Ethical Consumers and Consumption Definition and Discussion

A glance at contemporary news headlines reveals the many problems that stem from how global capitalism and consumerism operate.  Global warming and climate change threaten to wipe out our species and the planet. Dangerous and deadly working conditions are common on the production lines of many goods we consume.  Tainted and toxic food products appear regularly on the shelves of grocery stores. People working in many industries and services sectors, from fast food to retail, to education, cannot afford to feed themselves and their families without food stamps. In response to these—and many other—problems, many have turned to ethical consumerism in order to address global issues by changing their patterns of consumption. The key question of ethical consumerism can be stated as follows: when the problems connected to our way of life are so many and diverse, how can we act in ways that are rooted in respect for the environment and others? Below, we’ll review how studying consumption patterns from a critical perspective can show us how to be ethical consumers. Key Takeways: Being an Ethical Consumer In today’s globalized economy, our choices about what to buy have far-reaching consequences around the world.While we don’t typically stop to think about our everyday purchases, doing so can allow us to make more ethical product choices.In response to concerns about the ethical impacts of global capitalism, initiatives have been developed to create fair trade and sustainable products. Wide-Ranging Consequences Being an ethical consumer in today’s world requires first recognizing that consumption is not just embedded in economic relations, but also in social and political ones. Because of this, what we consume matters beyond the immediate context of our lives. When we consume goods or services brought to us by the economic system of capitalism, we effectively agree with how this system works. By purchasing goods produced by this system we give our consent, by virtue of our participation, to the distribution of profit and costs throughout supply chains, to how much the people who make stuff are paid and to the massive accumulation of wealth enjoyed by those at the top. Not only do our consumer choices support and affirm the economic system as it exists, but they also provide legitimacy to the global  and national policies that make the economic system possible. Our consumer practices give our consent to the unequal distribution power and unequal access to rights and resources that are fostered by our political systems. Finally, when we consume, we place ourselves into social relationships with all the people who participate in producing, packaging, exporting and importing, marketing, and selling the goods we buy, and with all of those who participate in providing the services we purchase. Our consumer choices connect us in both good and bad ways to hundreds of millions of people around the world. So consumption, though an everyday and unremarkable act, is actually embedded in a complex, global web of economic, political, and social relations. As such, our consumer practices have sweeping implications. What we consume matters. Critical Thinking About Consumption Patterns For most of us, the  implications of our consumer practices remain unconscious or subconscious, in large part because they are far removed from us, geographically speaking. However, when we think consciously and critically about them, they can take on a different kind of economic, social, and political significance. If we frame the problems that stem from global production and consumption as unethical or morally corrupt, then we can visualize a pathway to ethical consumption by selecting products and services that break from harmful and destructive patterns. If unconscious consumption supports and reproduces the problematic status quo, then a critically conscious, ethical consumption can challenge it by supporting alternative economic, social, and political relations of production and consumption. Let’s examine a couple of key issues, and then consider what an ethical consumer response to them looks like. Raising Wages Many of the products we consume are affordable because they are produced by low-wage workers around the world who are kept in impoverished conditions by the capitalist imperative to pay as little as possible for labor. Nearly every global industry is plagued with this problem, including consumer electronics, fashion, food, and toys, to name just a few. In particular, farmers who sell produce via  global commodities markets, like those who grow coffee and tea, cocoa, sugar, fruits and vegetables, and grains, are historically underpaid. Human rights and labor organizations, and some private businesses, have worked to reduce this problem by shortening the global supply chain that extends between producers and consumers. This means removing people and organizations from that supply chain so that those who actually make the goods receive more money for doing so. This is how fair trade certified and direct trade systems work, and often how organic and sustainable local food works too. It is also the basis of the Fairphone, a business response to the troubled mobile communications industry. In these cases, its not just shortening the supply chain that improves the situation for workers and producers, but also increasing transparency and regulation in the production process to ensure that fair prices are paid to workers and that they work in safe and respectful conditions. Protecting the Environment Other problems stemming from the global system of capitalist production and consumption are environmental in nature. These include the sapping of resources, environmental degradation, pollution, and global warming and climate change. In this context, ethical consumers look for products that are sustainably produced, such as organic (certified or not, as long as transparent and trusted), carbon neutral, and mixed-cropped instead of using resource-intensive monoculture farming. Additionally, ethical consumers seek products made from recycled or renewable materials, and also look to reduce their consumption and waste footprint by repairing, reusing, repurposing, sharing or trading, and recycling. Measures that extend the life of a product help reduce the unsustainable use of resources that global production and consumption requires. Ethical consumers recognize that ethical and sustainable disposal of products is just as important as ethical consumption. Is It Possible to Be an Ethical Consumer? While global capitalism often leads us to make unsustainable purchases, it is possible to make different choices and to be an ethical consumer in today’s world. It requires conscientious practice, and a commitment to consuming less overall in order to pay a higher price for equitable, environmentally sustainable goods. From a sociological standpoint, it’s important to recognize that there are also other ethical issues regarding consumption: for example, ethical and sustainable products are more expensive, and, consequently, aren’t necessarily a feasible option for all consumers. However, when we are able to do so, buying fair trade and sustainable products can have consequences throughout the global supply chain.

Asset Identification and Classification Policy - 2967 Words

Asset Identification Classification Policy Policy Definition It is the goal of this organization to implement the policies necessary to achieve the appropriate level of protection for each corporate asset. Standard Protecting each asset requires collaboration from every employee. Different assets have a different probability of failure do to vulnerabilities, threats and require annual information security training for each employee. Procedure A true security program includes an Asset Identification Classification Policies, therefore, identifying and categorizing, tracking and managing assets require one to create and implement an inventory control list according to the recommendation outline in NIST 800-53 Rev. 4 Security and†¦show more content†¦The Acceptable Use Policy outlines the appropriate/acceptable behavior and ramification for noncompliance to this and every policy of this organization. Procedure The Acceptable Use Policy must address every aspect of an employees daily routine outlining to Do and Do Not as he or his uses to assets/resources of this organization. Guidelines The intent of these guidelines is to help employee make the best decision when using the assets/resources of this organization; as well as refer employee to additional policies for further clarification. †¢ Expectation of privacy †¢ Workplace Privacy and Employee Monitoring †¢ Internet Usage o Access Control to prevent employee from accessing in appropriate site †¢ E-Mail Usage o Etiquette o Mandatory Signatures o Attachment protocols o Continuing education ï‚ § Spam ï‚ § Malware ï‚ § Virus †¢ Software/hardware o Installation and deletion †¢ Use of hardware o USB Drives o CD †¢ Ramifications o Organizational Penalties o Employee infraction scale †¢ Communication devices Threat/Vulnerability Assessment Management Policy Policy Definition A Threat and Vulnerability Assessment and Management Policy by design uses processes and technology that helps identify, assess and remediate IT threats and vulnerability. A term â€Å"threat† is any action of exploiting a vulnerability that results inShow MoreRelatedIs20071634 Words   |  7 PagesInformation security policies, standards, procedures and guidelines drive risk management, security and control requirements throughout the organization Information security policies, standards, procedures and guidelines drive risk management, security and control requirements throughout the organization 4.2 TREATING SECURITY RISKS 5 SECURITY POLICY 5.1 INFORMATION SECURITY POLICY 5.1.1 Information security policy document 5.1.2 Review of the information security policy 6 ORGANIZATION OFRead MoreOrganizational Analysis : Greiblock Credit Union1214 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Midwestern United States. GCU headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois and is the centralized location for all Information Technology (IT) services for all its locations. 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(Page 6) -Threat - Any action that could damage an asset. 2. Which law requires all types of financial institutions to protect customers’ private financial information? (Page 9) -Gramm-Leach Bliley Act(GLBA - Passed in 1999, 3. An AUP is part of a layered approach to security, and it supports confidentiality. What else supports confidentiality? (Page 14) Protecting Private Data - The processRead MoreIs4550 Week 5 Lab1611 Words   |  7 PagesLaboratory: Part 1 Part 1: Assess and Audit an Existing IT Security Policy Framework Definition Learning Objectives and Outcomes Upon completing this lab, students will be able to complete the following tasks: * Identify risks, threats, and vulnerabilities in the 7 domains of a typical IT infrastructure * Review existing IT security policies as part of a policy framework definition * Align IT security policies throughout the 7 domains of a typical IT infrastructure as part of a layeredRead Morelab 5 Essay719 Words   |  3 PagesToken c. Shared Secret 2. What is Authorization and how is this concept aligned with Identification and Authentication? Authorization is a set of rights defined for a subject and an object; this concept is aligned with Identification and Authentication because these are the 3 steps to the access control process 3. Provide at least 3 examples of Network Architecture Controls that help enforce data access policies at LAN-to-WAN Domain level. a. Remote Access Servers b. Authentication Servers cRead MoreWhat Is The Components Of Service Chain1318 Words   |  6 PagesLogistics requirements will be fulfilled using each Signal Battalion internal service support assets or via external contract support. In order to enable trained and ready expeditionary Signal forces IOT Prepare to Deploy Order (PTDO) abroad. Service support elements will provide Common User Logistics (CUL) IAW both the Army regulations and IAW XVIII Corps policies/directives. (U) Execution a. (U) Concept of Sustainment. Signal Forces will self-sustain in four phases: (1) (U) Phase I. (Pre-DeploymentRead MoreThe Security And Protection Of Patient Information1215 Words   |  5 Pagespurpose of this Policy is to clearly demonstrate the commitment of the home center management to the security and protection of patient information. Management is dedicated to fostering a culture of compliance among all employees. This Policy sets the direction, gives broad guidance, and defines the requirements for security related processes, programs, and actions across the center. The center should be committed to consistent enforcement of this Policy and cyber security. This Policy should be in

Outline the main values issues presented to a social worker by one of the case example given Free Essays

Outline the main values issues presented to a social worker by one of the case example given, with reference to the CCETSW statement of Social Work values. Discuss how you would attempt to resolve the issues in line with the CCETSW value position. Case Study: Ethel, Alan, Marion In this essay I will be outlining the importance of social work values, by looking at the social work values. We will write a custom essay sample on Outline the main values issues presented to a social worker by one of the case example given or any similar topic only for you Order Now I will be focusing on the value issues within the case study which are relavent to the CCETSW’s statement of values, to understand and integerate the values of social work. In the assignment I will try to resolve the arising value issues in the accordance of CCETSW’s statement values as a social worker. In this assignment by using the term’ social work’ it will be refering myself. In   The meanings â€Å"value† are divers and varied. ‘Values’ are a combination of our beliefs, views on which we act upon. Initially, all individuals have some personal values. A social worker has social work values, which are linked with his/her duties and responsibilities. Therefore, the agency also imposes some values on social workers. In some terms social worker’s personal values can conflict or compete with others’ values. As â€Å"Values are concerned what’s good and desireable†(Loenberg and Dolgoff 1992, quoted in Meyer and Mattain, 1995:p.51). The social work is a well know agency and institute, which provides help, support and advice to those people who are deprived, vulnerable and needy such as poor, elderly, women, children etc. The social work services are reliable, confidential, and equally availiable to all individuals and groups. However, the social work is highly criticised to use their power wrongly, for example removeing children and adults from home. On other hand, the occurance of neglegence and abuse in the residential care. We should not forget that it is individual’s act and it is not a fault of all members of institution. Thus to pervent abuse and misuseing of power, a social worker should practice on the basis of CCETSW’s values, rules and regulations and use them as a guidence. Ethel is 93 years old, which is a fragile age. She may be discriminated and oppressed because of her age as statistics show Family and society: As often seen in our society, people’s views about old people are negative. For example they labelled them as ‘burden’ ‘ clumsy’ ‘rages’ ‘slow and lazy’ ‘useless’ ‘fussy’ ‘childish’and even ‘mad’. Ethel’s son, Alan, passed comments † but that’s old woman for you, isn’t it†? On the other hand, Alan’s wife Marion is reluctant to answer the questions and burst into tears. Alan pays little attention which makes you think Marion is depressed for some reason. Which require assessment and communication to evaluate the situation. â€Å"It is also important to â€Å"identify, analyse and take action to counter discrimination, racism and disadvantages, inequality and injustice, using strategies appropriate to role and context; and practice in a manner that does not stigmatised or disadvantage either individuals, groups or communities. (CCETSW 1995;P18) Physical and emotional concerns: Ethel is fit and healthy for her age but she is may be at risk, (perhaps she is not). But she had bruises and burnt the kettle. In my opinion it is important to assess the situation, circumstances, knowledge of available and existing resources and assistance which is ‘concerned with the enhancement of human well being†, (BASW 1986) â€Å"Social workers have a responsibility to relieve and prevent hardship and suffering.† (CCETSW 1996) and â€Å"communication to promote opportunities for children, adults, families at risk or in need to function, participate and develop†. (CCETSW 1996; p: 16) Choices and options: It is necessary to know about Ethel’s concerns. Social work gives clients ‘respect’, ‘options’, and choices. The options for client (from available resources) to choose from such as residential homes, care worker, health visitors, community nurse, age concern and others. As ‘choices available to users are often limited.’ (Nocon, A. et al 1996p: 51) Although ‘case worker have a correspondent duty to respect that right, recognise that need’ (Biestek, P.et al 1950, principle 6) ‘respect their clients as individuals and will seek to ensure that their dignity, individuality, rights and responsibilities shall be safeguarded.'(BASW 1986; 10:ii) â€Å"Regardless of whether they are provided in the home or out side the home,†(Lowy, L.1979; p: 429) ‘However only 5% living in any institution: most elderly people prefer to live with or near their families. Because of lack of community resources Many people are forced out of their homes, but not because the family wishes to be get rid of the older members. (Lowy, L. 1979;p: 65) Partnership: It is essential to communicate with the client, family, friends, or other person or authorities (if involve) to work in partnership. In this case Ethal’s son, daughter-in-law or other family, care manager and friends at the day centre and GP (to find out if she have had any sort of injuries or bruises before). Emotional and Health issues: It is stated that Ethel is being confused on occasions, and her short- term memory is poor but she can recall her memories from the past, which is clearly a rough and difficult existence. It also has been acknowledged that she was a victim of domestic violence. She used to get beaten by her drunken husband. A programme, broadcasted by Channel 2, showed that 87% of domestic violence victims are women. According to Unison 1 October 1997, new domestic violence legislation in England and Wales came into force under the Family Law Act. While there remain loopholes in the Act. It does not make the civil law simpler and clearer, allow greater protection to more individuals and strengthen the use of powers of arrest. Despite this, a victim can live in trauma of fear and it also psychologically effects the personal abilities and qualities. It can affect victims for a long- term and blunt their abilities to operate their lives with confidence. And they can see it as a norm of their life, may be Ethel have accepted it as norm that’s why she is not unhappy. In our society, people are hesitate to talk about it, or discus about it in the public or with friends which leave them isolated, alone, scared and helpless. It also develops a sort of sense of guilt. The longer you live in that situation the worst outcomes could be. Ethel described, as she was a victim of domestic violence, is she still a victim? Counselling could be a good solution for her if she requires it. But if she is still a victim of domestic violence (Statistics show that if a woman is being beaten by her husband then it could be possible that it can carry on by her son as he see himself ‘Dominate or head’) then there is a need of ‘family therapy’. Non-judgemental: We can’t make judgements about others but for assessment we should consider each and every possibility and chances of risk and inequality. We are concern that personal help (individually and collectively) is offered within an acceptable personal and cultural context to increase the range of choices open to them and power to make decision, including the participation of client in ensuring and defining that the services are appropriate for them. (BASW 1986; 10) Access to resource: (care, finance, support, and Accessibility) Ethel’ home looks tidy but are there adequate support, resources and care available? Ethel’s family is living in a rented property and the house is in need of repair. Possibly, the land- lord can arrange to repair the property under the Tenancy Rights. May be Local Authorities can help to provide easy access to and out of home. One more issue, which clicks me, is why Alan took the electricity off! Was it due to financial problems or are they neglecting Ethel. If Ethel needs to get up at night for her needs or she is not having enough sleep then her GP can advice her. Mostly it has seen that the sleeping of the elderly people do change and also getting confused or short-term memory are related to old age. Lowy argues that chronological ageing alone does not account for such changes but, instead, that they are connected with a number of other life’s circumstances. (1979; p: 65) â€Å"Persuading and cajoling of clients can range from the ‘informal’ admission to a psychiatric hospitals to the gentle pressure on an elderly to enter residential care† ( Thomas, et al.) On the opposite, Tony Novak and Chris Jones (BASW 1993;p: 196) argue that â€Å"social workers have found themselves with even few resources to meet the needs of more desperate clients. At the same time social worker has faced increasing criticism and ridicule, not only from the media but also from the state itself, which has challenged its legitimacy and sense of identity†. How to cite Outline the main values issues presented to a social worker by one of the case example given, Papers

Celebrity Testimonials Effectiveness of the Advertisement “Lux Soap” free essay sample

Celebrity Testimonials are considered as the best techniques with regards to their impact on word of mouth publicity. Testimonials by the celebrities increase the readability of the consumers and help the product image to be built by vouching for the features, advantages and benefits of the product. Analyzing the example of Lux Advertisement, it has been advertised and endorsed by several celebrities and their message does create a huge impact in terms of the overall brand building. In one of its ad, the Bad Shah of the film cinema Shah Rukh khan says Aaj mein aapko batanewala hoon meri khubsurati ka raaz LUX. Ab batayein aapka favorites LUX Star kaun hai?’ there by indicating the products usability for themselves as well as for the target audiences. They proudly justify their preference for the brand as a secret of their glowing complexion thus helping in improving the believability, brand recall factor and brand recognition. We will write a custom essay sample on Celebrity Testimonials: Effectiveness of the Advertisement â€Å"Lux Soap† or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The execution method is adopted based on the segmentation procedure which is fetched by geographically connected to the audience in terms of age, geography, class, gender etc and psychologically getting connected by showing their loyalty and love for their super stars. This advertisement which provides the best example for celebrity testimonials was definitely effectives in its execution, but usually such testimonials are rated as far below average because such ads create a brand preference for the sake of their celebrities and not for the product preference. As a result of which the brand recall factor dies off as soon as the commitment and the credibility of the endorser are lost. Such an effect is known as Vampire Effect and will not serve the benefit for the product and the company on a long term basis. The Lux Testimonial Advertisement by the celebrities has made a huge difference in the consumers’ tastes and preferences and hence it has already been recognized as the trusted brand in the nation. References: BusinessSchoolOnline. (2008), Testimonials Celebrity Endorsement, Retrieved September 19, 2008, from, http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:cX9OMRgBHq8J:businessschoolonline.org/Lesson22Testimonials%26CelebrityEndorsement.pdf+testimonial+campaign+of+lux+soaphl=enct=clnkcd=7gl=in Berry, S. (2000), Screen Style, Retrieved September 20, 2008, from, http://books.google.co.in/books?id=Vpzp0rtDYCsCpg=PA30lpg=PA30dq=testimonial+ad+of+lux+soapsource=webots=Y7sVtGdoVzsig=IXIpTX3VOK0dZ9-FVC82KzBWbwIhl=ensa=Xoi=book_resultresnum=4ct=result Sethi, N. (2008), Shahrukh Khan to endorse LUX soap, Retrieved September 20, 2008, from, http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/05/sep/09lux.asp 123Eng, (2007), Impact of Celebrity Endorsement on Overall Brand, Retrieved September 20, 2008, from, http://www.123eng.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14440