Built for the Dump

There are times when we would buy a certain gadget - a phone perhaps, then we'd find out that a year later (or even less!), a new model with slightly modified specifications has been released. As a result, we could get that feeling of eagerness to buy the latest one in spite of already owning the previous model. This is how companies would want us to feel! When they discover that they could improve the gadget's specs, they would segregate these improvements into different models at different times which would lead consumers to buy more and more and at the same time throw more as well. This is not good for the community and the environment. These products are as what the people behind The Story of Stuff Project would refer to as built for the dump.

The video regarding this was shared during our Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance class and I would like to share my insights on this topic and how this affects me as a stakeholder.

Hundreds of companies around the globe are doing this for the sake of earning more profit. But then again, they don't see that what they're doing affects not only the wallets of the consumers but a lot of other stakeholders as well, such as the employees who are in close contact with the materials used for these electronics, the workers in different countries who extract valuable components from disposed gadgets, and the environment. How, you may ask? Well, most electronics are filled with chemicals and toxins which could be harmful for the people and environment. These may bring diseases(especially to the workers) and if it worsens, it may even cause death.

There is a proposition however. Instead of keeping our e-waste or delivering them to places where they are being 'recycled', we return them to the companies where it would be their problem instead of ours. This is called product take back. The higher ups would be thinking of ways to lessen these e-waste which could result to the benefit of the majority. In fact, it is possible for them to make their products built to last.

Courtesy of Google Images

Right now, companies such as Acer, Canon, and HP are starting this product take back system which is quite nice to hear. These efforts by these large companies would help us in our goal to lessen waste and damage to our environment, to ourselves, and even to our wallets. This idea isn't farfetched. In fact, this idea wouldn't just remain an idea if we take some action.

Through this video, I was able to learn that even as a student, I know that I could still do my part in this endeavor. Just as I mentioned a while ago, responsible disposal would be a great help. Another thing to do is to choose eco-friendly appliances as much as possible. I'm guessing that you're thinking that's it's just a small thing, that it wouldn't change a thing, or that it's a losing cause. Well, if that's how your mind works, then I have to disagree. In my opinion, every step counts and every steps brings us closer to achieving our purpose. Also, it isn't a losing cause, for you only lose when you give up - and I ain't giving up.

The Business Model Canvas

In one of our meetings, our professor in our CSRGOVE class, instructed us to make a business model presentation for a fictitious company which is said to be a rival of Nestle, while at the same time considering a problem which involves CSR. The problem is that the company’s waste management is no longer reaching federal standards. They would have to purchase a new plant to keep up with these standards. However, this would mean additional expenses.

So, my group and I brainstormed and we agreed on the business model shown below.

We decided to use ice cream as our value proposition for we wanted to keep it simple and also because Nestle is well known to produce ice cream so it’ll be quite logical to use ice cream as well.

Regarding our cost structure, we decided to purchase the new plant and even if it may be considered a cost at first, we also found it as a long term investment for this will help not only the company but the environment and the rest of the stakeholders as well.

Our customer relations would include advertisements which would feature our part in helping the community and the environment. This is so that our market would be encouraged to buy our products knowing that at the same time, they're also able to help others.

The modes of distribution of our goods to the customers would include eco-trikes (which are basically just tricycles powered by pedalling) , convenience store, sari-sari stores, and grocery markets).

Our target market would be the B, C, and D classes, ages 5 - 18. We also stated that it is open to other age segments because there may be some people older than 18 who would want to buy our products for it makes them feel nostalgic and they may want to relive the moments they had when they were young.

Courtesy of Google Images

At the end of our presentation, Sir Patrick Aure told us that we had great ideas and we presented it well. However, there was a flaw in the model. He said that having sari-sari stores as a channel may not be that good for it would cause expenses for the community's electricity(freezers) to rise.

This activity made me realize that business operations go through a lot of processes and every action may affect the company's stockholders. So, I learned that in making decisions, one must thoroughly consider the welfare of everyone involved and try his/her best to minimize damage.

Our First Service Learning Visit

Courtesy of Google Images

Last February 7, we had our first visit to the community we were assigned to namely the St. Luke’s Reach Out Foundation. While we were there, I saw a few disabled individuals being cared for by the community members. I found it really reassuring to know that there are angels in disguise who would care for these individuals and even treat them as if they were part of their own family.

Courtesy of Google Images

Fr. Luke Moortgat, the President of the foundation was the one who conducted the speech to us students. The talk began as soon as everyone had settled down. The speech was rather long yet at the same time, informative and fun to hear. The main point was that we, future business leaders could do something to help the community even at our early age. It could be small, but every effort helps. We have the ability to improve the lifestyle of the homeless and the impaired if we put our hearts into it. In fact, Fr. Luke shared to us some stuff which were amusing and at the same time, quite surprising. We had this little multiple choice game on the invention/establishment of some things and the profession of the founders of these objects. One of these is the establishment of the Red Cross. It wasn’t a doctor or a medical physician who found this organization. It was a banker! The foundation was made by this banker for he cared for the soldiers during a certain war. He didn’t have to be a doctor to help these people. The other examples given also led to the point that if we care for someone or something so much, we could find a way to help them.

After the talk, we bid Father farewell and we had a discussion on what we could do to help the community. There were three suggestions: 1. Make a tarpaulin, showing the unfortunate and ways on how we could help them, 2. Construct a website for the community, and 3. Produce a prayer book book to be used by the community. The group was divided into three and was assigned of these tasks, however we made a few changes to the second suggestion for none of us knew how to make a website in a limited amount of time. So, instead of a website, we decided to make a blog instead. After discussing the division of tasks, we went on our way home filled with new knowledge and enthusiasm as we await our next visit.