Ch. 3 Ethics & Social Responsibility

       Is it important to do what’s right, when it is right? Is it ok if not that many people are negatively affected by your actions? Is it ok if the environment suffers from the things you do as an individual or business? Your answers to these questions will tell a great deal about your position on ethics, morals, social and environmental responsibility.

        If I take a companies’ mission statement as the clearest and most succinct purpose of their business, then I can next look to their history, their commitment, and what they stand for. In recent years more and more firms have made their positions on ethics and social resp, openly available to consumers and customers. Ethics as defined are the moral principles or values that generally govern the conduct of and individual or group. This can vary greatly among cultures concerning women’s rights, acceptable speech, social norms, and animal rights. A general view of good morals are those that believe in not hurting ourselves or others, in being good to others with kindness, and treating our environment with respect and care. In recent years a wave has swept across business people and consumers alike for more accountability among firms on their practices, as well as a vested interest in the environment and the worlds natural resources. People are more interested in recycled products, green products, eco-friendly products, and the like, creating an evolving and expanding marketplace for businesses.

       To commit to the ‘The Greater Good’ a firm must do what is best for an individual or themselves, for society, and the environment. The position on ethical behavior that takes the highest responsibility for the affects individuals, groups of people and businesses have on each other and the environment at large. Burt’s Bees has chosen to adhere to ‘The Greater Good’ as it conducts business concerning its own values and morals.

       In 2007 Clorox brought Burt’s Bees and as I’ve learned more about the company, my first thought was Clorox? Burt’s Bees? A merger? One company is a household name for bleach, and on the other hand a brand that specializes in natural personal care product. Amid mixed reviews, some customers were angered and felt betrayed by BB’s, while others thought is was smart of the company to be brought for over 900 million, which Clorox paid – in cash. Either way every two years since the purchase, Burt’s Bees has put out a Social Responsibility report, informing the public of their continued dedication to ‘The Greater Good.’ The reports covers everything from the culture of BB’s and its employees receiving bonuses when environmental goals are met, to sourcing raw materials from minority and women business owners. The report itself, known in the business world as ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ seeks to ask and answer questions of a firm’s position and plan concerning social welfare, questions range from a companies’ own actions to issues of pollution and livable wages. What can we do better? How can we have the least possible affect on the environment, or our employees? How can we have a more positive impact in the way we conduct business?

Burt’s Bees Social Report of 2008
The 2008 report gives a detailed account of the changes the company has made since being purchased by Clorox in 2007 as well as some of its accomplishments along the way.

• Launched The Natural Standard with other leading natural care brands and the Natural Products Association.
• Donated over $100,000 of goods to AmeriCares to provide hygiene and personal care to the worlds’ children who need it most.
• Through the first half of 2008 – reduced manufacturing related water use by more than 20 percent.
• Employee programs included incentives for alternative transport, hybrid vehicles, carpooling or biking to work.
• Creates a role for Director of Sustainability
• The use of post consumer recycled (PCR) or post industrial recycled (PIR) materials whenever possible on all packaging