Responsible Purchasing Practices

I was so impressed with this no nonsense, informative research paper put out by the non-profit organization, As You Sow Foundation, I thought it was worth posting.

“Best Current Practices in Purchasing:  The Apparel Industry” can be accessed at:  http://asyousow.org/

Responsible Purchasing Practices is an important focus of mine at Patagonia and I hope to blog about this subject in a few months through Patagonia’s “Cleanest Line” blog.   (We’ve been blogging about Patagonia’s social responsibility activities there since late 2010 – check it out!  http://www.thecleanestline.com/footprint_chronicles/index.html)

Buying Sustainable – Two Free Guides

There are several “sustainable” buying guides out there these days.  I thought I would post two I recently came across which can help anyone make wiserbuying decisions.  The lists rank businesses on their efforts to become better global citizen in one or more of the following categories:  human rights, environment, climate change, philanthropy, employee relations, financial, corporate governance.  Both are in a downloadable pdf format.

1. CRO’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens – Just released, this ranking can be used as a product and service buying guide.  I like this list the most because it considers ALL corporate responsibility areas.  Some of these companies I know have a long way to go; however, at least they are moving forward and are way ahead of their competitors.

http://www.thecro.com/files/CRO100BestCorporateCitizensList2009.pdf

2. ClimateCounts.org Pocket Shopping Guide – Released in 2008, this guide scores companies annually on their voluntary climate actions.  It also compares their scores from 2007 and ranks each with a green, yellow or red score.  I look forward to the 2009 version.  I would like to see more companies ranked in the apparel/accessories section since this is where I am more likely to spend money and because there are many more companies trying to do the right thing in the apparel industry.

http://www.climatecounts.org/pdf/ClimateCountsPocketGuide08.pdf

Again, there are several buying guides out there varying in due diligence efforts– just search “free sustainable shopping guides” to find others!

Cheers!

Pan-Africa hearing: however you say it, the climate is changing | Oxfam International Blogs

Pan-Africa hearing: however you say it, the climate is changing | Oxfam International Blogs

Another good post on global warming and weather change form an Oxfam blog–climate change in Africa impacting farmers in a serious way.  I will continue to post credible, sobering articles and news on this urgent and important subject.

Posted using ShareThis

Global Warming is Real and Real Scary

Google, Nike Sign Open Letter to U.S. Senate

I’m happy to see the pressure put on Congress by a few “heavy hitters” to pass climate change legislation.  What we do now will determine how severe climate change will affect us 10, 20, 50+ years from now.  I fear it is too late to compeletly reverse it.  

As mentioned in the article, please also check out this link (same website):

U.S. Issues Landmark Climate Report:  http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/18396 

It discusses how 13 federal science agencies and several major universities and research institutes have determined climate change is “already having a direct and negative effect on the American people in every region in the areas of:  water, energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health all across the nation.  Yes, if this many experts believe it’s happening–then it is!  (By the way, the study was initiated during the Bush administration.)  The report is conclusive evidence that global warming is very real and is at critical mass. “The 190-page report, which confirms previous evidence that global temperature increases in recent decades have been primarily human-induced, incorporates the latest information on rising temperatures and sea levels; increases in extreme weather events; and other climate-related phenomena.”

I just read another related article regarding how Hong Kong will experience increased and more severe heat waves and extreme weather.  Experts predict the temperature of the city will raise by 4 degrees Celcius by 2090.  As a result, residents and visitors would “endure increasingly frequent heat waves, tidal surges and heavy rains. Erratic weather will cause infrastructure damage, landslides and floods.”  The year 2090 is far away.  Most of us surely won’t be around!  However, it will take decades for us to reverse just some of the damage we’ve created.  We have to start now with a bold new plan.  Article link:  http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/travel/stories/destination-of-the-week-hong-kong

Lastly, and even more scary, is a BBC Video where the United Nations chief warns of ‘virtually ice-free’ Arctic within 30 years.  He’s calling on world leaders to reduce carbon emissions which will be discussed in a December summit.  You can access the video here:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8234915.stm

Luckily I’m a child of the 70′s.  Even before it was cool, my Mom passed down many good “green” habits like switching off lights when not in use, scarce use of paper towels, efficient water usage and gas consumption (I remember waiting in line to get gas in the 70′s in our VW van!).  Over the past several years I’ve added many more good green practices knowing the dire condition of our the world.  I’ve reduced my trash by at least 1/2 because now I recycle everything that can be recycled.  I shop less for clothing, use cloth bags when I shop, buy locally grown produce when I can, spend my money with companies who are concerned with the environment and have sustainable clothing lines (at least for gym/outdoor/casual clothing), etc.  Most importantly, I’m trying to become more aware.  There are a ton of great green Tweeters on Twitter.  They have been super helpful in educating me on what more I can do and how I can become a more responsible global citizen (just go to Twitter and search “green” or “sustainability”).  So far, I’m only practicing the REALLY  basic stuff and I’m committed to doing more and more.  I’ve been looking into a water filtration service so I’m free of anything bottled–ever, and my boyfriend and I are trying to think and act sustainably while remodeling the house.  I have friends who blow me out of the water, but I’m trying to walk the talk!

Posted using ShareThis

Good CSR Governance: The Marriage Between HR & CSR

I am passionate about being a good boss.  Working in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) industry (even before it was called CSR) has fostered an even higher awareness of how intertwined and important a company’s human resources (HR) policies are with their CSR strategies.  In other words, to have a well intentioned, successful, forward thinking CSR program, you must have happy, engaged employees running it.  Companies should not forget to continuously look inward at their own office environment while simultaneously trying to improve their impact on the planet.

I know several CSR management level professionals who left the job they loved because certain “internal influences” were making them miserable (hint: usually their boss or other employees).  This is a crime, especially in our industry.  All managers in the CSR field should absolutely be diligent in treating their own employees with the same attention and concern they are giving to employees in the contracted factories producing their goods somewhere in the developing world.  You cannot just espouse to be a crusader of CSR, you’ve got to walk the talk in the office.

I know what some of you are thinking—“My main objective is to ensure the work gets done effectively, efficiently and profitably and worrying about pleasing my employees is secondary and a sign of weakness.”  To be blunt, this is old school think.  You can be known as a “get it done” type of manager AND be a good boss at the same time.  Let’s face it, most of us don’t learn leadership skills in college and we’re lucky to have a role model in previous jobs we’ve had.  To be a good boss, or to assist your company in “living” CSR internally, here is a road map of the basics:

1. Have an HR Department staffed with someone who understands CSR (you’d be surprised how many companies do not have a true HR Department).  CSR goals must include internal CSR/HR objectives and be tied into your overall CSR strategy.  Your HR staff must interact regularly with the CSR staff and all employees should know and understand your CSR mission and management’s and their own responsibilities.  CSR mission and goals should be included in new employee orientation.  You will need board and executive buy in and a lot of patience and tenacity to align the two Departments.
2. If you supervise people, take a few leadership courses.  If you are a CEO, Executive Officer or Department head, leadership and good supervisory training must be put at the top of the agenda.  It can be expensive, but it will be worth it because the ROI is a successful, profitable business with high employee retention.  Also, all new supervisors must take a mandatory course at the start of their promotion/hire.
3. All managers and supervisors should take an annual 360 degree evaluation with an on-going plan for improvement (i.e. you are evaluated by your direct supervisor, peers, and direct reports).
4. A grievance mechanism is a must.  An “open door” policy is not enough as most employees are too afraid to walk into the CEO, VP or Director’s office to complain.  The grievance mechanism must have competent staff to research complaints, assist employees and, most importantly, show the system works by implementation of new policies or programs.  Perception of employees is key.  If no one knows the system works, then does it?
5. Managers, especially Department heads, should check in frequently with their employees and monitor the office vibe in a non-threatening manner.  Scheduling time to walk around the office to “check in” with employees (or a weekly Skype call if they are overseas) can accomplish this goal (think “mentor” not “gestapo”).  Any problems should be addressed immediately.  Take a look at your management workload—if you are not spending a balanced time on employee monitoring versus task oriented work, then you need to re-prioritize.
6. In rough times (especially now), supervisors and managers have to become stronger than ever before.  Don’t lose it!  Take time off, longer breaks or practice yoga at lunch if that’s what it takes to cope.  Always give negative feedback to employees in private, away from other employees.  Listen, listen and listen some more.  Remove or transfer disruptive employees immediately.  Don’t let negative “cliques” form in the office.  One small group can do irreparable damage.
7. Provide an anonymous suggestion mechanism with a reward if the idea is adopted.
8. Engage employees with the option to volunteer during or after work hours.  Align most of your volunteer projects with your company’s expertise to ensure maximum impact on the charity (I’ve been reading about this).  Pizza and birthday parties are great, but know this is not what retains a good employee.  Within reason, don’t skimp on the annual holiday party and for heaven sakes show up!
9. Include your internal CSR progress in your CSR or UNGC report and make sure key employees are solicited for input and all staff receive a copy.
10. Most importantly, all supervisors, managers and executives need to adopt a “conscious leadership” approach to their everyday work life.  What does this mean?  It means whether you like it or not, as a boss, you directly affect your employees’ happiness and thus their productivity and profitability.  As a result, you have to consciously go through your work day knowing your attitude, mood, email tone, body language, tone of voice, etc., will affect employees in more ways than you realize. If you are constantly high strung, angry, unresponsive, distracted, indifferent, too quiet or too blunt, your employees sense this and can become “disengaged” over a period of time (many managers are not aware of how they appear to others—be aware!).  Disengaged employees mean unproductive, unprofitable employees looking for another job during work hours.  I swear, becoming a conscious leader is not difficult. It just takes the adoption of a new attitude and outlook—the rest comes automatically (although you will have to remind yourself on the bad days).  

One last thought.  I am not saying you should never be firm, resolute and/or even upset about work or your employees’ performance.  Just know there is a time and a place, preferably behind closed doors, for you to have strong emotions.  This is especially important to remember if you are “managing up” to your own disengaged supervisor.  What I am saying in simple terms is “be considerate.” These are human beings you are working with and, not to be cliché, but “treat them as you would want to be treated.” 

I absolutely promise your employees will become loyal, engaged and excited about coming to work if you adopt conscious leadership internally.  Go beyond and encourage it in within your company’s sphere of influence with your suppliers (you’re training them already in human rights), your contracted agents and other stakeholders–it can only help their business.  From what I’ve seen out there, many CSR programs are out of balance and focus principally on the external “people” stakeholders and/or environmental sustainability. Good CSR governance begins with and is married to good HR leadership policies and practices.  You can not have one without the other.

Realizing Your Worth: 51 Great Sites For Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Realizing Your Worth: 51 Great Sites For Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Great reference list if you want to become CSR/sustainability social media savvy!  

Also see his July post entitled “Social Media & CSR: The Top 10 Sites for Creating Conversation.”

Posted using ShareThis

Sustainability or Social Responsibility — What’s in a Name? | GreenBiz.com

Sustainability or Social Responsibility — What’s in a Name? | GreenBiz.com

The above blog has stimulated a few thoughts on my end.  What do we call our industry?  ”CSR”? or “Sustainability”?  The “social” in CSR leans towards “people” issues and the “sustainability” term denotes “environment”.  While I’m partial to “CSR”, neither term is good enough for me.  Here is my thought process.

How many “CSR-ers” out there are a little tired of having to over-explain “what you do” for a living?   Inevitably, I have to explain my career choice in several sentences rather than “I’m a doctor, lawyer, teacher.”  Even then, I haven’t explained the entire picture.  I usually start off by stating “I’m a Corporate Social Responsibility” consultant.  Of course, almost no one understands the phrase.  I then explain, “I help companies improve employee working conditions internally and in the factories which produce their goods in the US and overseas.”  I usually also add in, “and I help them assess human rights abuses in the factories they source in.” “Human rights abuses” speaks loudly to “non-CSR-ers.”   It’s not until I utter this phrase that they begin to “get” what I do. 

What I do, however, is so much more than ensuring people are treated fairly in the workplace.  There is a large component of my job which I believe is             inextricably linked to social or “people” responsibility–and that is environmental sustainability.  I can not think of many engagements I’ve assisted brands with where I was not also addressing the “environmental” impact.  While carbon footprint, pollution, dumping, sanitation issues etc. definitely affect the environment, they also affect human beings. This is especially true in the supply chain side of corporate responsibility where I’ve seen a thousand times over the impact on both.

The industry must have experts in the field who focus more on just people or just the environment.  However, brands, NGOs and governments also need leaders who are well versed in both areas.  This holistic approach ensures all parts of their program work together effectively.  For this reason, I can not side with either “CSR” or “Sustainability” when naming or re-naming our industry.  We need a new, all encompassing name!

P.S. I can’t even think of a good name for my blog much less the industry.  I’m sending the task out to my wordsmith friends and will report back.

 

<!– AddThis Button BEGIN –>

<div><a href=”http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;pub=xa-4a9434553ebf9cc7″ title=”Bookmark and Share” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif” width=”125″ height=”16″ alt=”Bookmark and Share” style=”border:0″/></a></div>

<!– AddThis Button END –>

Human exploitation fuels mining trade in DRC: Apple, Dell look away

Human exploitation fuels mining trade in DRC: Apple, Dell look away

From the press release, HP seems to be the only electronics company actually doing something to trace their mineral supply chain all the way down to the extractive level. At least Nokia admitted they share responsibility for what happens in their 2nd and 3rd tier suppliers. The rest do not appear to be doing much due diligence (or at least aren’t letting anyone know about it). I am especially saddened to hear Apple’s response was thin and the website link not working. All the companies mentioned in the report are part of the EICC (Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition). I do know this organization is working hard to improve conditions in their factories, but from the looks of this report, they all have a long way to go with ensuring they are not buying conflict minerals.

Posted using ShareThis

Blog is Evolving

Happy Monday everyone! I’m learning to navigate Word Press and hope to have my blog up and running smoothly with regular posts in another week or two. In the meantime, I will continue to share interesting news and blurbs sporadically. Thanks for visiting!

Patagonia- Corporate Social Responsibility and the Supply Chain

Video: Patagonia- Corporate Social Responsibility and the Supply Chain

Congrats to Patagonia for putting it out there. I haven’t conducted an internet search yet, but this is the first time I’ve seen a brand talk frankly about their CSR program on U-Tube (includes footage of workers inside one of their suppliers). Let me know of others you’ve heard of.

Shared via AddThis