and-bust economies.
Choose two of the seven E's of sustainable production discussed in your reading assignment:
- "Environment covering the environmental impacts of the company’s activities applying a life cycle perspective on all its products, assuming responsibility all along the product chain, and also looking into the environmental justification of the products
- Empowerment addressing the involvement of all employees in the work for sustainability and the conscience of the potential contribution from everyone.
- Employment as a fundamental function of the company in society, creating the basis of an income and material welfare of the employees along the product chain and creating meaningful jobs contributing to the development and quality of life of the employees.
- Economy as a prerequisite for the sustainability of the company. The company must be able to justify its economic actions also ethically, but if it does not generate sufficient profit to the investors, it will not be sustainable in the traditional meaning of the word.
- Ethics covering the morals of the way the company operates. The ethics should be laid down in a clear code of conduct, and it is important that the company communicates in an open way about the economic, environmental and social impacts of its operations so stakeholders can judge it by its actions.
- Equity within the organization through equal rights to employees and equal remuneration for equal work. Outside its own organization, the company shall work for equity through its trade, paying a fair price for the amenities and services it buys.
- Education of employees, customers and other stakeholders is a means for the company to spread knowledge and instigate debate about sustainability."
And post a brief (approximately one page of text) discussion on how to apply these principles during an economic crisis.