Written by: Graeme Trayner, Brunswick Research, London Jane Adlam-Cook, Brunswick Research, London Thomas Wimmer, Brunswick, Berlin
Globally, each NGO identified a wide range of pressure points on companies, with the over-riding emphasis on reducing climate change. The main ones are:
Water “Water is the new oil”. Many NGOs attack the shipment of water- intensive foods into the West and the ubiquity of “unnecessary” bottled water. Ground water contamination in China due to the disposal of industrial effluent is another concern.
Super-consumption Some NGOs are vocally promoting a “service based retail model” requiring a repair guarantee for the duration of a product’s life, rather than a “disposable society”.
Supply chains NGOs increasingly call on supermarkets to minimize food miles, and manufacturers to reduce resource-intensive distribution systems. The least developed communities, they argue, should be allowed to add value to their commodities, such as roasting coffee.
Migrant labor The concern here is fuelled by erratic weather conditions in Asia, adding to mass migration to cities and causing social fragmentation and urban slums.
Choice editing Many NGOs favor “forcing” sustainable practices through limiting the supply of non-sustainable goods. Some, on the other hand, question its feasibility in a downturn.
Fast fashion This trend puts enormous pressures on suppliers to abuse hours, shifts and wages. NGOs typically question marketing that encourages “shopping bulimia”, creates extra landfill and encourages exploitation of garment workers.
Global Health Many NGOs focus on eliminating the biggest killers such as measles, malaria, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and diarrhea through basic education, vaccination and healthcare.
Data protection and privacy NGOs believe personal data should be treated with the same care as cash and are calling for more controlled access to personal information. They are concerned about RFID tags, although they also identify potential benefits.
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