Over two decades ago, IKEA used political prisoners in East Germany to manufacture products. IKEA apologized on the 15^th of November for using forced labour. They stated that they were aware of the possibility of prisoners being used at the time, but blame it on the control system that was lacking in that time. They also state that it will never happen again. Many wonder whether IKEA is really sorry, or just sorry they got caught. IKEA is a well-known company, and I doubt this news of them using forced labour will effect their sales. Moreover, because it was prisoners doing the labour, many will overlook this as they may see it as fair work for people who committed crimes to do. This is an ethical dilemma, and emphasizes that businesses must be careful with what they do as it may come up as an issue in the future.

opean-business/ikea-regrets-use-of-forced-labour-in-east-germany/article5363079/

On November 8th, our COMM 101 class had the pleasure to meet the owner of Energy Aware, Janice. She is a Sauder graduate who put her passion for sustainability to use and became an entrepreneur in this field. Her company, Energy Aware creates hardware, software and firmware. The Power Tab is one of the products Energy Aware makes. It is a very interesting product as it shows the amount of watts you are using in your home. During the Vancouver Olympics, the Power Tab was featured to emphasize the sustainability of the Olympic Village.

I love the idea of the Power Tab. I think it is a simple product that creates not only awareness, but change. We only have one world, and we should do everything possible to sustain the environment.

In reply to Ryan Taggart’s post “Good-Bye Twinkies” on November 18th.

https://blogs.ubc.ca/ryantaggart/2012/11/18/good-bye-twinkies/

Hostess Brands Inc. went out of business recently. It is not a surprise as they have been close to bankrupcy since 2004 as well as are an unhealthy food choice in today’s health aware society. Hostess Brands Inc. produces the infamous unhealthy snack, Twinkies. Ryan makes a solid point in that the company has been liquidating its assets since the 80s, and it was too late to change their brand image or create healthy products. The consumer would be confused by this move and would likely not purchase the company’s products.

I personally, have never eaten a Twinkie before. I believe people are becoming more aware of what they eat and the demand for Twinkie’s was just not there anymore.

http://www.bcbusinessonline.ca/small-business/canada-be-your-own-boss-country

On November 13^th, Tony Wanless wrote a blog post for BCBusiness online, identifying the increasing rate of entrepreneurs in Canada. A recent study by CIBC discovered that half a million Canadians had begun their own business in June. Nearly half of the businesses in BC are soloist or self-employed. Because there are so few big businesses to employ people, Wanless suggests that many are choosing to employ themselves and be their own boss. The flexibility of being your own boss creates an opportunity for those who like having freedom. For instance, after my father, Mike Weedle retired from his work in Talisman Oil Company, he decided to create his own consulting business, Markets Matter Inc. This allowed him to have full control over when he wanted to work and what work he wanted to do. He then went on to consult at Nexen 3 or 4 days a week. Creating his own business allowed him to achieve the employment he wanted after retiring.

Legalizing marijuana has always been controversial, whether people view it as a civil right or a dangerous gateway drug. Neil Manning posted on this topic on November 8^th, soon after the legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado, following the winning election of Barack Obama.

Medical marijuana is already legal so why should it not be legal for any user over the age of 21 to smoke marijuana? Neil believes that it is a gateway drug and should not have been legalized. He views it as dangerous and unethical.

I believe it was a positive amendment. Marijuana is already legal for medicinal purposes. If it helps people who are sick, how could it do danger to those who are healthy? Similar to alcohol, there are cases in which it will be abused. However, it is a right for people to make that decision.

It will really be a test for the US to see if it will improve their economy in Colorado, which I believe it will, considering the taxes they can make on it. The legalization will also make it safer for consumers, as the government can monitor what goes into the marijuana.

Market Collective is a local event that takes place every couple of months in Calgary. Local artists and musicians set up booths in a retired fabric store building in the cultural heart of Calgary, Kensington. Whether it is Valentine’s Day or Christmas, there are plenty of unique goods to purchase, while listening to live music from local musicians.

Two local women founded market Collective in 2008. Their mission was to promote local arts and culture, as well as empower the community and encourage positive growth of the city. Market Collective is a social entrepreneurship as it has a direct social mission and applies market base strategies to achieve a social purpose. The market brings together social entrepreneurs within Calgary, and showcases them to an audience. It is such a unique experience as you get to interact with the artist one on one. You truly get to hear their personal story as well as their vision. There are a vast amount of goods and social goods being provided. Cupcakes, jewelry and paintings are just a few.

A friend of mine, Kai Cabunec-Boettcher has a regular booth at the market. He co-founded Light & Soul, a company “committed to elevating earthly culture, human relationships and ourselves.” They are driven to create sustainability and inspire others to do so as well. From art, to clothing, to skateboards they are making a difference. Their most recent project that I got to talking with Kai about is called Leaf Ninjas. It is a movement to create urban farms in Calgary, to grow your own food and gain knowledge of what food you are putting into your body and sustaining the environment.

The amazing thing is Light & Soul is only one participant in Market Collective. Walking around the market, you can really observe change in action. Another booth that caught my attention was the LGBT, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization of Calgary who was having people tie-dye t-shirts to promote awareness. They were also open to sharing stories with people who had questions about the community. Market Collective brings together social entrepreneurs, who are all striving to create a difference in society through means of business.

Check out Light & Soul

http://www.lightandsoul.ca/

Market Collective

http://marketcollective.ca/