A Plan for Sustainability through Discussing Status and Providing Mitigation Measures - Term Paper Example

Sustainability Task: Sustainability Introduction The CP Ltd refers to a consumer cooperative in Britain that entails diverse retail businesses. Significantly, learning of activities and ownership belongs to its members. Sources have revealed that, the CP Ltd is the largest globally, consisting of about 6 million members, who are largely responsible for administration of the cooperative and the achievement of the social goal. As much as food sustainability is significant for food security, this document explores a plan for sustainability through discussing status and providing mitigation measures. Sources have revealed that, currently in developing countries people live under an unprecedented super-consumption. Significantly, the economy necessitates people consume in order to maintain healthy growing. As such, every day numerous marketing campaigns are prophesying about their commodities and before we get aware, the market is filled with commodities much of which people quickly forget. Notably, people like consuming and their consumption is engrained as a social activity that numerous people participate. Globally, people consume 30% resources beyond what the earth can replenish (Brebbia 2010). It is significant noting that, the developed countries are the west in offending. Therefore, if each continent is to consume at the European and the Americans’ rate, the planet earth can hardly sustain the people. Consequently, researchers have postulated that, the above rate can hardly prevail under such circumstances. Currently, we face numerous challenges, such the climatic change, biodiversity loss, accelerating social inequalities, changing demographics, and demands for basic commodities. However, the UK Government has set a complex legally binding carbon reduction policy. Accordingly, there is the need to adopt societies, as well as, economies to sustainable consumption patterns that portray at least low carbon, efficiency in resources, and profitability. Generally, retail businesses play critical roles in responding to demands of consumers hence their principal business controller. However, it cannot deliver the contagious changes; thus we need the creation of prosperous, and resource- efficient world. Additionally, numerous consumers possess inadequate information, motivation, and opportunity; hence they cannot make sustainable choices about buying practices and use of products. Concisely, sustainable consumption is still a niche and numerous companies make mere incremental improvements. Consequently, the leading brands must take the initiative and collaborate in order stimulate the pull of consumers on sustainability; hence make sustainable consumption mainstream. It is worthwhile noting that, the above sustainable mainstream of consumer sustainability is what consumer futures 2020 is aiming at. Sustainability With the lack of government intervention, communities are adopting sustainable development in order to mitigate challenges. A typical case is the growing reuse and repair culture, prompted by pressure from resource constraints. The UK’s TT movement, born in the 2000s, has spread, as well as, strengthened, and currently it is a critical social movement globally, which entails a complicated political edge. Consequently, there is the belief that sustainable development requires net cuts in consumption, rather than simply consuming more sustainable products. The worldwide nature of the movement has also broadened numerous people’s viewpoints of what sustainability means, encouraging them to perceive issues in the global perspective. In response, for instance, there is less enthusiasm for reducing food miles because of its social, environmental, as well as, economic negative on developing countries. Environmental criteria Given the carbon emissions produced in aviation, the UK Government should not discourage importing air freighted food. This is because of the clear t parallels with the situation in tourism. Therefore, banning and restricting air freight through expensive systems of certification about production of commodities in order to narrow it down heavily and accrues a heavy cost, risks pulling the rug out from communities that depend on that industry. Gradually, the group will get into the issues about food security and the UK supply security. Later the group can address its own food security and think about demand security for countries, as well as, communities that have invested heavily, especially with government support, in horticultural export (National Research Council 2002). It is worthwhile noting that, the issue is that, they should not receive such supports, but; instead, the government should be circumspect like the supermarkets. For instance, the supermarkets are circumspect about supply security and demand security for countries putting numerous eggs in export horticulture baskets. Concisely, in the short term, we should not discourage airfreights; instead, we should emphasize on cautious about its long-term risks. Accordingly, due to the interest in its climatic aspect, we should focus on air freighted and grow more food imports. The reasons are largely because; looking at the food imports, there is no need of growing pineapples, papyrus, or mangoes (Ros- Tonen 2010). However, one can grow apples, as well as, pears, yet the country is hardly growing any and it is importing a lot. Significantly, it is quite right that, the critical issue is the amount of CO2 or equivalent emissions of green house gas. Secondly, it depends on how an individual utilizes his land. Currently, we the group is treating land as a limitless factor. Consequently, they argue that, for them, such a land is expensive for them. In response, they will go and establish food production at places where land is cheap. Therefore, in the short term we should not discourage air- freighting while, in the long term, there is a need to discourage air-freighting. For instance, air-freighting is a stupid use of fuels, non-renewable fuels, and it releases unnecessary CO2 emissions. In addition, although it is the fastest freight, however, more recently from November 2009 we have seen it drop off steeply. Consequently, due to its bonkers, currently in the overall scheme of emissions from greenhouse air-freighting is not crucial. Significantly, such a drop has been fueled by the recession, which has partially affected the commodities purchased by individuals and the freighting economics the air stuff. In addition, it has significantly suffered the plummeting of the euro hence costing enormous amounts to buy commodities sold in Euros, as well as, dollars. However, the airfreight decline by 22.6 percent is global but, not UK specific; thus, it applies across the globe. Consequently, the argument over organic airfreight labels including the close attention of sub-Saharan producers (Judd 2012). Accordingly, the argument illustrates numerous vulnerabilities entailed in this development model. However, although flying food contributes for about 0.3% of total UK emissions and 0.2% is down to frying fruit and vegetables, as well as, an insignificant percentage from fruit frying from developing countries, it is not an excuse for ignoring about it. Significantly, when compared to meat or dairy, which amounts to 8% of total UK emissions, it calls for claims by companies, retailers and government to intervene in climate change and food emissions. Currently we are facing the more danger in public policy than in commercial policy. In general, we have numerous values about the environment, health, social and soft issues such as fair trade. In addition, there are hard values such as price, convenience, and safety. Moreover, there are numerous analyses by the industry referred to as market analysis and research, which makes the above distinction. It is significantly noting that, when people buy food they do that out of fast decisions. Current research has revealed that, during the buying of commodities, people decide the sale point about a quarter to a half of one second. Additionally, studies by the cooperative group show that the values are spread across all socio-economic groups. Therefore, there is the potential for numerous people to do something about it by translating it into behavior. Their aspirations are also high among all socio-economic groups. Climate change They view that low carbon is something desirable and chic, and the revolution in micro-renewable has enabled numerous people to live extremely low-carbon lifestyles. However, they postulate that people’s desire to be different from their neighbors enables numerous individuals to purchase more ‘stuff’ – and higher disposable incomes enable the affordability of more stuff. In addition, they have asserted that, there has been no global action on climate change; instead, there are regionally based carbon targets, which have had a significant effect at reducing carbon emissions locally. Considerably, the indirect effects of climate change worry many, although the physical impacts are evident in developed nations (Ditrich & Osswald 2012). Consequently, Consumers have suffered shortages imported foodstuffs sourced from areas that are experiencing frequent extreme weather events. When it comes to shopping, consumers expect standard carbon footprint information so that they are free to choose the low-carbon option. Social responsibility Significantly, a responsible strategy in a business is a critical guiding principle for cooperative. The key values and principles of the cooperative include concern for the community, as well as, equality, and it is resonate with idea trends of corporate responsibility. The corporative continue to promote social and financial integration and physical presence in every postal area. Its community support is largely generous in the entire UK, and their 2011 investment in communities totaled 18.9 million pounds. In addition, its charity partnership with partners such as Mencap raised 7 million pounds for improving young people’s lives of the disabled. Moreover, through its programs for inspiring the youth they launched GSR, which refers to a new sustainability education program. Considerably, about 4200 schools had registered as participants by mid-2012. However, they continue to lead in their commitment to global development, as well as, human rights. It is the leading supermarket for the availability of Fairtrade, and in 2011, they launched a partnership with CARE to support an organization referred to as lendwithcare. This innovative scheme allows individuals to lend directly money to entrepreneurs in the developing world. They are also committed to playing their part in order to improve national health by enabling customers and colleagues to make healthier lifestyles. In addition, they continue advancing their progress in maintaining high standards of animal welfare across their brand’s range, and extending their Elmwood welfare standard in 2011 to entail pork. Ethical plan commitments Sources have revealed that, inspiring programs for the youth will benefit about a million people by 2014. If a basic commodity from the developing country can be Fairtrade, it will be Fairtrade by 2013. Though partnership with CARE aim at facilitating about 30, 000 to entrepreneurs in the developing countries by 2012. They also continue to pursue higher standards of welfare across their meat and fish, converting their own-brand salmon to freedom food standards in 2012. Lastly, within their 1 billion pounds commitment to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy, they will dedicate 100 million pounds to small-scale community renewable opportunities, as well as, support projects that provide demonstrable reductions in fuel poverty. Employee community engagement As a community business, they believe in harnessing the support and expertise of their employees, to offer direct support to local communities. Additionally, they have significantly increased employee volunteers paid time off for to two days pro rata per year and have adopted a target to double their volunteering by 2014. Performance benchmark In 2011, employee time invested in community activity was about 6 times higher than the large businesses. In addition, they estimated that 13, 397 employees participated in community activities at their work times. Significantly the advantage lies primarily on a change in accounting methodology, which they introduced in 2012 together with the successful charity campaign. Moreover, in 2011, colleague volunteering included the renown program by the Mencaps referred to as inspire me. Significantly, such a program UK employees became mentors for the disabled youth, providing personal support and encouragement, as well as, offering inspiration. Lastly, they have the CBGs financial inclusion programs helping students improve in numerical, literacy, and employability skills. Notably, the above skills and abilities are benefit from volunteers of employees and individual volunteers. Lastly, a significant support is also offered for fundraising appeals through the CBF, which supplements employees’ fundraising activities. Supply chains Supply chains have diversified to minimize the risk obstruction by climatic changes, terrorism, or failures supplies. Numerous retailers have bought up suppliers, regarding vertical integration as a way of defending crucial supplies. There is significant less delivery, and numerous raw materials are scarce due to limited resource. Currently, it is hardly for the movement of goods to involve a few massive regional distribution centers; instead, numerous retailers are developing smaller, as well as, more efficient transport systems due to the demand for local distribution. Insufficient investment in the road infrastructure is taking long distance freight back to the railways, coastal waters and, and rivers or canals. Currently there is a critical need to consider the customers in every aspect of a business. Significantly, customers expect businesses and the government to provide the quality commodities for them. Since shopping is not a leisure activity, they expect to buy the products that are effective and durable (Wicke 2004). Shopping is significantly functional, with consumers often preferring processed foods and certain services. The average consumer lacks significant savings on income; hence, price consideration comes first. However, there is a significant market as consumers purchase occasional indulgence commodities. Consequently, numerous consumers will happily prefer committing themselves to long-term contracts, hire-purchase agreements, and similar related arrangements in order to get quality commodities and value for their money. Purchasing and suppliers Currently, big retailers increasingly dominate the high streets, where numerous shops merely showrooms: people come to browse, make orders, and consequently have their purchase delivered together with their regular basic shopping. However, in the smaller high streets, especially those of lower-density occupations are experiencing an economic decline; hence, their chains have withdrawn and numerous shops are closing down. Companies are consolidating in order to manage reputation risk and taking significant control over their operations. Numerous companies in the retail sector own the entire operations from production, sales and to disposal. It is a market of big business, where small or independent organizations find it difficult thrives. However, large, as well as, trusted brands from the external sector are moving into the retail market, where they can prove competence, notably in such areas as the provision of service contracts. Sources have revealed that, western countries have become significantly self-sufficient in food and household commodities. Consequently, the government intervenes to guarantee food security and solve rising transport and distribution costs. The internet Currently, businesses employ internet in their diverse activities. Consequently, the internet has largely replaced the supermarket as a way obtaining primary supplies and is used primarily to automate systems, largely through the complex use of electronic tags such as RFID for tracking locations and status of products. In addition, it makes commodities comprehensibly traceable according to the source of products, their production, producers and the products’ standards. It response, it has undoubtedly elevated supplier standards, although it can prevent from consumers accessing anything produced by smaller and uncertified suppliers. The nation’s health The NHS has significantly been paralyzed by the previous extreme financial constraints. For instance, only limited healthcare services are freely accessible for each person. In addition, support for mental health has suffered worst (Great Britain parliament & IDC 2009). Moreover, Information overload is responsible for completely the extreme stress, as well as, fatigue-related conditions. Consequently, the government encourage citizens are to emphasize on personal responsibility for their health. The above DIY healthcare approach implies that individuals do what they can in order to ensure that they look and feel good. However, some obsessive take things to extremes and eating disorders like anorexia are a critical problem. additionally, both the rising disposable incomes and the government’s standoff approach to public health has triggered an obesity epidemic and soaring rates of type 2 diabetes. A Sustainable Plan Since the existing UK food is not able to address the issue of increasing production of food and elevating the environment over the next 40 years. There is thus the need to adopt production practices, supply structures, and need to address waste, as well as, education. Consequently, this report backs UK farmers and their role in producing food and their care for the environment. However, the general populace can shift their expectations because food would be local, more seasonal, as well as with less emphasis on meet. Moreover, there is a need to emphasize organic production as a way to improve the environment whilst producing food. This entails consideration of the whole lifecycle of a product, including its source, the raw materials, transport, storage, consumption and disposal. Increased production of fruits is also significant in providing environmental and health benefits. Considerably, agriculture should be emphasized as a way to produce food efficiency without using more land. There is also the need for greater diversity of food production models such as community agriculture, care farming and enhanced support for new entrants. Moreover, better education about food production and the need for greater food literacy is also crucial. Significantly, in order to utilize innovation and technology such things as community supported agriculture, planting fruits and trees in public spaces, perm culture and hydroponics are critical (Chengapa et al 2009). However, barriers such as planning, insufficient financial support and poor recognition by institutions are common in developing sustainability. Additionally, aquaculture together with renewable energy schemes is potential aspects of providing food efficiently. Moreover, genetically modified organisms are also vital due to their diverse role in enabling sustainability. For instance, they enable a potential increase in yields. Other strategies entail developing in vitro meat, micro protein, better resource use through GPS, and precision farming, as well as, Biochar. It is worthwhile noting on the importance of knowledge and skills to utilize the existing technology is critical in raising performance in the farming industry. However, skills are critical in providing sustainability of food security. Therefore, a significant focus on food and agriculture should be done at all the education levels. In addition, one can emphasize on better promotion of the career opportunities available in the agri-food sector. Additionally, one can encourage people to use a balanced and sustainable diet; hence the role of retailers to encourage behavior change and facilitating consumer choice. Moreover, there is the need to acquire education on cooking and eating food in order to reduce food waste. Lastly, there is the need for supporting local food networks in order to decrease the transportation costs of foods. Significantly, the cost needs consideration in order to alter the pricing of food; hence, the unprocessed and sustainably produced food is cheaper than alternative products. References Brebbia, C 2010, Sustainable Tourism IV, WIT press, Safat. Chengapa, G et al 2009, International Conference on 21st century challenges to sustainable agri- food systems, I.K invternation Pvt ltd, New Dheli Great Britain parliament & IDC 2009, Sustainable development in a changing climate: fifth report volume 2, the stationery office, Norwich. Ditrich, C & Osswald, N 2012, Sustainable food consumption and abstract urban lifestyles, Books on demand, Lima. Judd, N 2012, the sustainable forestry handbook: a practical guide for tropical management, CRC press, Laiden. National Research Council, 2002, Frontiers in agricultural research: food, health, environment, and, communities, National academics press, Washington. Ros- Tonen, M 2010, Partnerships in sustainable forest resource management, Brill, Laiden. Wicke, 2004, a new global climate certificate: continuing system, Springer, Macau. Read More