Monthly Archives: October 2014

BC Hydro’s $8 billion Site C hydroelectric megaproject is a 1,100-megwatt hydroelectric generating station, which BC Hydro has proposed they build in northeastern British Columbia on the Peace River. This proposed area is home to many First Nations who are concerned about the impact that the 83 kilometers of flooding would cause to the farmland and wildlife of the area. Next week, a few BC First Nation chiefs are making their way to Ottawa to voice their disapproval of the project to Stephen Harper.

Both of the First Nations communities that would be affected by the dam have said that they would not oppose smaller wind, solar or geothermal powered projects in the area. However if Harper approves Site C, First Nation Chief Roland Wilson has stated that many aboriginal groups will challenge the project in the Federal Court of Canada.

This disagreement over the use of aboriginal land is not a first in British Columbia’s history, and will likely not be the last. I think it is important that we take the concerns of the First Nations seriously, and think about the effects that our decisions have on everyone. Many projects such as Site C are proposed for areas containing an abundance of wildlife that are easily destroyed. I believe that companies should not propose projects such as this to be developed in areas where the environment feels their impacts greatly, and that companies begin to look into greener, environmentally friendly innovative projects.

Sources:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html

http://www.sierraclub.bc.ca/our-work/mining-energy/spotlights/review-panel-ask-bc-hydro-for-more-information-on-site-c/image

Patagonia has a business strategy that is quite unique. Unlike many clothing brands, the outdoor clothing company Patagonia is telling customers to think twice before purchasing their products. At first this seems like a strange business strategy, don’t companies want to make sales? Well, since launching their famous campaign, Patagonia has seen their profits almost triple.

Patagonia’s Common Thread Initiative promotes reducing, repairing, reusing, and recycling. This unique approach renounces over consumerism. Based on the increases in Patagonia sales since launching this strategy we can conclude that consumers are responding positively. Consumers feel that they can trust Patagonia and that the company truly values the environment.

Patagonia’s products are not cheap, however, the guarantee of quality and longevity of their products is making consumers consider quality versus quantity when shopping.

An advertisement in which the company states, “don’t buy this jacket” with a picture of their own product seems quite contradictory, but Patagonia is proving to the world that in order for a business to succeed they must create trust with the consumer and show that they have goals beyond creating profit.

Sources:

http://www.businessinsider.com/patagonia-business-strategy-2014-9

https://utstatic.a.cdnify.io/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Patagonia.jpg