Sustainability: The Ability To Meet The Needs Of The Present

Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present generation

ECON 200: Sustainable Living Research Paper Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. From a macroeconomic perspective (more global, large-scale) evaluate a large national or international entity (business, not-for-profit, or government agency) applying two strategies of Natural Capitalism. These strategies provide a broad context for evaluating a national or international entity on the path to sustainability. Focus on two of these principles. Don’t apply a principle if it doesn’t work! Analyze the effectiveness of the entity in light of these two principles.

Cite actions that the entity has taken that have altered its environmental impact, carbon footprint or some other measure. Make recommendations that could make a further difference in their overall sustainability.

Strategies of Natural Capitalism:

  • 1. Radical resource productivity
  • 2. Biomimicry
  • 3. Service and flow
  • 4. Investing in natural capital

Three sustainable living outcomes that you MUST address in your paper:

  1. Articulate practical solutions to social, environmental, and economic issues. (How is your entity accomplishing this?) This has also been expressed as the 3P’s: people, planet, profit and the triple bottom line: corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability, traditional financial bottom line. This outcome could be easily tied to the Strategies of Natural Capitalism above.
  2. Employ knowledge of sustainability and technology to articulate practical solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. (Focus on a couple of your company’s challenges)
  3. Analyze social, economic, technological, and environmental systems and reason holistically. Holistic: relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.

In addition, answer this question: How would a society develop a sustainable economic system? (The current global economy is not sustainable. What are some elements that if introduced to a society would enable the creation of a sustainable economic system.) How could a single company through its efforts impact the economic system in which it operates? This requires critical thinking and creativity on your part. There is not a RIGHT answer to this question.

Pay attention to the document: ECON 200 Sustainable Living Research Paper Grading Rubric. Writing Requirements: 4-6 pages typed double-spaced, 12 point type font. Use MLA or other understandable format. Cite from at least one of each of these media: 1) Book including “Natural Capitalism”—2) Magazine or newspaper—3) Internet. Use the Evidence Log (Document in the Assignment tab) as part of your research.

Make a note of every, book, magazine, newspaper, or internet article that you consulted and then what connections you made in your mind that lead you to consult another source. This can support you in creating your bibliography/works cited. Include: bibliography/works cited page(s). Note: Do not use corporate website information exclusively. The corporation will put their positive spin on their information and will not be totally objective. Be sure to find information from other sources to get some balance.

Paper For Above instruction

In recent years, the imperative for sustainability has gained prominence among corporations and governments alike, recognizing that the current trajectory of resource extraction and environmental impact is unsustainable in the long term. This paper evaluates the sustainability strategies of a prominent multinational corporation—Unilever—through the lens of two principles of Natural Capitalism: radical resource productivity and biomimicry. By examining Unilever's actions and policies, analyzing their environmental and social impacts, and proposing further strategic recommendations, this study explores how a large entity can contribute to establishing a more sustainable economic system.

Introduction

The concept of sustainability encompasses meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. For corporations like Unilever, aligning business practices with sustainability principles involves integrating social, environmental, and economic considerations into core operations. This is consistent with the triple bottom line model—people, planet, profit—supporting both economic success and environmental responsibility. By implementing strategies such as radical resource productivity and biomimicry, companies can reduce environmental impacts while fostering innovation and resilience.

Unilever's Implementation of Natural Capitalism Principles

Radical Resource Productivity

Unilever has undertaken multiple initiatives to enhance resource efficiency. Notably, its Sustainable Living Plan aims to halve the environmental footprint of its products by 2020. The company has invested in optimizing supply chain processes, improving packaging efficiency, and reducing water and energy consumption during production. For example, Unilever's efforts in redesigning packaging have resulted in substantial reductions in plastic use, directly decreasing resource extraction and waste. These actions exemplify radical resource productivity by doing more with less and innovating to reduce environmental impact.

Biomimicry

Biomimicry, the design and production of materials, structures, and systems inspired by nature, has guided Unilever's product development. A prime example is the company's development of biodegradable cleaning agents that mimic natural processes to break down pollutants effectively. Additionally, Unilever's partnership with research institutions has led to innovations like plant-based packaging materials modeled after the protective shells of certain seeds, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. These applications demonstrate how biomimicry can foster sustainable innovation that aligns with natural systems.

Analysis of Unilever's Environmental Impact and Action

Unilever has reported significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions—aiming for a 52% reduction across its operations by 2020. Its water conservation initiatives have led to substantial savings throughout manufacturing sites. The company’s efforts to promote sustainable sourcing, including commitment to 100% renewable energy in manufacturing and sourcing sustainable agricultural raw materials, have also contributed to lowering its carbon footprint. These actions are indicative of a strategic alignment with natural capitalism principles, although ongoing challenges remain in ensuring supply chain transparency and equitable social impacts.

Recommendations for Enhancing Sustainability

Despite progress, further steps could amplify Unilever's sustainability outcomes. Expanding investments in circular economy models, such as increasing product reuse and recycling, would further decrease resource consumption. Adoption of biomimetic technologies across more product lines could enhance sustainability impacts. Additionally, investing in natural capital—restoring ecosystems impacted by supply chain activities—would build socio-economic resilience. Implementing blockchain technology for supply chain transparency could also ensure responsible sourcing, bolstering consumer trust and environmental accountability. These measures align with Natural Capitalism’s emphasis on innovation and natural resource stewardship.

Developing a Sustainable Economic System

A society can achieve a sustainable economic system by adopting policies that internalize environmental costs, promote renewable energy, and prioritize equitable wealth distribution. Elements such as carbon pricing, stricter environmental regulations, and incentives for sustainable innovation are essential. Education systems emphasizing environmental stewardship and circular economy principles would cultivate public support. Technological advancements—such as renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable agriculture—are vital. Overall, integrating ecological metrics into economic accounting would encourage sustainable decision-making.

Corporate Impact on the Economic System

Single companies can influence broader economic systems by demonstrating that sustainability can be profitable. By integrating sustainability into core business models, companies set standards and influence supply chain practices, policies, and consumer behavior. For instance, Unilever’s commitment to sustainable sourcing has prompted suppliers worldwide to adopt eco-friendly practices. Companies can also invest in sustainable innovation clusters, advocate for policy changes, and lead by example to shift industry norms toward long-term ecological resilience and social equity.

Conclusion

Achieving sustainability at a macroeconomic level requires a multi-faceted approach involving innovative corporate strategies, supportive policies, and cultural shifts. Large entities like Unilever, through applying principles such as radical resource productivity and biomimicry, illustrate how business can substantially reduce environmental impact while maintaining profitability. Their actions demonstrate feasibility and inspire other organizations to adopt similar strategies. Ultimately, cultivating sustainable economic systems depends on continuous innovation, systemic thinking, and shared responsibility among all societal sectors.

References

  • Hawken, P., Lovins, A. B., & Lovins, L. H. (1999). Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution. Little, Brown and Company.
  • Unilever. (2021). Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. Retrieved from https://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/
  • Benham, M. (2019). Biomimicry in Business: Innovations Inspired by Nature. Journal of Sustainable Innovation, 10(3), 45-59.
  • World Resources Institute. (2018). Circular Economy Principles for Sustainable Business. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/research/circular-economy
  • Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in Systems: A Primer. Chelsea Green Publishing.
  • United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). Emissions Gap Report 2020. UNEP. https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report
  • McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. North Point Press.
  • OECD. (2019). Investing in Natural Capital for Sustainable Development. OECD Publishing.
  • Johnson, M., & Frank, C. (2020). Sustainable Business Models. Business & Society, 59(4), 857-883.
  • Hawken, P. (2017). The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability. Harper Business.

Related Assignments