For this assignment I have chosen the company Apple. Apple is one the most common phone brand that everyone is using these days .

Apple Inc. as an exemplary case. Currently, Apple is deeply entrenched in numerous initiatives that focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community impact.

Their CSR endeavors encompass a range of critical areas. Apple has been fervently committed to achieving carbon neutrality not only within its corporate operations but across the entire supply chain. The company’s transition to renewable energy for its facilities and partners, coupled with innovation in reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing, packaging, and transportation, reflects their ambitious environmental goals.

Apple has made significant strides in their supply chain sustainability efforts. They’re actively working to ensure that the minerals used in their products are sourced ethically and responsibly. Their Supplier Responsibility Progress Report highlights their commitment to the fair treatment of workers, responsible sourcing of materials, and fostering a safe working environment throughout their supply chain network.

Furthermore, the company actively engages in recycling initiatives, promoting the refurbishment and recycling of their products to reduce electronic waste. The “Apple GiveBack” program and their emphasis on designing products with recyclability in mind are steps towards a circular economy.

Apple’s CSR strategies also extend to social initiatives. They invest in educational programs, like the “Everyone Can Code” and “Everyone Can Create” initiatives, to equip individuals, especially underrepresented communities, with technological skills. Their support for renewable energy projects, community development, and health-related programs further solidifies their commitment to social welfare.

Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within their workforce is another area of focus. Apple has been working to increase diversity at all levels of the company and support initiatives that promote a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

This concise glimpse only touches on the depth of Apple’s comprehensive CSR endeavors. Their firm commitment to sustainability and social responsibility intricately weaves through their corporate strategies, impacting everything from product design to global supply chain management. Apple’s approach demonstrates how a major corporation can leverage its influence to drive positive change and establish standards for the entire industry.

For the past 2 months I have been consistently going to the gym because I wanted to get more active. I chose Planet Fitness as the gym that I would be going to, so I got a membership there. Planet Fitness, which was founded in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, has become one of the largest and fastest growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States. The main goal of theirs to enhance people’s lives by providing an affordable, high quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. This organization is taking action with regard to corporate social responsibility, as they pursue sustainable business practices.

The Judgement Free Generation is Planet Fitness’ signature initiative to promote kindness and acceptance among today’s youth in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It provides youth with access to the opportunities and tools needed to reach their potential and advance their social, emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Planet Fitness launched the Judgement Free Generation scholarship program in 2017 to recognize and reward youth who are actively promoting kindness and inclusion in their communities. Since then, they have reached 180 youth with scholarships worth $5,000 each, helping to ease the financial burden of secondary education. Planet Fitness has constructed customized versions of the Judgement Free Zones for Boys & Girls Clubs across the country that meet youth where they are and provide access to safe, welcoming spaces where they can start to build healthy habits through fitness. Planet Fitness has focused their funding on supporting trauma-informed care training for staff, a 6-month, evidence-based training that equips staff to better understand the impacts trauma can have on teens’ own wellbeing as well as their relationships and interactions with others. To help extend judgement free culture, they empower local Boys & Girls Clubs to spread kindness within their own communities through Community Kindness Grants, which fund local service projects, created and executed by local youth. Planet Fitness employs strict safety protocols to safeguard team members and members while in the clubs. They uphold their standards through mandatory team member trainings on Planet Fitness University, their online training program. Health and safety requirements have been included in their Code of Ethics.

Reducing environmental footprint is vital to the business. Their strategy is led by cross-functional environmental working groups consisting of team members from their operations, construction, facilities, vendor management and corporate responsibility teams, with oversight from senior leadership. Within the operations, their biggest opportunities for reducing impact are through resource efficiency, including water and energy, as well as responsible waste management and recycling measures. Each year, they work with outside consultants to measure and report energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste across corporate headquarters and corporate clubs.

Practices that I would recommend for Planet Fitness to pursue are using their social media accounts and local advertising, so customers can see all the initiatives that the gym has taken to better the environment. This can help attract more members because you are being transparent about your efforts, which can build trust. It is important to build a strong relationship with customers.

Apple is a globally recognized tech giant, a company with a noticeable impact, even in third-world countries. Over the past decade, Apple has quadrupled in annual revenue, this shows its major influence on the world’s technology. The sleek, minimalistic, and user-friendly design consistently displayed in Apple’s products and websites has garnered them a devoted following. Their products, whether it be iPhones, MacBooks, or AirPods, maintain this theme consistently, this keeps both their loyal customer base and newcomers who are unfamiliar with technology.

However, beneath Apple’s iconic products and global influence lies a big concern, how do they ensure that the resources used to create these products are sourced ethically? This question leads us to look into Apple’s corporate social responsibility efforts and ethical values, examining how they address these concerns and what further steps they could take to create a more ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable business. In this paper, I will explore Apple’s history of unethical supply of resources, and what they are doing to combat it.

When examining Apple’s social responsibility efforts, it’s clear that the company places a strong emphasis on ethical practices, particularly in their supply chain. On their official website, under the section titled ‘Apple Values,’ a dedicated page highlights their ‘Supplier Responsibility.’ This page emphasizes Apple’s commitment to creating safer and more advanced facilities for their suppliers. It is clear that Apple actively enforces its dedication to combatting unsafe and unethical practices in its supply chain.

However, one may wonder whether Apple’s commitment to these values has always been as strong or if it has been influenced by external criticism. In the spring of this year 2023, I had seen many social media reports that drew attention to Apple’s cobalt sourcing practices, a major component in their batteries. Accusations of Apple fueling child labor and slavery in cobalt mining gained momentum across various social media platforms. This became a significant concern, as “more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)”. I decided to look more deeply into this only to find out that up to 30% of this cobalt was sourced from artisanal and small-scale miners. Artisanal mining of cobalt is known to be toxic and poses substantial safety hazards. The alarming reports prompted numerous lawsuits filed by Congolese families, alleging that their children were harmed or killed while mining for cobalt.

The controversy surrounding Apple’s cobalt sourcing raised serious ethical and social responsibility questions. Consumers worldwide expressed their concern to supporting a company associated with child labor and unsafe working conditions. In response to these concerns, Apple took several steps to address the issue and improve their supply chain practices. In April 13, 2023 Apple’s vice president came out to announce “Our ambition to one day use 100 percent recycled and renewable materials in our products works hand in hand with Apple 2030: our goal to achieve carbon neutral products by 2030,” This quick response to action shows apple strives to keep their consumers happy, noticeable change occurred as well as “ A quarter of all cobalt used in Apple products came from recycled material in 2022, up from 13% a year earlier”

While Apple has made notable improvements in addressing concerns related to their supply chain, there is still room for improvement. To ensure a more ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable business, Apple could consider the following recommendations. Routinely checking detailed information about the sourcing of hazardous materials and regularly examining their suppliers to ensure they are up to par with their ethical and safety standards. Another major recommendation I think will greatly benefit Apple in the future is investing in safe supply chains or actively supporting artisanal miners into getting better equipment and safety gear. I believe this can greatly improve conditions in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In conclusion, Apple, as a tech giant, carries a great responsibility not only in the products they deliver but also in the ethical and social responsibility they uphold. While the company has made significant efforts to address concerns regarding the ethics of their supply chain, recent controversies have shown that they still have a lot of work to do. The reports of unethical cobalt sourcing and the quick response by Apple demonstrate both the potential for positive change and the importance of staying on top of everything in corporate social responsibility. By actively staying on top of supply sources, investing in ethical sourcing, and educating consumers, Apple can continue to evolve into a example of ethical business practices in the modern world.

The consumer base, especially in a world that increasingly values ethics and sustainability, can act as a main factor for companies like Apple to prioritize ethical practices and sustainable business. As technology advances, so should the commitment to making the world a better place.

Sources: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11969607/Apple-use-100-recycled-cobalt-2025-accused-using-child-labor-mine.html

: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/dec/16/apple-and-google-named-in-us-lawsuit-over-congolese-child-cobalt-mining-deaths

: https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/

Keilyn Navarrete

Prof. Buckley

MAR 100 B050

11/05/2023

                         In this assignment I chose the company Sephora due to the passion I have for cosmetology. Sephora is a cosmetics company that focuses on beauty and sells a variety of cosmetics; It operates over 2,700 stores around 35 countries worldwide. Sephora’s mission is to make a person feel beautiful no matter their culture, race, religion etc. ; it includes diversity. Sephora’s 3 main responsibilities are to preserve the planet by bringing in and including more and more plants based cosmetics,  to serve their community which is to be diverse therefore,  connecting to the third responsibility which is to be diverse and to make everyone feel confident and beautiful which is overall, to be the best versions of themselves. Many people have the idea that Sephora is just related to makeup. However Sephora has 4 CSR programs connected to them which are: Employee giving/assistance, community outreach, environmental outreach, environmental action. For example Sephora’s headquarters, distribution centers, and stores are powered by 100% renewable energy and have been a EPA green power partner for the last seven years, and have also added energy managing systems, showing their strong support for the environment and preserving the planet. While holding a strong support for the environment to help the community, Sephora’s message is to also build inclusive environments for employees and costumers to make them feel beautiful and confident which is their ethical morals.

                    Although mainly all Sephora stores offer costumer service and assistance to satisfy the costumer’s experience, in some regions Sephora has limited service leading to different costumer experiences , which needs improvement to make all costumers feel the same experience every costumer should feel, connecting to their ethical mission. Overall Sephora stores success  have grown by including more diversity than before creating a trustful and comforting  environment for everyone. If Sephora improves in a worldwide costumer service experience it’s success can grow more, accomplishing their ethical goals.

Nike is one of the leading companies in CSR (corporate social responsibility). Since the 90s when Nike got put on the spotlight for poor working conditions in Indonesia, they have worked hard towards a good name for themselves.  By 2005  they published a list of factories with pay wages and working conditions in a detailed report. In the past few years Nike has achieved so much in tackling many ethical workplace and CSR issues.

Nike has made emphasis on Black Lives Matter, woman rights, woman in sports, working with kids, climate change, and etc. They are using advertising to speak on social and ethical issues. Which is what people want. Right now they are really big on putting woman in the spotlight and showing them of importance especially in sport. Nike has become extremely diverse with their customers and are setting themselves up for customer loyalty success. They are also always working towards equal pay for woman to men and also ethnic groups to whites. Also in workplace positioning, making sure the under-represented are being represented and seen.

With Nike being a big athletic brand CEO John Donahoe correlates the fact that their athletes experience climate change first hand through heat exhaustion. This causes even more of a swift change in business to evolve into something better for the planet. They put programs in effect throughout communities to help kids stay active and training coaches through NIKE supported- programming. Also once agin putting emphasis on recruiting more female coaches. Creating a save space for girls and creating a girl- inclusive culture in places like the U.S. Olympics.

Nike had a goal to achieve 100% renewable energy in their owned or operated facilities by 2025 and were able to achieve that in 2019 across North America. They have Also worked towards footwear waste ending up in landfills and in exchange recycled or turned waste into energy. Using more sustainable materials like plastic bottles being turned into polyester for jerseys and other for both apparel and footwear. NIKE Grind programme is one that participates in repurposing waste and materials in to recycle good like footwear apparel, even playgrounds, basketball courts, buttons, etc. Pretty damn amazing. I even own a pair of NIKE sneakers named Space Hippie and in the box it says “trash transformed”. Also NIKE will take back your shoes when your done with them to be recycled.

Another thing Nike participates in is the OHSU Foundation.They been in partnership since 2004, Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s Doernbecher Freestyle program. How it works is a patient will help design footwear or apparel and then when a consumer buys proceeds go to the hospital. They have raised more than $33 million since they started and the hospital receives 100% profits. My boyfriend actually owns a pair and I love the purpose behind it. It not only helps the hospital but it allows those children to creative freedom and tell their story.

In my honest opinion i think NIKE is doing everything right and should continue to do what they are doing. Stay in the known and always look for what the customers want and deliver. Keep putting a spotlight on major issues some companies can shy away from and set themselves apart from the majority. Putting kids, woman, climate change, etc. on a pedestal to actually make and hopefully see a change. Keep using celebrities and athletes who actually stand in something they believe in, like when they used Colin Kapernick for #BlackLivesMatter. Also keep working towards equality in the workplace amongst women and men, and the minority. NIKE is on the right path and just like their motto “JUST DO IT” they sure are!

Michael Rodriguez

For this assignment I chose a company that in this day and age almost everyone owns at least one product from. The massive technology company Apple Inc. has demonstrated a growing commitment in recent years to corporate social responsibility and to sustainable business practices. The company is aware of the impacts it has on a number of global issues like rights for workers, fair trade and the protection of the environment. These are things Apple is currently working on to better CSR and sustainable Business Practices.

First Apple is investing in renewable energy to power the company’s operations. The company have made significant progress in recent years in using clean energy in its corporate offices, retail stores, and centers. Apple have been in works with suppliers to assist with their switch to renewable energy sources. Overall the company’s dedication to renewable energy has lessened its impact on the environment. Another step Apple has taken is in its products, they have been making changes to help extend product lifecycle and they have lowered usage of hazardous materials and improved the energy efficiency of devices. These changes the company has been making is better for the environment and is a step in the right direction toward cutting down on electrical waste. Lastly Apple is dedicated to promoting inclusion and diversity inside the company. They have put in place programs to boost the number of underrepresented groups in its workplace especially women and people from various backgrounds. They also provide educational opportunities through programs like “Everyone Can Code”. I recommend that apple continues to do what they are doing by continuing renewable energy investments and encourage users of there products to make more conscious choices. Also they should continue to innovate in recyclable materials in products they manufacture. Finally they should continue to increase diversity in there leadership like management and boards of directors.

In conclusion, Apple Inc. is dedicated to sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility and they demonstrate that through there efforts they’ve made in renewable energy, product alterations and diversity and inclusion. Apple is aware of its influence on the public and its future so they are making great moves to have a positive impact on the environment while making a positive contribution to society.

Starbucks – Ethics

Ouriel Blum

MAR 100 B050

Professor Buckler

November 5, 2023

Starbucks

Starbucks is an example of a company that takes social and ethical and issues very seriously.  Starbucks issues a public report each year which measures its progress on its efforts in these areas.  The 2022 reports says, “To be the best we can be, we set ourselves ambitious goals across a range of Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) initiatives. We do this to meet the moment, and to exceed the expectations of our partners, customers, suppliers, and the communities we work in every day.  By doing this well, we support the responsible growth of our business.”  Starbucks focuses on sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint, fair trade, fair employment, and many other valuable goals.

Starbucks states that they are committed to racial, ethnic and gender diversity.  To achieve this goal, they are increasing the percentage of people in higher positions who are diverse.  For example, they state as a goal that their senior leadership team (includes manager levels and above) in enterprise roles will be at least 30% people of color and 50% women by 2025.  They are measuring this goal and reporting to the public each year on how they are doing at this goal.  In addition, Starbucks achieved 100% gender and racial equity in pay.  This means that there is no disparity in how men and women and people of different races are paid to do the same job. Starbucks is also committed to hiring refugees and has hired over 1,100 in the past year.  Starbucks also has a Foundation that collects donations and makes charitable contributions.  In 2022, their Foundation provided $17.5 million to non-profit organizations.

Starbucks is also committed to environmental sustainability and has many initiatives to achieve its goals.  Starbucks in the United States and in Canada use 100% renewable energy in their retail operations.  They are also committed to moving away from single-use packaging and towards reusable packaging.  Starbucks is focused on forest and water conservation to support ecosystems in their supply chain.

A key area for ethical business practice for Starbucks is in how they source their coffee.  According to Starbucks, 98.2% of the coffee they use is ethically sourced.  There is a verification program that monitors the supply chain for coffee which is based on social and environmental standards, and which aims to encourage sustainable practices for growing coffee while also protecting coffee workers and their communities.   Starbucks uses that program to verify its coffee producers, so it is not biased.  Starbucks is working towards having carbon neutral coffee production by 2030 and they are also developing responsible sourcing for tea and other manufactured products.

My recommendations for Starbucks would be to engage their enormous customer base to participate in their environmental and sustainable goals.  In order to achieve that, they should make their stores more educational.  Many people sit in Starbucks and drink their coffee, so perhaps they could have information on their different initiatives on a screen in the stores that people could read while they sit there.  They could also change their cup holders so that it has an interesting fact about sustainability – a different message on each one – that the customer can read.  They can educate the public to participate in their goals.  Starbucks is already doing incredible things, but by having more and more people engage in the conversation, they can have an even bigger impact.  I would purchase more from Starbucks, over say Dunkin, if I understood that by buying a coffee from them, I was supporting a better world too.  Increasing their customers will increase their revenue and allow Starbucks to have an even bigger impact.  Many customers might think that smaller, more boutique type coffee places are better, but Starbucks can show that a bigger company means more benefit to employees, social causes and the environment.

Source Used:  20, April. “2022 Starbucks Global Environmental and Social Impact Report.” Starbucks Stories, stories.starbucks.com/stories/2023/2022-starbucks-global-environmental-and-social-impact-report/. Accessed 4 Nov. 2023.

Liling Liu

Prof. Buckley

Mar 100

Nov.5th 2023

Nike, Inc., established in 1964, has evolved from a modest shoe retailer into a behemoth in the sports apparel industry, valued at an impressive $30 billion. With its global presence, Nike employs over 73,000 individuals across various nations, symbolized by their iconic swoosh and the motto “Just Do It.” In today’s corporate climate, the integration of ethics, social responsibility, and sustainable practices is not just expected but demanded by consumers, stakeholders, and the environment itself.

Company’s Current CSR and Ethical Efforts

Nike’s CSR approach embodies their conviction that sports have the transformative power to better the world. Their dedication is evident across multiple facets, including diversity and inclusion, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.

Philanthropy

Nike has shown a strong commitment to charitable efforts, notably through donations exceeding $149 million, focusing on empowering women, girls, and addressing racial inequality.

Energy Conservation

Nike’s pursuit of reducing their energy footprint led to a nearly 40% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in owned or operated facilities from FY21 to FY22, with 93% of these facilities now powered by renewable electricity.

Sustainable Supply Chains

With initiatives like the Supplier Climate Action Program, Nike is steering towards carbon neutrality, utilizing sustainable materials across 59% of their clothing lines and piloting eco-friendlier packaging solutions.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Innovations such as Nike Forward material platform reflect Nike’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, which have been slashed by over 182,000 metric tons due to the use of environmentally preferred materials.

Fair Trade and Labor Practices

The company’s practices have come under scrutiny for alleged human rights violations. However, Nike has taken steps to improve, such as the commitment of $777 million to diverse suppliers, including those led by women, and maintaining equitable pay across genders and ethnicities.

Community Service and Volunteerism

Through the investment of time and resources, Nike has enabled over 375,000 girls to access sports and has trained over 17,000 coaches to foster inclusive sporting experiences.

Employee Relations

Nike reports a 51% representation of women in its global corporate workforce and upholds a 1:1 pay equity, reflecting significant strides in ensuring employee welfare and fair treatment.

Other Efforts

Nike’s proactive response to COVID-19 included significant donations and the adaptation of safety protocols to safeguard employees’ health and well-being.

Recommendations

Ethical Recommendations

Nike could enhance transparency in its supply chain to ensure all practices align with its ethical commitments and strengthen measures to prevent any form of labor exploitation.

Social Responsibility Recommendations

Continued investment in programs that support underrepresented communities, and furthering initiatives that foster inclusivity in sports, could amplify Nike’s social impact.

Sustainability Recommendations

Further innovation in product materials, increased use of renewable resources, and a committed strategy to address and reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint would propel Nike towards its 2025 sustainability targets.

Employee Relations

Nike should persist in its efforts to diversify its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities and a supportive work environment that fosters employee growth and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Nike’s integration of CSR, ethics, and sustainability into its business model is commendable, setting standards within the sports apparel industry. The company has made meaningful progress towards its 2025 goals, yet recognizes the journey ahead. The continuous refinement of these practices is not only a corporate mandate but a societal expectation, urging Nike to perpetually innovate and lead with responsibility. With a global community watching, Nike’s journey towards enhanced CSR, ethical, and sustainable practices is not just a corporate strategy, but a promise to future generations that every stride counts.

Dean, M. (n.d.). Nike Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability. Thomasnet® – Product Sourcing and Supplier Discovery Platform – Find North American Manufacturers, Suppliers and Industrial Companies. https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/other/nike-csr/

Nike. (2022). How NIKE, Inc.’s Commitment to Progress Champions Women and Girls. About.nike.com. https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/reports/fy22-nike-inc-impact-report

In recent years, the widely recognized coffee and fast-food chain Dunkin’ has made significant progress toward welcoming sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility. These programs show a commitment to ethical behavior, environmental sustainability, and involvement in the community. Reducing carbon footprint is one of Dunkin’s noteworthy sustainability initiatives. The business has set high standards to minimize its environmental effect. They have been actively involved in recycling programs, cutting back on water use, and enhancing energy efficiency in their stores. Dunkin’ has also improved their supply chain by obtaining approved sustainable palm oil, which contributes to the fight against deforestation and the protection of wildlife habitats. Concerning ethical conduct, Dunkin’ has taken a leading role in fair trade campaigns. They provide a range of Fair-Trade USA-certified coffee products. These certifications ensure that coffee farmers are paid fairly and have better working conditions, which is consistent with the values of fairness and equity.

In addition, Dunkin’ has established the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation as part of its charitable activities. This foundation has a commitment to helping children, particularly those who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses or hunger, maintain their health and well-being. They promote these charitable causes with both money and their time.

I believe that Dunkin’ could further improve its efforts in sustainability, social responsibility, and ethics by taking into consideration the following recommendations:

1.Cutting Single-Use Plastics: Dunkin’ could encourage the use of reusable cups and introduce sustainable packaging options in an effort to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

2.Improving Employee Benefits: Companies can uphold their ethical values and guarantee the welfare of their workers by providing competitive pay, improved healthcare benefits, and educational assistance to their staff.

3.Local Sourcing: Using more sustainably produced and locally sourced food can boost neighborhood economies, cut down on transportation-related pollution, and enhance food quality.

4.Community Engagement: Dunkin’ can strengthen its relationships with the communities in which it operates and show that it is committed to social responsibility by encouraging and promoting employee volunteerism in those fields.

5.Public Transparency: Companies can increase the credibility and trust of their responsible business initiatives through being open and truthful about their sustainability goals and achievements, offering regular updates on their progress, and openly addressing issues.

Despite Dunkin’ has already made significant progress toward sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility, there is always room for improvement. In today’s demanding and environmentally conscious world, Dunkin’ is able to strengthen its reputation as a socially responsible and ethical business through executing these suggestions and constantly striving to do more in these areas.