#visualdiary12

[akcadle]

Global apparel brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour have demonstrated a commitment to responsibility in design leadership by addressing the materials used in the manufacturing of their products. Nike, for instance, has made strides in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, with initiatives like the "Move to Zero" campaign aiming for zero carbon and waste. Adidas has committed to using only recycled polyester in its products by 2024 and has initiatives like "Futurecraft Loop" promoting a circular economy in footwear. Under Armour has also taken steps to reduce environmental impact through sustainable material choices. These companies showcase a growing understanding that ethical and sustainable practices are integral to long-term success. As a design leader, these examples influence a commitment to incorporating environmentally friendly materials, ensuring fair labor practices, and contributing positively to the communities where products are manufactured. Balancing financial success with societal and environmental responsibility becomes a guiding principle in design decisions, aiming for a more sustainable and socially conscious approach to the apparel industry.

[laurennbradford-blog]

Ben & Jerry’s - Social Responsibility

Ben & Jerry’s has built social responsibility into their business model. Taking up such issues as climate change, artificial growth hormone, family farmers, voting, and most recently the disproportionate amount of African Americans that are arrested for cannabis. Ben and Jerry's take on corporate social responsibilities is taking action to achieve more desired goals to expand their business growth .

[insowmnia]

Patagonia has always had social responsibility as a cornerstone of their company. As of recent, the CEO donated their tax break to aid in the environmentalist movement. The company works throughout their a supply chain to ensure that everything is ethically placed. The company continues to be socially active and a large voice in the environmental efforts of commerce. 

[creativecollectionnk32-blog]

Visual Diary #12 | Responsibility Practitioners

I felt Patagonia was a good example of a company trying to really be conscious in their moves as a business and how they effect the environment. You can see their mission here:

Patagonia is an outdoor apparel and lifestyle brand that emphasizes simplicity and utility. The Ventura-based company aims to “build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, [and] use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” They are constantly seeking new ways to minimize impacts on the environment—tailoring everything they make to sports that don’t require a motor. They are passionate about connections between people and nature.

Whether they follow this spot on or not, they are being mindful and I think that says a lot about his very popular brand. There seems be a lot more companies these days that are being forward about their impact on the Earth and society as a whole. Therefore, I admire them for that. I’m not sure some of their clothes are actually worth the price tag, but I do commend them for their awareness of environmental footprints.

[akcadle]

Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have made notable strides in practicing responsibility in design leadership by addressing financial, societal, and environmental considerations. Apple, for instance, has committed to using 100% renewable energy in its facilities and has made design choices that prioritize product longevity and recyclability. Google has been actively investing in renewable energy projects and is dedicated to carbon neutrality. Microsoft, under the leadership of Satya Nadella, has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming to be carbon negative by 2030. These companies showcase a commitment to environmental responsibility alongside financial success. As a design leader, these examples inspire a comprehensive approach to product development, considering the societal impacts of technology and prioritizing environmentally sustainable practices.

[laurennbradford-blog]

Tom’s Shoes - A Socially Responsible Shoe Company

TOMS is an accessory company that markets itself like a charity. When you buy their products, the company makes an in-kind donation to a person in need. When someone buys a pair of shoes in the US, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in a poor country. TOMS is growing and adjusting its strategy to tackle the root causes of global health issues.

Along with shoe donations, TOMS has expanded to three more areas. First, a purchase of eyewear from TOMS supports prescription glasses, eye surgeries, and medical treatment. Second, for every bag of TOMS Roasting Co. Coffee, a week’s supply of clean water is provided to a community in need. Finally, the purchase of a TOMS bag helps fund the training of birth attendants and ensures safe births across the globe.

[insowmnia]

Starbucks is a large corporation who takes on social responsibility as a key pillar of their company. The practice ethical production and importing of coffee but go even a step FURTHER and help farmers in countries who source coffee build farms. This in turn provides job opportunities for their communities and help to sustain growth in their respective economies. 

This influences me as a design leader because it emphasizes the importance of end to end ethical practices. 

[creativecollectionnk32-blog]

Visual Diary #12 | Responsibility Practitioners

Starbucks is a great example of an organization who is taking the lead on several major issues. One of the greatest recognitions they have received is their “score” on their hiring of people with disabilities. They have really made it known to the world that they care about equality and I think it’s an admirable thing about the corporation as a whole. Read the article here: https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-is-recognized-as-top-employer-for-disability-hiring-and-inclusion/

I think it’s amazing how accepting and hiring people with disabilities changes their lives. They are so excited to be accepted and they deserve to be treated as equals with everyone else. Whether that means they need to make adjustments to their training style or management, I’m just glad to see an organization embracing the disabled like this. 

Starbucks is also known for taking political stances with their advertising and packaging. No one is ever going to agree on certain political issues, but it’s important you stay true to who you are and what you believe in. The “Christmas” cup has now been transformed to the “Holiday” cup. While this is totally fine with me, it angers many. I think Starbucks has every right to stand up for what they believe in and how they communicate those beliefs.

Starbucks definitely steps up to the plate when it comes to design leadership and business leadership as a whole. Regardless of if you agree with them or not, no one can deny that they are true to themselves.