When considering the idea
of creating a company that is focused on sustainability and becoming
environmentally friendly, it seems like it could be a simple task. However,
sustainable or not, when creating a business plan, everything seems to focus
around one thing... money, money and more money. Of course, this is a very
important factor in the business world, but there are right and wrong ways to go
about earning money for your company. There are three sectors of the economy in
which your business can fall into. According to Thorpe's The Designers Atlas
of Sustainability, most designers work in the private sector, which we
recognize as the free market. Here is a diagram of the three sectors:
3-Sectors of the Economy in 3
sentences:
The private sector focuses on making
as much money as possible-profit is key.
The public sector creates
competition with taxation.
The third sector focuses on
social/emotional issues, rather than the finances.
FAIR
TRADE
Due to the nature of consumerism in
our field of study, it is important to address a HUGE factor.. fair trade. As
Thorpe says, no designer wants their products to be produced by means of child
labor or any other inhumane manner... and these things can be hard to monitor
with an ocean between us and the factories. However, there are several companies
who have taken initiative to operate solely with fair trade. There are also
several organizations that have been created to help encourage fair trade. One
company, SERRV, has not only set out to make a difference in the world of
consumerism, but has been dedicated to creating better lives for the less
fortunate. They focus on eliminating poverty, and creating goods in a humane and
legal manner. SERRV is a nonprofit organization
that provides work for local farmers and artisans. They are essentially a vendor
that sells everything from textiles to foods. 
SERRV is not only a wonderful
company that has improved working conditions and trade activities, it is also
contributing to meeting the human needs of its employees. SERRV is maintaining
"cultural sustainability". As Thorpe states, humans have a common set of needs
that should be met. Below is a breakdown of these
needs:
Subsistence: sustenance, health,
physical, capability
Protection: shelter, safety,
security
Affection: self-respect/self-esteem,
loving relationships, respect, tolerance
Understanding: curiosity, knowing,
exploration, conscience, rationality, intuition
Participation: solidarity, sense of
belonging, responsibility, sharing, connectedness
Leisure: rest, play, relaxation,
idleness, fantasy
Creation: invention, design,
composition, interpretation, expression
Identity: competence, self-esteem,
knowledge, authenticity
Freedom: autonomy, tolerance,
rights, choice, self-direction
In ways, SERRV meets each and every
one of these needs for their employees.
See below for more information about
SERRV
Shelby,
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting you found a place that well represents what was asked of us this week in more ways than one. SERRV sounds like a great company that can either meet food or textile needs. Maybe include a little more from the readings. What do you think is economy wise in Thorpe's book, is holding us down from becoming sustainable? Keep up the good work!
Hi, Shelby;
ReplyDeleteThis company is very interesting. These cooperatives seem to be popping up all over the place, providing economic opportunities in developing countries. Your blog seems a little light this week in terms of discussing the reading as well as the research activity. There seems to be a disconnect between your discussion of the three sectors and fair trade. I see where your headed, but you have not made the argument explicit.
Shelby,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you were able to break-down the 3 business sectors in such simple forms! The company SERRV was very interesting to learn about. Its great to learn about a company that wants to better the lives of the less fortunate and not just get financial gain like many other companies these days. As I mentioned on Kathryn's blog about consumers needing to be rewarded for going green, do you think there should be more rewards for businesses that are sustainable as well?
Thanks for your comments Holly! To answer your question, yes. I think that companies should be rewarded or recognized in some way for their sustainable efforts. As consumers, we can do our part by rewarding them with our business.
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