Utne Magazine Examines Corporate Social Responsibility: Fringe Ideas Gone Mainstream, or Corporate America's Favorite New Marketing Strategy?

Published 05-18-06

Submitted by Utne Magazine

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- With corporate giants like Wal-Mart and General Electric adopting feel good, globally responsible corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, big business is realizing that going green can make them some serious green. Cash that is. The cover story in the May/June issue of Utne magazine "The New Capitalists: Is it possible to make money and really make a difference?" focuses on how a practice once utilized mainly by crunchy, green, organic companies is now stepping into the world of corporate America.

Utne magazine's Joseph Hart explores the explosive duality emerging between those that welcome big business's attempts to "go green", and those who believe the core of the new CSR boom is centered squarely on the desire for larger market share and more profit. Hart interviews and sources a variety of people to take the pulse on this issue, ranging from Patricia Aburdene, author of Conscious Capitalism, now-retired U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan, Social Venture Network co-executive director Pam Chaloult, and Joel Bakkan, attorney and author of The Corporation.

Utne also takes note of what the following industry giants are doing:

Walt Disney and McDonald's corporations are working with socially responsible investors to monitor and improve the working conditions in ten Chinese factories that make their toys. However, as recently as last year, claims of worker abuse and low pay persisted.

Oil giant BP had reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and launched a solar power subsidiary. Yet the company still continues to stand by controversial projects, such as laying oil pipe along a fault line and through a national park.

Dupont has been piloting the Chicago Climate Exchange, a greenhouse gas emissions program that is on track to cut its emissions by 65 percent from 1990 levels and has saved nearly two billion through renewable energy. Meanwhile the Environmental Protection Agency is pushing Dupont to phase out perfluorooctanoic acid, a likely carcinogen, which is contained in all its Teflon products.

Radical Capitalism: Utne magazine highlights six successful small companies that are experimenting with new business models and integrating sustainability with high ethical standards:

Pura Vida - a leading fair trade coffee dealer based in Seattle

Greenkarat - an online retailer of recycled gold jewelry

Kopali Organics -- a fair trade, organic, specialty food company that produces, markets and distributes traditional gourmet products

Organic Valley - the nation's largest organic farmer-owned cooperative in North America and the second-largest producer of organic dairy products

Seventh Generation - a non-toxic, environmentally safe household products company

Vancity - a democratically run cooperative credit union with nearly 12 billion in assets

Also in this issue:

Brainstorming

Brain manipulation may sound frightening, yet neural implants are proving to be effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, and anxiety where conventional drugs have failed. Scientists are also placing high hopes on the fact that brain manipulation may be the cure for diseases such as Parkinson's, and that it could potentially provide a better quality of life for individuals with brain injuries. However, for every potentially positive impact of this revolutionary treatment, there is a proverbial dark side. At the center of this controversial issue are many thought-provoking questions. Where does our physical brain end and our soul begin? Can a scientist truly understand all higher functions of the human brain? Should medicine be able to tinker with consciousness? Utne magazine brings you to the frontline of this debate.

Booze, Blood, and the Star-Spangled Banner

Jack El-Hai digs deeper into the organization Anthem! America and their quest to find a newer, hipper, more singable version of our nation's most patriotic tune. Contenders range from classic ("This Land is Your Land") to hilarious ("Theme from Hawaii-Five-O").

The Street Librarian

Utne's Chris Dodge gets you off the grid and helps provide noteworthy reading materials that serve as invaluable resources in the quest for a more sustainable life.

Soul Aerobics

An in-depth look at the popular fusion of healing arts, dance arts, and martial arts known as Nia or Neuromuscular Integrative Action. Those willing to take the plunge into this deeply spiritual, yet full body work out are sure to reap the life changing benefits.

About Utne

Utne is a national progressive lifestyle magazine with an audience of nearly 700,000, now celebrating more than 20 years of publication. Since 1984 Utne has been a leading voice for the alternative and independent press, bringing readers the "other side of the story" on issues ranging from the environment to the economy and from politics to pop culture. Utne provokes thought and inspires action by offering the best of the independent press as well as original writing. Read more at www.utne.com.

For more information, please contact Lisa Proctor at 612-338-5040 ext. 338, or online at lproctor@utne.com.

Utne Magazine

Founded in 1984 by Eric Utne, UTNE READER reprints the best articles from over 2,000 alternative media sources bringing you the latest ideas and trends emerging in our culture... Provocative writing from diverse perspectives... Insightful analysis of art and media... Down-to-earth news and resources you can use... In-depth coverage of compelling people and issues that affect your life... The best of the alternative media.

Utne Magazine Examines Corporate Social Responsibility: Fringe Ideas Gone Mainstream, or Corporate America's Favorite New Marketing Strategy?

Utne Magazine Examines Corporate Social Responsibility: Fringe Ideas Gone Mainstream, or Corporate America's Favorite New Marketing Strategy?

Utne Magazine

Utne Magazine

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