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Social Capitalism

November 27, 2010 Add Comment Edit

Social capitalism is a new market-based economic system. It addresses the problems inherent in both capitalism and socialism. Traditional capitalism often overlooks human and environmental interests and the central planning of traditional socialism impedes a rational allocation of resources.

In social capitalism, governments create greater profit opportunities for entrepreneurs by investing in desirable future industry and technologies (like rewable energy).

The essence of social capitalism is that markets work best and output is maximized through sound social management of the macroeconomy. Social capitalism posits that government regulation, and sponsorship of markets, can lead to superior economic outcomes.

Government investment in the green economy or securities regulation are examples of social capitalism. Regulation should be as limited as possible, however, regulation is needed to ensure that individuals and corporations do not exploit markets for personal gain at the expense of market growth, economic stability and environmental sustainability.

For business, social capitalism is the ability to create positive, healthy development. Businesses practicing social capitalism give back to society while creating an environment that is conducive to profit maximization.

Social capitalism is not hostile to free markets or the private ownership of property. Instead, social capitalism recognizes the unique success of capitalism, particularly under appropriate social supervision. Social capitalism thus seeks to create a balanced approach to business and the role of the state, with a view to optimizing the business environment for maximum sustainable economic growth.

Green Shopping on Black Friday

November 26, 2010 Add Comment Edit

American consumers love a good deal but that should also include a good deal for the environment. Although the environmental impact of all the Black Friday shopping is huge, there are many things that can be done to radically reduce this footprint while supporting greener offerings.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, has come to be known as Black Friday, a day that heralds the official beginning of the Christmas shopping season. However, it is also the start of the most environmentally destructive shopping period of the year.

Some may opt to make gifts, others may opt to avoid shopping altogether, but if you are going to shop, it is possible to make more environmentally aware choices. It is better to buy durable high quality, well-made items that are made using sustainably sourced materials and have very little or no packaging. Supporting companies that either make or sell eco-products and employ sustainable business practices is also a good way of advancing the green economy.

For the last few years, we have witnessed a positive trend in green shopping practices. According to a 2007 survey done by Conservation International, two out of five people would rather receive a "green" gift than a traditional one. Out of the 1,000 consumers surveyed by the group, women were more interested in going green, with 62% preferring to give and receive environmentally friendly goods. Seventeen percent of consumers surveyed say they will shop at retailers they perceive as greener. The same study also found that 44 percent of consumers are willing to pay extra for green gifts–between 10 and 25 percent more.

According to this study, 38 percent of consumers say they will use fewer plastic bags while 21 percent are planning on not wrapping holiday gifts to conserve paper. More than one-third of consumers saying they will shop more online and in catalogs this year in order to save on gas.

Another 2007 study indicated that nearly one in five consumers (18%) were planning to purchase more eco-friendly products this holiday season than in the past, and a similar number (17%) are willing to pay more for green gifts, according to Deloitte's annual survey of holiday spending and retail trends. About one-third of survey respondents also say they will use fewer plastic bags, and one in five will consider not wrapping holiday gifts to conserve paper.

These responses were consistent across gender, age, and income groups, indicating that environmental concerns have become more mainstream among consumers.

To be a more ecologically responsible shopper, look for products that are vetted by a reputable third-party government or non-profit certification program. When buying electronics make sure they have the Energy Star label, try to buy Organic, Fair Trade and Conflict Free products. When buying wood products or books look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label.

According to Greenbiz, "a number of groups, ranging from the federal government to nonprofits to research groups, are jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon telling shoppers in effect, if you have to shop, shop for green goods."

For comparative assessments of products see Climate Counts' ratings. The "Striding Shopper campaign" (also taking place on Facebook) highlights some of the greenest companies in their fields (see chart).

Consumers and businesses are increasingly seeing the wisdom of a more sustainable approach to commerce. By factoring environmental issues into their buying decison, many consumers are making a difference. The business community are responding to this burgeoning trend.

Traditional capitalism created a high standard of living for some, but a new economic philosophy is emerging. Some have called this social capitalism, and it is helping to reduce humankind's destructive impact on the earth.

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Hope for the Holidays
The New Normal
The New Normal and Sustainability
The New Normal and Implications for Business
Carrotmobs: Adding Incentives to the Consumer Arsenal
The Future is Green
Green's Coming of Age
People Remain Loyal to Green Even in an Economic Downturn
Green Drivers
Green's Bottom Line: Staying Competitive in Volatile Economic Times
Green Stimulus and Free Markets
Creating a Sustainable Future
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First International Water Hour

June 11, 2010 Add Comment Edit

The first international Water Hour takes place today June 11, 2010 between 8PM and 9PM local time. This global event is about protecting one of our most precious resources. For those concerned about the coming water crisis, this is an exciting opportunity to take action and raise awareness.

Water Hour is a moment to celebrate water, to create a torrent of messages and a flood of action for water! Water Hour takes a whole new approach. Rather than focus on fear and guilt, Water Hour seeks to reconnect with the awe and wonder of water in our lives, and create positive change from a positive place.

Water Hour is a celebration, a time to reflect on what water really means, and a dynamo of action to protect water. People are invited to get involved in a journey to re-awaken their connection to water, and to commit to its protection.

The event is designed to encourage on-the-ground action and celebrations, preferably recorded in postings, photos and video to share with others online. Water Hour taps into the enormous power of social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube, connecting across the globe to create something wonderful. Communicate messages worldwide through social media, with http://www.waterhour.org/ as a hub.

Take action to conserve water in your household and workplace, to clean and protect the rivers and lakes and aquifers where your water comes from, to stop pollution, and to assure that water is shared fairly. To review the ways Water Hour is being celebrated, click on the top five picks and more ideas. However you mark the hour, share it with the world on the Water Hour social networks.

Join the Swim Drink Fish Music Club - free from 8PM - 9PM local time. Go to the "I Have a Code" blank, type "waterhour" and then click Redeem. Fill in the profile form and your one-year free membership is active.

Water Hour is an initiative of the Ecologos Institute’s wider water protection program called Water Alive.

Reigning in Irresponsible Oil Giants Chevron and Exxon Mobil

April 20, 2010 Add Comment Edit

Big Oil is increasingly under scrutiny as the world is seeking cleaner sources of energy. The Obama administration is working on several fronts to reduce emissions and provide much needed oversight and regulation. Important financial and chemical reforms are being sought by US lawmakers and the EPA has put forward new mileage guidelines.

Although President Obama has denied any direct link, the SEC's fraud charges against Goldman Sachs are part of a new political climate and this is a reflection of the strength of the President's convictions.

In the context of this environment, social media based efforts are also underway to help reign in a couple of the many injustices of the oil giants.

Chevron is responsible for a catastrophe in Ecuador's rainforest known as the "Amazon's Chernobyl." Over the course of twenty-six years of oil drilling in Ecuador, Chevron deliberately dumped more than 18 billion gallons of toxic wastewater into the rainforest, leaving local people suffering a wave of cancers, miscarriages and birth defects.

Within the next year, the outcome of a court case sixteen years in the making will be determined by a court in Ecuador. Chevron has pledged that even if it is found guilty in court the company will not pay to clean up the site or provide health care, potable water and compensation to affected communities.

To demand that Chevron take responsibility for its actions in Ecuador, Change.org is circulating a petition intended for Chevron CEO John Watson telling him to clean up his toxic legacy in Ecuador.

The well know environment destroyer and denier supporter, ExxonMobil made a profit of $19.28 billion last year and avoided paying federal income tax by exploiting foreign tax shelters and taxpayer-funded giveaways.

Tax breaks and subsidies to the fossil fuel industry make it harder for renewable sources of energy to compete in an open market. Sierra has organized a petition that asks Congress to phase out subsidies and tax breaks to Big Oil.

Our dependence on oil puts us in the dangerous position of being beholden to questionable regimes and powerful oil interests that have a proven track record of environmental degradation and political manipulation.

Through determined political leadership and a broad spectrum of social action we can encourage investment in renewable energy and begin the process of weaning ourselves off oil. Renewable energy can create green jobs, grow a sustainable economy, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and contribute to a cleaner environment.
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Related Posts

The Business of Climate Change Deception
The Economic Calamity of Peak Oil
Peak Oil
Planning a Future Without Oil
Drill Baby Drill
Koch Industries' Environmental Crimes
Koch Industries Financing Climate Denial
Koch Industries Destroys the Environment & Funds Climate Denial
Protecting the Planet from Corporate Influence

Koch Industries Destroys the Environment and Funds Climate Denial

April 12, 2010 Add Comment Edit

Koch Industries is the second largest privately held company in America and as revealed by Greenpeace they are guilty of crimes against the environment as well as being a leading supporter of climate denial groups.

Koch industries has a dismal environmental record and to add insult to injury, they are pouring almost $50 million dollars per year into climate denial misinformation.

Koch Industries is a conglomerate of more than twenty companies with $100 billion in annual sales, operations in nearly 60 countries, and 70,000 employees. Their diversified holdings are a virtual top ten list of the most environmentally destructive sectors of the economy, they include petroleum refining, fuel pipelines, coal supply and trading, oil and gas exploration, chemicals and polymers, fertilizer production, ranching and forestry products and cattle.

In addition, Koch Industries has held multiple leases on Alberta's polluting tar sands as well as pipelines that carry tar sands crude from Canada into Minnesota and Wisconsin where Koch's Flint Hill Resources owns oil refineries.

Koch Industries work to delay policies and regulation aimed at stopping global warming. As revealed by Greenpeace's successful campaign against Trader Joe's, the public will no longer countenance environmentally insensitive businesses. Koch Industries' ownership of Lycra and Stainmaster carpets are just two of their holdings that are vulnerable to social action.

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Next: Koch Industries' Environmental Crimes / Koch Industries Financing Climate Denial

Social Action Driving Businesses to Adopt Sustainable Practices

April 01, 2010 Add Comment Edit

Some businesses have seen the wisdom of going green ahead of public pressure, others are being cajoled out of their complacency by an increasingly concerned public. The following account is a cautionary tale for businesses that ignore responsible practices.

Greenpeace is one of the prominent groups that uses sustainability scorecards to assesses businesses. In one of these scorecards Greenpeace singled out seafood supermarket chain Trader Joe's. For months Greenpeace publicly pressured Trader Joe's to adopt sustainable seafood purchasing policies.

Trader Joe's was subject to an online campaign including Greenpeace’s mock website. Pressure also took the form of phone calls, in-store demonstrations and questions to store managers from activists and shoppers across the country.

As a consequence of relentless pressure from Greenpeace activists, Trader Joe's agreed to adopt sustainable practices. Trader Joe's removed red-listed seafood and the store committed itself to working with third-party, science-based organizations to establish responsible practices and strong, lasting guidelines for ocean protection throughout their entire seafood operation.

One of the most significant aspects of this deal is Trader Joe's agreement to use their buying power to leverage change in their supply chains and throughout the seafood industry.

The capitulation of Trader Joe's proves that social action is a powerful force that can push even national chains to adopt sustainable practices. It also demonstrates that the public is increasingly coalescing around well coordinated campaigns that target irresponsible businesses.
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G20 Protestors Dilute Green Message

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