Several major American corporations are teaching customers about energy conservation, recycling, producing less waste and reducing heat-trapping carbon emissions as a way of showing they care about the planet. In the world of big business, weather disasters and a push for fuel alternatives have sparked controversy and a growing concern about the threat of global warming.
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bottom lineWhat you need to know - Conventional View
• Most scientists agree that the burning of fossil fuels for transport and electricity is a major contributor to potentially catastrophic climate change.
• Industrialized nations like the
United States are responsible for over 1/3 of the world's greenhouse-gas
emissions.
• The emphasis for big
business is in making sure
companies offer real solutions for the
environment, rather than green-washing the issue with eco-friendly claims.
• Environmental activists note companies like McDonald's and Starbucks are currently more committed to fighting
global warming than the U.S. government.
• More than 60% of U.S. consumers hold
government and big business directly accountable for global warming, according to a recent study by market research firm MindClick Group.
• "Business needs to be aware of this and much more proactive in getting out in front ... because it will very quickly impact consumers' decisions when they are reaching for their pocketbooks," MindClick Chief Executive JoAnna Abrams said.
• "We have not been leaders on global warming in the United States, so without leadership on the political front, you see companies stepping up to the plate," said Elizabeth Sturcken, who heads corporate partnerships at Environmental Defense.
What you need to know - Alternative View
Statements and opinions by Mike Adams, executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center• Many corporations have, in fact, taken impressive strides towards
environmental stewardship. Even Wal-Mart, with all its issues worthy of criticism, has made a tremendous effort to require its suppliers to use less packaging in order to reduce
waste. They've also invested in a huge solar infrastructure.
• Costco, too, is earning a reputation for improving its environmental reputation. While corporations in general have a long way to go, many of them seem to be at least moving in the right direction on environmental issues.
Bottom line
•
Major American companies are more aware of eco-friendly practices related to global warming.
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