Sustainability at Top Shelf

Assignment 2: Course Reflection

Sustainability is an integral part of a business success. An enterprise ability to manage their environmental risk, as well as social and financial opportunities is essential to their survival, in our present economic climate. A business can survive changes in economic trends, if they have created a system that links economic, social and environmental strategies that are based on their business practices and organizational goals. Therefore, my understanding of sustainability, is that is the ability of an enterprise to produce their products or services in an cost-effective, competitive and socially responsible manner, while at the same time, creating a profitable venue that respects the social and environmental needs of society and the economic status.

It is common knowledge that our planet’s climate and ecosystems are changing for the worst, and unless we as society and business entities, take control of the effects people and businesses cause on our environments, our planet will not produce the resources to support our existence. Nevertheless, our businesses are becoming more sensitized to the fact that there is a need to be more socially responsible and exercise more environmental accountability, because these efforts in turn, will create a strong brand identity and create a value added competitive edge. Among the examples of sustainability that are visible in our everyday interaction with businesses are; the recycling of aluminum cans, paper and the reduction of using plastic bags, which are harmful to the environment. The use of electric cars, can create a huge impact on carbon emissions reductions and the initiative of fast food restaurants to serve healthier food menus, can greatly improve the eating habits of our population and hence, their health. These initiatives may seem simplistic, but they have a great impact in business and the identity they create for themselves. These initiatives are not a panacea, but are to be managed for the long term, as well as short term. Creating products and services that satisfy social and environmental needs are just part of a savvy organizational strategy (Michael, Roerine, 2010).

In our present business and economic climate, sustainability in business has taken an important place in our society. Most businesses understand that to be profitable and competitive in todays globalized markets, business must embrace these initiatives. Sustainability is all about been highly efficient, and create more and better with less, is about recycling and simplifying operations. However, there must be a firm commitment from all stakeholders involved, for it to be successful. Becoming green takes a lot of work and everyone must be on board, being green and eco-friendly is not an easy enterprise. Moreover, this strategy, if not adopt in time, can have negative consequences for businesses and the environment. Take for instance, the current water shortage in California, as we all know there is not enough water to irrigate our agriculture fields and we are facing water rationing in many parts of the state. This could have been avoided if a forward looking water conservation policy was in place and implemented firmly years back. Now, we may face higher food prices and more difficulty fighting fires to name a few, because the state did not conserve water in the past. So I have an understanding that businesses are making great leaps in becoming green and being profitable at the same time. However, we have a long way to go, before we claim victory.

Reference:

Michael, Roerine. (2010). Demand Media, Examples of Business Sustainability. Retrieved from:

http://smallbusiness.chrom,com/examples.business-sustainability-24789.html.