What is CSR? Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept most businesses strive for. Many companies discuss and market their business as socially conscious. But what does that mean? Businesses today need to aim higher and take action to support several types of causes-the environment, education, sustainability, employees, etc. Making decisions that have an overall positive impact on these causes and more are the mark of a real company with true vision and commitment to society as a whole. How are brands taking on CSR projects and what results are they achieving?
The philosophy behind CSR projects
CSR is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. CSR policy functions as an organisation’s commitment to the community and broader society. The corporate world has brought forth many CSR initiatives and programs, some of which are more effective than others.
CSR comes in many forms, such as employee volunteering or the sponsoring of charities and events. The most effective CSR projects combine all of these aspects into one cohesive plan that benefits both the company and its stakeholders while helping the cause it focuses on. Some businesses have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a positive impact on society by creating internal departments dedicated to environmental sustainability and ethical supply chains.
Other companies have taken on more specific causes, such as Coca Cola’s commitment to water conservation or Patagonia’s efforts to maintain an ethical supply chain and participate in fair trade programs. Here are two examples of successful CSR projects:
Chipotle is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain that was founded in 1993 by Steve Ells. It has grown to over 2,000 restaurants in the United States, and it has become one of the most successful chains in America.
In 2011, Chipotle launched its Cultivate Foundation, which aims to help farmers increase their yields while reducing their impact on the environment. The foundation works with farmers from around the world, connecting them with technology and resources that will allow them to produce healthier fruits and vegetables while reducing their negative impacts on the planet. In addition to funding research into sustainable farming methods, Chipotle also provides training and education on sustainable agricultural practices. The underlying philosophy is that with access to these tools, farmers can make positive changes in their communities while producing food that meets our standards for quality and sustainability. They also fund grants, academies and accelerating programs.
Disney aims for carbon neutrality
Disney’s sustainability efforts span across the company’s operations, including theme parks and resorts, cruise lines, broadcast media properties and consumer products and interactive media. The company also pledges to follow its sustainability commitments across its supply chain by working with vendors who share the same values.
The Walt Disney Company began its journey to become a more sustainable company in 2007 when it became the first major entertainment company to publicly set a greenhouse gas reduction goal of reducing our absolute greenhouse gas emissions from facilities, operations and product delivery by 50 percent by 2020. With this commitment, Disney is also striving to reduce our water use by 50 percent and power usage by 15 percent, with a goal of reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste.
In addition to these commitments, Disney has been working on several other environmental initiatives over the past few years. For example, in 2019 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park re-opened a popular attraction called Conservation Station where guests can learn about conservation efforts throughout the world.
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