Mean Joe Green #38: Try-ceps are Stronger than BICEPs
The green jobs sector will grow.
With Obama’s election there will be (already has been) a much stronger focus on the environment–a focus on renewable energies, pollution reduction, green jobs, energy efficiency, fuel efficiency, and more. So, excuse me for not getting excited when Nike and Starbuck’s–two companies infamous for what they could’ve done rather than what they’ve actually done–join with Sun Microsystems, Levi Strauss, and Timberland to form a coalition with a focus on getting Congress to take action on climate change.
Sure, it’s a step in the right direction. Sure, it’s something I should be praising. But how can one not be skeptical when these companies, which have long had the opportunity to promote change (and change themselves), are only doing so when they obviously realize things are moving in this direction anyway.
It’s called “jumping on the bandwagon”.
The coalition calls itself BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy). Let’s hope that unlike the over-inflated biceps found on an egomaniacal gym rat, these BICEPs aren’t just for show.
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BICEP
The lifestyle changes the great republican depression will extract from the American Dream will leave Nike, Starbucks and the like, in the dust of a forgotten era!GM is done! We will buy “Made in China” cars a Wal-mart for $6000.00 US a copy, live in survival type eco-shelters instead of “McMansions” and make solar cells an mirrors for vast solar thermal electric plants in our deserts! We will measure gasoline out by the drop, as imported oil will get very expensive once again, and we will take to the buses and trains as never before! The very fabric of American lifestyle is about to take a radical change! We will now learn, at the apron of Mother Nature, the true meaning of “sustainability” and “renewable”.The party is over America! Good bye Starbucks and $4.00 drinks! Sayonora Nike and $100.00 runners! frugal, practical, environmentally friendly and affordable are going to beat out “unemployed” and ” in debt” as the new favorite words in an Obama America!
I agree that coalitions like BICEP should not just be for show. Climate change is an increasingly imminent challenge that all companies, and individuals, should be working on. There’s real opportunity for business to demonstrate support for robust legislation that puts the United States in line with other first world countries and major emitters throughout the world, provided it is backed up by credible emissions reduction goals. At Timberland we have committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2010. In addition to reducing our direct and indirect emissions, we are working to increase energy efficiency and purchasing renewable power where possible. We’re also working with factories that manufacture our products in such efforts. You can see our climate disclosure at http://www.timberland.justmeans.com.
As a group, BICEP companies are taking action to reduce our own climate impacts, building upon “in-house” activities to demand that Congress take action. By relying on a set of principles, we plan to create demand for only the strongest climate legislation – flexing our business muscles in ways that help the U.S. government be part of the climate solution rather than only part of the climate change problem.
Beth,
My focus was mostly on Nike and Starbucks and the fact that they should’ve been making bigger changes long ago. Otherwise, only time will tell to see if the folks involved with BICEP will actually take action (or will they simply talk action?).
…My only background with Timberland is that I have a pair of hemp shorts and recycled plastic shoes from there–so they are doing well in my book
Thanks for the comments! Keep up the good work.
Joe