Starbucks is committed to social responsibility and ethical principles in its business practices. The company has a mission statement that includes a commitment to “inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” Here are some of the ways in which Starbucks demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility and ethical principles:

1. Ethical sourcing: Starbucks is committed to sourcing high-quality coffee beans in an ethical and sustainable way. The company has developed programs to ensure that its coffee is sourced from farmers who are paid fairly and who practice environmentally sustainable farming methods.

2. Community involvement: Starbucks is committed to being an active member of the communities where it operates. The company supports local charitable organizations, and its employees are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents to community service projects.

3. Environmental sustainability: Starbucks is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. The company has set a goal to make all of its cups reusable or recyclable by 2025, and it has implemented measures to reduce water usage and waste in its stores and operations.

4. Employee engagement: Starbucks is committed to treating its employees with respect and providing them with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. The company offers competitive wages and benefits, as well as training and development programs.

5. Diversity and inclusion: Starbucks is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company has established policies to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics.

Overall, Starbucks’ commitment to social responsibility and ethical principles is reflected in its business practices and policies. The company strives to be a responsible corporate company, and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates.

Feeling homesick in 2004, Siggi Hilmarsson craved one of his childhood-comfort foods, skyr (a thick, creamy, protein-rich yogurt from Iceland) and began experimenting with a recipe from his mother in his NYC apartment. Out of his experimentation, siggi’s, an Icelandic skyr brand, was born in 2005. I’ve always noticed siggi’s on the shelf when grocery shopping but, as an avid Noosa consumer, I’d not been inspired to actually try their skyr until I noticed that their products are made with significantly less sugar because I was preparing a small tub of it for the baby I care for.  The label on siggi’s nonfat yogurts are made of paper and are removable. On the inside there are a couple of pictures and short copy describing their company’s story. This inspired me to dig deeper into the company’s history and sustainability practices (the labels on these containers make it easier to recycle them). 

When looking into any company’s sustainability practices I am interested not only in their environmental practices, but their commitment to treating the people who are involved in the creation of their products humanely and ethically. In the “supply chain disclosures” siggi’s defines their commitment as: 

We believe that we have a responsibility to conduct our business in an ethical and sustainable way and expect the same from our suppliers, thus we strive to build long-term business relationships that demonstrate a commitment to fair treatment of workers and environmental responsibility. This includes working to combat the practices of forced labor, slavery, and human trafficking. 

This is a more bold and direct stance than I have seen most companies take in regards to the way that the humans involved in their supply-chain are listed. Because their “supply chain disclosures” page starts off so strongly, I was surprised to read only a couple of paragraphs down that, although siggi’s has a hotline so that anyone working at/with companies that are a part of their supply chain can report a violation of the standards siggi’s has set, siggi’s does not currently have an auditing process in place for companies that they work with. 

Beyond expressing a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices within their supply chain, siggi’s has a grant program called “siggi’s starters” which “empowers nutrition professionals seeking to develop innovative programs to improve health in their local communities” by providing the winner with a $20k grant and mentorship to develop and execute their concept. After taking a look at which stores neighborhoods it is most common to find siggi’s in, the price point of their products, and scrolling through their Instagram page, I am curious about what the racial and socio-economic demographics of their average consumers are. The siggi’s starters program is a phenomenal opportunity, but I am curious to whom this opportunity is being advertised and if it is reaching nutrition professionals, creators, and community-leaders who are marginalized and are less likely to gain access to essential funding & mentorship. 

Furthermore, siggi’s was founded in New York City. So, after thinking about what I’ve mentioned above, my initial suggestions for siggi’s to honor the commitments they have made are as follows: 

• Instagram + Blog: Partner with more creators, nutritionists, bloggers, etc…, who are from a wider array of racial, ethnic, gender, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds to display a genuine commitment to reflecting the cultures and people of the city they were founded in. By doing this, I believe siggi’s could reach more people who have brilliant ideas for health-initiatives to apply for their siggi’s starters grant. 
• Develop an auditing process: As siggi’s continues to grow, I would like to see them develop an auditing process for the businesses that make up their supply-chain so that they can ensure they are actually honoring the commitment they have made, as opposed to relying on the hope of people reporting injustices via their hotline. I think the hotline is an incredible start, but I believe that the onus of ensuring ethical procedures are being followed should not fall upon workers. 

Overall, I am genuinely excited to see the ways in which siggi’s continues to grow, to learn about their current commitments to sustainability and ethics, and to see if/how the ways they honor these commitments continue to evolve. 

One retail store that I like shopping at is TJmaxx. If you have time to search through the many racks, you can find some quality clothes for a bargain. I know a few people who prefer something other than that store because clothes are out of season or they think it has cheap options, but this is not necessarily true. While shopping there, I have not considered their business practices or research why the items were low-cost. I went off TJmaxx marketing and assumed that the clothes were last-season over-stock things, and I thought I was making an ethical decision to shop there. However, the more I read while searching on their ethics and corporate social responsibility, I have some feelings towards the general business practice.

TJmaxx’s mission is to provide high value to its customers, associates, and community while benefiting the business and the environment. The company is a top off-price apparel and home fashion retailer worldwide. They operate in 9 countries with 4700 stores and have 340,000 associates. On Glassdoor, they have a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, and 59% of employees would recommend working there. The company is a reputable, ethical business for an average customer due to its perceived optimism and caring about customer marketing.

TJmaxx has discount prices for known high and low-end brands. They can offer these low prices because they take advantage of opportunities to purchase from department store cancellations, over-manufactured products, or when a vendor wants to clear their merchandise at the end of the season. The other product source is the line of clothes they design and produce. They provide ethics codes for vendors and sourcing practices to ensure sustainability. However, there still can be issues. When the brands know they will become a seller to off-price retailers such as TJmaxx, they may tend to be less ethical with the planning of manufacturing products. For instance, they might decide to make more because it will be cheaper at a high quantity, and then if they don’t sell, they can still cover the cost by reselling to TJmaxx type retailer. Another issue is TJmaxx does not solely buy from ethical brands. They also have fast fashion lines for sale, including not environmentally friendly materials.

Tjmaxx does focus on creating a safe and beneficial workplace. They believe their associates bring their business to life and try to attract top-tier talent to work there. They care about inclusion and diversity by ensuring the recruitment process is not biased and, for instance, changing the language that might affect the ability to connect with diverse candidates—TJmaxx actively recruits from college campuses and offers internships and co-op programs that will benefit students. Current employees are offered career development with leadership conferences and courses designed to enhance their professionalism and skills. They also have a University that created a two-year program with one-on-one coaching to help employees be capable of succeeding in their current roles and progress in the next step of their careers. For well-being, Tjmaxx provides employees with vast resources on different techniques and support for personal issues and work-life balance. Tjmaxx has a high rating for its benefits package from current employees.

TJmaxx cares about giving back to the community, as stated in its mission. They provided donations to many organizations and even included their customers to get involved. In-store sells items that, when purchased, a little of the money goes to a fundraiser. Also, donations are suggested at checkout, which puts pressure on customers, but if more people are involved, there will be more to give back to communities.
Overall, Tjmaxx has a good reputation for corporate social responsibility. There can be improvements since they did have some ethical scandals, such as waste disposal and selling recalled items. Tjmaxx can strictly stand by its advertised practices to improve customer trust. Tjmaxx should know what they purchase and sell to the public regarding fur, recalled items, and environmentally friendly sources. While handling an ethical issue is better than not addressing it, avoiding the problem from the start by taking the time to research all purchases is best.

TJmaxx can improve its sourcing by not purchasing from fast fashion brands and slowing down its production of clothing lines to limit the excess products at the end of the season. TJmaxx can improve employee benefits by offering equity to the company in stocks or other means, which will help with wage issues and increase the morale and productivity of their workforce. I will still shop at Tjmaxx. However, I will thoroughly search the specific brand item to make sure it is an ethical brand before purchasing.

Apple’s Corporate Responsibility

         Sustainable business practices attempt to provide long-term value for stakeholders while solving social, economic, and environmental concerns. Ethics, social responsibility, and employee relations are vital to such strategies. Businesses emphasizing ethics and social responsibility set themselves apart by valuing corporate citizenship, transparency, and accountability (Ceil, 2018). Good employee relations can significantly aid positive workplace cultures that encourage productivity, employee engagement, and retention. Therefore, businesses should embrace ethical and socially responsible practices that align with their beliefs and goals and positively affect their staff, local communities, and the environment. Apple Inc is one company that has made progress in this area. Apple is a multinational corporation that produces and distributes electronic devices, computer programs, and internet-based services. The company has received praise for its initiatives to lessen its environmental impact, increase the openness of its supply chain, and foster an environment where everyone feels welcome (Chen et al., 2021). Apple’s success may be primarily attributed to the business’s dedication to upholding ethical standards and improving society, and the corporation is actively seeking new methods to do so.

Corporate Social Responsibility Efforts of Apple

         Apple can continue pursuing several methods to establish a more ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable firm. One suggestion is for the corporation to increase its openness regarding its products and operations’ social and environmental effects. Apple can strengthen corporate accountability and establish stakeholder confidence by disclosing information about the resources needed to make its products, its supply chain’s environmental effect, and its suppliers’ working conditions (Chen et al., 2021). Apple is also advised to increase its efforts to encourage diversity and inclusion among its staff and supplier chain. The organization has previously made efforts in this regard, such as committing to improving the diversity of its leadership team and forming partnerships with minority-owned businesses, but there is still potential for improvement. By embracing diversity and inclusion, Apple can establish a more egalitarian workplace and supply chain and better serve its varied customer base.

         Apple may also establish a more sustainable and ethical firm by researching novel approaches to lessen its environmental effect. The corporation may, for instance, invest in developing new technologies that enable the reuse and recycling of electronic trash and investigate alternative materials with a lower environmental impact (Ceil, 2018). Apple may also continue to set an example in the technology sector by fighting for rules and regulations that promote sustainability and social responsibility. Apple can effect systemic change that addresses global issues such as climate change and social inequality by engaging with industry peers and government organizations (Ewing, 2020). Apple can create long-term value for its stakeholders and positively impact society and the environment by adopting a comprehensive approach to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Ethical Principles of Apple

         Apple’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen depends on the company’s adherence to ethical standards. The company’s code of conduct establishes explicit ethical standards for its employees, vendors, and suppliers. The code stresses the significance of integrity, honesty, and respect in all interactions and defines the reporting procedures for potential infractions (Brown & Thompson, 2022). In addition, Apple’s supplier code of conduct reflects its dedication to ethical and accountable sourcing procedures. The code mandates that vendors offer fair salaries, safe working conditions, and adherence to international human rights norms (Chen et al., 2021). Apple performs frequent audits to guarantee compliance with its supplier code of conduct and has severed ties with suppliers found to be violating. These actions illustrate Apple’s dedication to ethical business practices throughout its supply chain.

         Apple’s devotion to privacy and data security further exemplifies its ethical beliefs. The corporation has developed numerous precautions to safeguard the privacy of its users, such as data encryption, facial recognition technology, and other security features. Apple’s comprehensive privacy policy explains how it gathers and utilizes consumer data and gives users control over their data (Tao, 2020). Moreover, the corporation has pledged to increase diversity and inclusion among its personnel and supplier chain. Apple has implemented steps to boost the number of women and underrepresented minorities in its leadership and workforce and has collaborated with minority-owned businesses to encourage diversity in its supply chain (Ewing, 2020). These initiatives are essential for ensuring that Apple’s products and services are accessible and inclusive for all and that the firm represents the diversity of its global consumer base.

         Also, Apple’s ethical values encompass labor and human rights. The organization has taken measures to guarantee that people in its supply chain are treated fairly, are paid a livable wage, and work in safe conditions. Apple has also led human rights advocacy within its supply chain and the greater community (Chen et al., 2021). For instance, the corporation has spoken against discrimination and inequality and collaborated with groups to promote human rights and social justice (Tao, 2020). Apple has positioned itself as a leader in promoting sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices by prioritizing ethical values across its activities.

Recommendations for a More Ethical, Socially Responsible, and Sustainable Business

         Apple may broaden its philanthropy operations to embrace a broader spectrum of social and environmental problems to create a more ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable firm. Investing in energy-efficient technologies and sustainable supply chain processes will allow the company to boost its use of renewable energy and minimize its carbon footprint (Brown & Thompson, 2022). Enhancing supply chain transparency can ensure ethical sourcing and lower the likelihood of human rights breaches. Improving diversity and inclusion activities can contribute to a more inclusive working culture while bolstering data privacy and security safeguards sensitive consumer data (Chen et al., 2021). Apple may finally ensure compliance with labor and human rights standards by conducting frequent audits and taking prompt action in case of infractions. Organizations must prioritize ethics, social responsibility, and employee relations to generate customer trust, promote sustainability, and benefit society.

Upon reading the assignment prompt, my mind immediately shifted toward the industry I am currently working in, which is fashion (more specifically the construction of garments). That being said, it is well known the carbon footprint that is left behind due to fashion, more specifically fast fashion & its detrimental impact to the environment. Therefore, I wanted to research “Kapital”, one of the great pioneers of sustainable (anti-fast fashion) clothing brands, an inspiring company that continues to prioritize sustainable and ethical business practices in numerous ways. 

When it comes to design & production, it is essential to mention how Kapital conducts their business, which heavily revolves around carbon neutrality & circular fashion. In regards to reducing their carbon footprint, they make it clear that reducing waste & increasing energy sufficiency are their top priorities. They practice this by supporting renewable energy projects to offset their carbon emissions, along with using chemical-free dyeing & sticking to plant / mineral based dyes. Another major key in reducing carbon footprint is limiting production to solely local production, meaning everything is made in Japan (where they are based) to minimize shipping & transportation. They also stick to one collection per season, unlike fast fashion brands (mass producing hundreds of collections per season, resulting in thousands of low quality items per year) like fashion nova, shein, Zara, etc. In terms of circular fashion, they practice this by using sustainable materials to produce their garments. They source organic cotton & wool only from mills that practice sustainable production, along with incorporating literal recycled fabrics in many of their collections (upcycled work).Thankfully, they make this clear due to their immaculate transparency in regards to everything about their process of producing, located on their website. They even have a local recycling program, in which customers can bring their old Kapital items to get them repaired or repurposed, to further reduce waste. Finally, they also tend to frequently collaborate with local artists in the area, to celebrate and preserve Japanese tradition & supporting local communities. 

Moving on from manufacturing, they are extremely avid in fair labor practices, implementing a strict code of conduct that ensures safe working conditions, livable wages, fair treatment, and most importantly, prohibiting the labor and exploitation of children (which is undoubtedly still a huge problem in areas surrounding). Along with this, they are passionate in community engagement and education. They are clearly committed to raising awareness on unethical fashion practices & the negative environmental impact, and give tips on how to combat it and offer tips on how to live / create in a more sustainable manner. They also support local communities through certain partnerships and charitable donations.

As much as I advocate for Kapital and their sustainable practices, there is always room for improvement. For example, one way they can further their ethical business practices is making it clear on who they donate to and what specific partnerships benefit local communities. They claim to make these donations and help local communities through partnerships (not only directly from Kapital themselves, but even third party companies / campaigns), but I struggle to find specific examples / numbers, which is vital for a complete, transparent ethical company.

For today’s assignment on sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility, I have chosen Nintendo. Nintendo is a big part of my life as it was a way for me to escape as a child and even now as an adult when I want to take a step away from reality and relax my anxieties. Nintendo has been around since the end of the 1800’s when it was formed in Kyoto, Japan. I believe that they have made huge strides in becoming a company of the future, but everyone has room to grow and do better.

Nintendo takes employee care and relations very seriously. They have created employee programs that educate and aid in closing the gender and racial gaps that have been in place for so long. The first group is called Black at Nintendo or “B@ND”. B@ND is in place to promote racial equality and help advocate for black communities. During the BLM protests in 2020, Nintendo double matched their employee donations to charities and causes in support of the movement. They have since created outreach programs to aid the black communities with health and mental health advocacy. Nintendo’s second employee program is called “Nintendo Women and Allies”. This program is in place to help increase the number of women in tech through hiring practices and increased promotions from within to managerial status.

When it comes to employees overall, Nintendo adheres to their Global Corporate Social Responsibility with strict worldwide guidelines. Under the guidance of the Responsible Business Alliance, they have created rules that all their production and distribution centers must adhere to. They routinely check in on employee conditions including legal minimum wage, work hours, housing, child and forced labor. Nintendo has employees from around the world convene each year to discuss employee conditions and ways to increase conditions and retention so that they can always keep their employees happy.

Before I give my opinion on Nintendo and how I believe they can improve their green standing, I want to highlight a few things that they do for the environment. A few years ago, they created what they called the “Take Back Program”. This program is a way for anyone to donate any video games or consoles to Nintendo and those items will be fully recycled. They began refurbishing and donating consoles and games to charities around the world that work with children or the elderly. When it comes to other green practices, Nintendo uses sustainable packaging anywhere possible. They use 100% recycled energy in their Washington offices and their Japanese offices use solar and wind power.

In my opinion, Nintendo Is on the right path for sustainability but they are a few years behind and not strict enough on their green energy. I believe that Nintendo could go a step further and make all their offices zero energy. They can afford the installation and upkeep of solar power and most local energy companies will buy the power you don’t need back from you. I think there are also a lot of holes in the energy Nintendo uses to produce and distribute their products. There are no known regulations for their production facilities so even though Nintendo uses as much green energy as they do, the companies that create their physical product are under no such guidelines. I believe that they could tighten up the ways they produce by producing more of the individual products in facilities closer to each other rather than shipping pieces around the world to one place, building them and then shipping them again internationally.