Who’s Doing Well by Doing Good

04/11/07

Earth Day is approaching fast. The environmental issues like Global Warming are looming and consumers around the globe are really concerning about this blue planet that if nothing is done very soon to deal with this imminent problem, everyone will be in the great jeopardy. Big corporations seem to understand the risk, consumers’ concern and see the vast business opportunity so they are changing the way they do business.

These are some do goody corporation in each area of business according to Business Week.

Toyota- The maker of the top-selling Prius hybrid leads in developing efficient gas- electric vehicles.

Nokia- Makes phones for handicapped and low-income consumers. A leader in phasing out toxic materials.

Dell- Among the first U.S. PC makers to take hardware back from consumers and recycle it for free.

HSBC- Lending guidelines for forestry, freshwater, and chemical sectors in social, ecological risks.

Matsushita Electric- State-of-the-art green products. Eliminated 96% of the most toxic substances in its global operations.

GlaxoSmithKline- One of few big phamas to devote R&D to malaria and TB. First to offer AIDS drugs at cost.

Mark & Spencer- Buys local products to cut transit costs and fuel use. Good wages and benefits help retain staff.

Dow Chemical- Its Styrofoam helps insulate a Habitat for Humanity house.

To survive in this dynamic change of business and consumers’ awareness of environmental issue and social justice, those companies are showing the world community that they care. So this is a good sign for our better future and of course there are much more they can do to help improve this world.

I guess this trend reinforce my belief that the ultimate power is in our hands who are consumers, stock holders, stake holders, constituents and world citizen. So what can we do as someone who are holding the supreme weapon of purchasing power? Just support any companies that are concerning about the health of humanity and planet and punish those greedy ones that are abusing our environment.

One person might be too tiny to be noticed but millions of people together, we can change the way corporations doing business.

Tae Athikomvittaya