http://www.economist.com/node/21551500

The American firm, Chiquita Brands, has put great efforts into pleasing environmental activists over the past few years.  The firm’s chief executive, Fernando Aguirre, believes that sustainability is an important social responsibility.  Unfortunately though, the firm’s efforts to promote and uphold environmentally ethical practices has not been rewarded properly or even recognized for that matter.

Since being environmentally conscious is the trend lately, why aren’t companies, such as Chiquita, not being recognized for their efforts, while we still continue to bash other companies who still haven’t changed their ways?  Doesn’t this seem a bit hypocritical? If this company is promoting and making great efforts to make their business environmentally friendly, then why isn’t the media talking about it? I believe that we should be celebrating their efforts, and who knows, maybe it would influence other businesses to change their ways in order to gain more recognition and favour.

In today’s day in age, a businesses’s social responsibilities should include reducing pollution and making their practices environmentally sound.  Many businesses will still argue though that the costs to do this are too high and in the end, not worth it.  But, what if there were incentives at the end of it all? If the media chose to focus more on positive events, such as this, then maybe Chiquita’s story would inspire other companies to follow the same path, thus leading to more media coverage, advertisement opportunities, and recognition in general.  I hope that one day many companies will make it a priority to create an environmentally ethical business in order to benefit the greater good.