Environmental pollution is arguably one of the most significant problems that every nation in the world is facing. Some of the damages caused by environmental pollution are irreparable and pose a threat to human and animal lives. Statistics indicate that more than 40% of all the annual deaths in the world can be attributed to soil, water, and air pollution. Overpopulation and irresponsible corporate behavior are some of the factors that have led to the rise in pollution levels. Pollution is defined as the introduction of destructive substances into the environment. The harmful substances may include toxic chemicals in the form of poisonous gases and liquids and solid waste such as plastics. Some of these pollutants are released into the environment by industries, and they have detrimental effects on the environment. Corporations have a moral responsibility to prevent environmental pollution. Pollution prevention aims to reduce, eliminate or prevent pollution at its source. Organizations may use corporate environmental leadership to embrace pollution prevention initiatives that are essential in the reduction of ecological damages (Ervin, Wu, Khanna, Jones, & Wirkkala, 2013). The fundamental values, mission, and visions of an organization have a significant impact on pollution prevention measures. The corporate philosophy defines the purpose, goals, and intentions of the organization which includes pollution prevention. The effects of corporate philosophy on pollution prevention are widespread. Corporate philosophy has dynamically revolutionized pollution prevention. Over the years, significant progress has been made in pollution prevention initiatives, and this can be attributed to the fact that most organizations have embraced philosophies that promote pollution prevention. As a result, most of the pollution prevention goals have been realized. Some of the pollution goals and how they have been achieved are discussed below. Corporations have adopted production processes that reduce waste at the source. For instance, Xerox Corporation introduced into the market an environmentally friendly mechanical fiber paper in 2007. This high-yield business paper is manufactured through a process that has fewer pollution effects on the environment compared to the standard paper used in digital printers. The pulping process is mechanically done instead of using toxic chemicals that are destructive to the environment. The process uses about 90% of the tree by weight which is twice the weight of the tree used in the traditional digital printing paper (Kashmanian, Keenan, & Wells, 2010). Also, the process requires less water to produce a high-yield business paper. The production process adopted by Xerox is a good example of corporate initiatives aimed at the reduction of waste at the source. The modified production process reduces the release of toxic chemicals and promotes the economical use of water. This innovative process helps the pollution prevention goal of reduction of waste at the source. Similarly, Michelin Company has also adopted innovative production processes in the tire manufacturing process. The Michelin X One single truck tire substitutes the dual-tire and wheel assemblies. The single-wide truck tires have the effect of reducing fuel consumption by the trucks which significantly reduces the emission of carbon dioxide into the environment. Also, Michelin’s green tires have a significant impact on the fuel consumption of vehicles. Reduction in fuel consumption by vehicles has cut the carbon dioxide emission by about 4% in comparison to other tires. Carbon dioxide is a gas pollutant that is toxic to both plants and animals. The innovative measures taken by Michelin Company have helped to curb the menace that carbon dioxide renders to the environment. Another goal of pollution prevention is to promote the use of less toxic materials. Corporations across the world have supported the achievement of this goal through various initiatives. For instance, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and Xerox companies have endorsed the use of sustainable forest and paper products through their active engagement in sustainable sourcing of materials. The initiative to source sustainable materials has enhanced the use of less toxic substances in the production process of the finished products by the companies (Kashmanian, Keenan, & Wells, 2010). Also, at Johnson & Johnson, the board of directors and the executive committee hold annual meetings where vital environmental concerns are discussed, and emerging issues in environmental conservation are addressed. Such sessions help to promote environmental pollution awareness, and some of the resolutions are the use of less toxic substances in the production processes. Such corporate measures enhance pollution prevention initiatives as they reduce the number of toxic materials released into the environment. The other goal of the pollution prevention initiative is to reuse some of the materials that would be detrimental to the environment if put into the waste stream. Such materials include plastics from electronic devices and other solid materials. Such materials would lead to pollution if released into the waste stream. Corporations have come up with innovative ways to curb this menace. For instance, Xerox Company initiated the practice of converting obsolete electronic equipment into new products. The company achieves this through the development of a concrete process for retrieving obsolete electronics from customers. The practice has considerably reduced the solid waste entering landfill. In 2004, this practice prevented the release of 128 million pounds of electronic waste into the environment (Kashmanian, Keenan, & Wells, 2010). The method is also cost-effective in that it reduces the cost of raw materials and energy hence reducing the production cost. The company, therefore, maximizes profits through the re-use of electronic waste from its customers. In addition to the above goals, the pollution prevention initiative also has the aim of implementing conservation techniques. Various corporates have implemented different conservation techniques that assist in the reduction of environmental pollution. For instance, Coca-Cola, Mcdonald's, and Unilever formed a union in 2004. The alliance was aimed at promoting the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) free refrigerators worldwide. The United Nations and Greenpeace supported this initiative that sought to implement environmental conservation techniques through the eradication of HFCs. In 2008, PepsiCo joined the alliance with the aim of promoting conservation measures (Kashmanian, Keenan, & Wells, 2010). Hydrofluorocarbons are potent greenhouse gases that may have adverse effects on the environment. Corporate philosophies have a positive impact on pollution prevention — the core values that an organization upholds influence the moral responsibility that the corporate has for environmental conservation. It is essential for organizations to come up with measures that help to curb pollution. Also, corporates have a moral responsibility to come up with conservation techniques that will help reduce the hazardous effects of pollution (Brockhoff, Chakrabarti, & Kirchgeorg, 1999). Organizations should strive to achieve the goals of pollution prevention. This can be accomplished through corporate environmental leadership programs that promote quality environment management.
References
Brockhoff, K., Chakrabarti, A. K., & Kirchgeorg, M. (1999). Corporate strategies in environmental management. Research-Technology Management, 42(4), 26-30.
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Ervin, D., Wu, J., Khanna, M., Jones, C., & Wirkkala, T. (2013). Motivations and barriers to corporate environmental management. Business Strategy and the Environment, 22(6): 390-409.
Kashmanian, R., Keenan, C., & Wells, R. (2010). Corporate environmental leadership: Drivers, characteristics, and examples. Environmental Quality Management, 19(4): 1-20.
