Corporate Social Responsibility

Monsanto Increases "Dialogue" as Part of Pledge

by Laura Miller — June 4, 2001 - 12:00am

Monsanto has established an external biotech advisory council as part of its "Monsanto pledge." The chemical and seed company promised in December to "commit to an ongoing dialogue with all interested parties to understand the issues and concerns related to this technology." "The role here is more in terms of listening," said Monsanto spokesman Loren Wassell. "We have an interest in hearing what they say and we want to get a better insight into the issues of what people think." Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, director of the center for international development at Harvard University, and Dr.

Main Source: 
PR Week, June 4, 2001

Greenwashing on Trial

by Sheldon Rampton — February 24, 2001 - 12:00am

Does Nike have a First Amendment right to publicly claim that it is a leader in fighting sweatshops -- or is that false advertising? The California Supreme Court may soon decide. In a lawsuit that could have far-reaching implications for corporate "greenwashing" campaigns, environmental activist Marc Kasky has sued Nike Inc., charging that the company's public claims about conditions in its Asian factories amount to false advertising under California's consumer-protection laws.

Main Source: 
Mother Jones, February 23, 2001

Corporate Goodwill or Tainted Money?

by Sheldon Rampton — February 9, 2001 - 12:00am

Philip Morris is spending more to publicize its good deeds than it's spending on the good deeds themselves. Last year, the company spent $115 million on charity and $150 million on these TV ads. So if Philip Morris is so concerned about giving back to the community, why doesn't it take the $150 million spent last year on ads and give that to charity?

Main Source: 
ABC News, February 8, 2001

Standing Up to the Swoosh

by Sheldon Rampton — October 4, 2000 - 12:00am

Professional athlete Jim Keady became an activist against sweatshop conditions in Nike's overseas factories while studying theology at St. John's University and coaching for the school's soccer program. His athletic and academic career slammed to a halt, he says, when St. John's negotiated a multi-million-dollar sponsorship deal with Nike that would have required him to become "a billboard for a company that was reaping profits on the backs of the poor. ... As a coach, I would've had to wear the equipment

Main Source: 
Village Voice, October 4, 2000
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