Supporting with our purchasing

As a consumer, I would like to understand what reliable resources there are for understanding the strength of corporate accountability within global corporations for environmental practices within their supply chains in China. 

It's too difficult to read the investor web sites for Walmart, Nike and the like. 

Is there a reliable source on the internet to give us an environmental "scorecard" and help us vote for change with our wallets?

Taxonomy

• Corporate
• Business Strategy
• Environment
• Environment
• Corporate Strategy
• Environment
• Corporate Actions
• Economics

2 Answers

1. don't bother
   
   

   Most green purchasing schemes are rubbish:

   1) They rarely know what's really going on

   2) There's possible fraud

   3) It's difficult to measure "green" in a company.

   I suggest establishing a relationship with a company you like, with people you like.

   Oh, and buy less stuff :)

2. CSR ranking
   
   

   Good question. The term generally applied is CSR or corporate social responsibility. I am not an expert in this field although there certainly are many who claim to be. Most of the studies are independent and there is much discussion about standards of reporting and process. Some are merely based on public opinion polls.

   We will put the word out and present resources to you that provide insight as we receive them.

   Here are a few links:

   http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/05/best-corporate-citizens-leadership-citizenship-ranking.html

   http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/career_and_jobs/best_100_companies/best_100_tables/

   http://www.kirchhoff-consult.com/fileadmin/20_Downloads/52_Studien/090424_Good-Company-Ranking_EN.pdf

   for Canada: http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/06/18/jantzi-macleans-50-most-socially-responsible-corporations