In regards to how some companies using being “green” as a window dressing, I believe most people can see through it. As more people become more environmentally conscious they will be able to see through the meager eco-efforts of companies like Wallmart. It seems obvious when a company is putting up a front, versus really applying sustainable concepts intertwined into their mission statement.

While most seem to ignore the movement, it does seem like there are plenty of options for environmental business. After having a meeting with some Venture Capitalists yesterday, I’m convinced that there will be huge growth in the clean energy market, and China is a great place to start. Their infrastructure is not built up, so it should be feasible. It was great to hear how Neil Lahey with Devontec is using China as a resource. In the green marketplace, China should provide to be an incredibly lucrative opportunity.

Thanks for the addendum.

We both have the same definition.

Re: some of firms we visit in China, you will find that it’s like firms in the USA — success being “green” is a matter of degree and perspective, some firms do it pretty well while others do not, some have it in their mission statement and really live by it and others use it as window dressing, etc.

As an example, some credible people argue that even the well respected firms you note above have some problems and need to greatly improve on the “being green front”; while others argue that we need to look at the big picture and that these firms overall do a pretty good job (or are at least trying to and they are asking themselves the tough questions).

As another example, many manufacturing firms one visits in China will show you their safety and environmental protection certificates, and they are truly very proud of them (e.g., ISO 9000 certification). Yet could they be doing more, at least by “western” standards? Sure and of course.

One thing I caution you to keep in mind and remember — China is a developing country, and you will see what, exactly, that means when we get there. It is trying to attain the same standard of living as the US (or get closer to it) and in a way much like the US went about it less than a century ago.

If you apply current western standards and values re: green issues to the developing world, you are in for some serious heartburn that will keep you up at night. One of the values of this trip is that you WILL see this, first hand, whereas many people only read about it or watch CNN or CNBC TV reports on it. Not the same thing at all, not does that latter have nearly the same impact on a person.

But, you also have a choice — you can choose to either let it totally depress you, or, you can choose to decide not to let the heartburn set in too deep and think about how you can make a difference and/or jump in with your MBA skills and training to help these societies do it right/better, whether you go there to do so full-time, or you help from right here in the US (think of Neil Lahey and Devontec as a great example — China and firms there will one day not be just his supplier, but his market too!).

By green or sustainable business I mean a company which takes into consideration how environmental and human rights impact business practices. It would be a business which operates in a socially responsible manner, while protecting the environment, creating products or working with processes that cause the least harm ecologically. A company that evaluates raw materials, invests in innovative technologies, and regulates their wastes. A business to inspire solutions to the environmental crisis the world is facing rather than ignoring them and just focusing on profit in the short term….Basically, in a nutshell, a socially responsible venture, which has a smaller ecological footprint. When I think of China, I think of the opposite of this. I’d like to be proved wrong. At the same time, I’m sure there are some companies which are attempting to build sustainability into their business, to be able to operate in future generations.

Some companies with these values which come to mind include: Patagonia, Evergreen Solar, Ben & Jerry’s, Cliff Bar, ect . Also in China, Beijing Organic Food Co. Ltd. I Hope this clears up my question.

Thanks for checking in. Good question. Remember you are dealing with an attorney here, where words and their meaning are critical!

Before I can answer, I would need you to define what YOU mean by a “green business”? This can be broad or narrow. Everybody has a different definition. My definition may be very different than yours. Also give me/us some examples of such firms that you consider green and WHY you consider them to be “green.”

Since there was a limited time for questions after the lecture I did not have time to ask these… During our visit to China, are we planning to visit any green businesses? Seeing that many business students often have limited knowledge about sustainability, and while it is becoming a more mainstream issue in most companies, are there any proposed future courses at Cal Poly’s MBA program with a focus on Sustainable Business?

Good input and comments.

I thought a panel would be a good change up from what we have been doing. I also felt t the different perspectives with panelists coming from different fields worked well.

Ashley,

Great comment. Amen. I agree. Sometimes in business we (and the critics of business) can miss the forest through the trees.

The below adage that I remember one of my aunt’s saying over and over when I was a kid would seem to apply to WalMart’s sustainability push and how WalMart can never seem to appease some of its critics:

“No good deed goes unpunished”!

February 23 Update: See today’s Wall Street Journal article, Wal-Mart Pushes for Diversity at Suppliers, that reiterates how Wal-Mart is requiring its suppliers to adopt new technology and embrace environmental initiatives, but primarily addresses Wal-Mart’s related push to prod its suppliers to hire more women and minorities on their staffs. I my view I think they have a real shot at making a difference on the environmental front, but, on the hiring (AND RETENTION!!) of women and minorities, I think that will prove to be much more difficult for them to successfully socially engineer.