When a company makes the decision to adopt more eco-friendly production regulations, they not only are impacting the planet in a positive way, but they are impacting their brand in that same way too. Companies that put a focus on green alternatives and sustainable work ethics are becoming more and more praised in media nowadays. The gain in “brownie points” from potential consumers should be incentive enough for large corporations to focus on eco-friendly practices more. For example, when a meatpacking company is exposed to have been treating their animals inhumanely, there is a massive wave of backlash against the company, and they can lose millions of dollars in sales or go bankrupt altogether. However, when a brand launches new eco-friendly packaging or sponsors a campaign that donates to sustainability efforts, the consumers of the world go nuts. Companies can earn an extra few million dollars by adopting greener practices and packaging in profit alone. Not only that but with the advancements in greener packaging research, some materials may cost less to use and leave less of a carbon footprint.
If a company uses paper bags for their packaging, they could easily cut costs by switching to hemp paper bags instead. Not only does hemp produce more in less time, but it also is quicker to biodegrade than paper. Thus, the company is creating more packaging from the same amount of acres of land used to grow trees by switching to hemp, deforestation is reduced, the cost of packaging production will go down, and consumers will feel more apt to use their products because they are “green”. It is a win-win situation for both the company and the planet. The company can spend less on buying packaging, therefore they can turn a better profit with sales, and the earth suffers less in deforestation.
I wish I could say that companies would want to adopt greener packaging and practices out of the goodness of their hearts and in the best interests of the planet, but that’s not realistic. Sadly, our world today most major corporations want to do what’s best for money, not morals. Its been done time and time again, pleas from climate activists that companies should consider their environmental impact more have often fallen upon deaf ears. The tactic used to sway these companies needs to change, and focus on giving them the incentive of better production rates and profits if they make the switch. Corporations are financially driven, and the corrupt leaders of the businesses do not see or care to see the impact that mass production of nonbiodegradable single-use packaging has on the environment. The planet is dying. While it’s heartwarming to see individual people making the switch to reusable containers in order to help the cause, it’s the major companies that are impacting earth the most, which is why they must begin switching their packaging soon. Obviously, not all companies refuse to reduce their impact on the environment with their packaging, some have already taken the iniciative to clean up their act. However, in order to sway the larger coperatiin to make the switch, we need to show them what they are missing out on; more money.
Essay by: Jessika Crockett-Murphy
Stonehill College (Currently enrolled in Marshfield High School)
