Difference between revisions of "Supermarkets and planning"
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==3. Corporate Social Responsibility activities (Mandy)== | ==3. Corporate Social Responsibility activities (Mandy)== | ||
In today’s economy it is estimated that the five largest supermarkets in Britain now sell 70% of all food sold, and that roughly 30p of every pound spent in Britain is spent in a supermarket.** Groceries are also not the only thing that supermarkets are selling these days. They have moved on to incorporate other specialist retailers and there products into there store to make a literal “one stop shop.” Shoppers can know find pharmacies, drycleaners, post offices, banks, tax filing services, and even photography studios all lumped together. Wal-Mart, owner of Asda and America’s largest hypermarket, profits are five times higher in non-food sales than in food sales.** This is due to there extensive clothing, athletics, automotive, appliances, and home decor lines. Supermarkets today have a tremendous influence on their buying customers lives. Looking at the reversal of this, the customers have also come to demand certain values from the stores that they do business with. Today corporate social responsibility plays an important role in almost any business operating in the global market. Supermarkets are no exception. As they have come under fire the last few years, supermarkets have started to make an attempt to change their practices so that they are bettering not only the customers but the community as well. Issues like fair trade, the community, and the environment have seemed to become the most focused on by both the shopping community and the supermarkets themselves. | In today’s economy it is estimated that the five largest supermarkets in Britain now sell 70% of all food sold, and that roughly 30p of every pound spent in Britain is spent in a supermarket.** Groceries are also not the only thing that supermarkets are selling these days. They have moved on to incorporate other specialist retailers and there products into there store to make a literal “one stop shop.” Shoppers can know find pharmacies, drycleaners, post offices, banks, tax filing services, and even photography studios all lumped together. Wal-Mart, owner of Asda and America’s largest hypermarket, profits are five times higher in non-food sales than in food sales.** This is due to there extensive clothing, athletics, automotive, appliances, and home decor lines. Supermarkets today have a tremendous influence on their buying customers lives. Looking at the reversal of this, the customers have also come to demand certain values from the stores that they do business with. Today corporate social responsibility plays an important role in almost any business operating in the global market. Supermarkets are no exception. As they have come under fire the last few years, supermarkets have started to make an attempt to change their practices so that they are bettering not only the customers but the community as well. Issues like fair trade, the community, and the environment have seemed to become the most focused on by both the shopping community and the supermarkets themselves. | ||
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Fair trade is the idea that business should be conducted most directly with the individual farmers and artisans that produce the products which the companies sell. By doing this it is believed that artisans and farmers will be paid a fair wage for the products that they produce. When this idea is discussed most usually believe that it only pertains to people in third-world countries, but many supermarkets in the United Kingdom are also working with local area farmers. Research by Mintel group shows that British shoppers have a strong preference for buying locally grown and produced items like meat, fruit, and vegetables. They found that people liked the idea of supporting their local community and at the same time receiving the freshest quality of products. In response to this all of the major supermarkets have started to carry fair trade and locally produced items. Tesco boast that it buys over “1.5 million euros worth of goods per annum from some 800 Irish companies, over 80% of which are small to medium sized enterprises.”** While this year Asda has launched their new program called the “Four Point Pledge to Dairy Farmers.” Asda boast that it is now paying its dairy farmers five pence more per liter of milk that it’s competitors. They say that “were committed to paying our farmers a fair price every day for their milk.”** In this campaign Asda also boast that it practices a form of “transparent pricing” in which they actually tell the consumers how much they are paying the farmers for the products that they buy which is something that most supermarkets do not do. The idea of fair trade, although quiet good in theory, has also come under certain backfire. Many farmers still believe that the supermarkets are still not paying farmers enough for there produce. John Turner who is a founding member of FARM said that; “Tesco’s commitment to sources as much UK produce as possible means very little unless there is an equal commitment to maintain fair & sustainable prices paid to farmers. Supermarkets have to recognize that there is a point at which their methods of continually driving down suppliers’ margins have a negative impact on farming methods and animal welfare standards.”** FARM and other grass roots organizations have been making an effort to not only get higher prices for what they produce, but to also educate the public so that they know what’s going on. | Fair trade is the idea that business should be conducted most directly with the individual farmers and artisans that produce the products which the companies sell. By doing this it is believed that artisans and farmers will be paid a fair wage for the products that they produce. When this idea is discussed most usually believe that it only pertains to people in third-world countries, but many supermarkets in the United Kingdom are also working with local area farmers. Research by Mintel group shows that British shoppers have a strong preference for buying locally grown and produced items like meat, fruit, and vegetables. They found that people liked the idea of supporting their local community and at the same time receiving the freshest quality of products. In response to this all of the major supermarkets have started to carry fair trade and locally produced items. Tesco boast that it buys over “1.5 million euros worth of goods per annum from some 800 Irish companies, over 80% of which are small to medium sized enterprises.”** While this year Asda has launched their new program called the “Four Point Pledge to Dairy Farmers.” Asda boast that it is now paying its dairy farmers five pence more per liter of milk that it’s competitors. They say that “were committed to paying our farmers a fair price every day for their milk.”** In this campaign Asda also boast that it practices a form of “transparent pricing” in which they actually tell the consumers how much they are paying the farmers for the products that they buy which is something that most supermarkets do not do. The idea of fair trade, although quiet good in theory, has also come under certain backfire. Many farmers still believe that the supermarkets are still not paying farmers enough for there produce. John Turner who is a founding member of FARM said that; “Tesco’s commitment to sources as much UK produce as possible means very little unless there is an equal commitment to maintain fair & sustainable prices paid to farmers. Supermarkets have to recognize that there is a point at which their methods of continually driving down suppliers’ margins have a negative impact on farming methods and animal welfare standards.”** FARM and other grass roots organizations have been making an effort to not only get higher prices for what they produce, but to also educate the public so that they know what’s going on. | ||
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Another area which shoppers have demanded supermarkets take on an idea of corporate social responsibility is concerning the environment. Issues like recycling, emissions, and energy usage have all been tackled by the major supermarket chains in the last few years. Supermarket Tesco states in its Statement on Current Corporate Social Responsibility that its reusable plastic crates, also know as green trays, have lead to the elimination of 36 tons of secondary waste packaging every year.** Tesco, as well as Asda, also provides recycling facilities at nearly all of there stores so that shoppers my bring there recycling to them. When it comes to the issue of food waste Sainsbury’s participates in a program in which it’s out of date food is donated to local charity groups. Coming under considerable fire after the release of Wal-Mart the Movie: High Cost at Low Prices, Asda’s parent owner started a campaign in the United States where that by 2015 it shipping tucks would be equipped to double there fuel efficiency. It is said that this will be achieved by adding side skirts to make the trucks more aerodynamic and by giving them larger back tiers to make them more efficient so that they will consume less diesel fuel.** Other Supermarket chains have insisted that by striving to buy locally that they were able to reduce there emissions by not having to ship products over long distances resulting in high emissions for the shipping and waste from the extra packaging that is evolved. Wal-Mart also equips all of there stores with sky lights as a way of reducing the amount of energy they use to light their buildings. Supermarkets are still not in the clear though as chains like Tesco and Asda have both come under considerable fire for there building practices which many people believe hurt the environment. | Another area which shoppers have demanded supermarkets take on an idea of corporate social responsibility is concerning the environment. Issues like recycling, emissions, and energy usage have all been tackled by the major supermarket chains in the last few years. Supermarket Tesco states in its Statement on Current Corporate Social Responsibility that its reusable plastic crates, also know as green trays, have lead to the elimination of 36 tons of secondary waste packaging every year.** Tesco, as well as Asda, also provides recycling facilities at nearly all of there stores so that shoppers my bring there recycling to them. When it comes to the issue of food waste Sainsbury’s participates in a program in which it’s out of date food is donated to local charity groups. Coming under considerable fire after the release of Wal-Mart the Movie: High Cost at Low Prices, Asda’s parent owner started a campaign in the United States where that by 2015 it shipping tucks would be equipped to double there fuel efficiency. It is said that this will be achieved by adding side skirts to make the trucks more aerodynamic and by giving them larger back tiers to make them more efficient so that they will consume less diesel fuel.** Other Supermarket chains have insisted that by striving to buy locally that they were able to reduce there emissions by not having to ship products over long distances resulting in high emissions for the shipping and waste from the extra packaging that is evolved. Wal-Mart also equips all of there stores with sky lights as a way of reducing the amount of energy they use to light their buildings. Supermarkets are still not in the clear though as chains like Tesco and Asda have both come under considerable fire for there building practices which many people believe hurt the environment. | ||
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| + | Probably the most important issue that supermarkets have had to deal with concerning social responsibility is their effects on the communities in which they build their stores. It has been estimated when a supermarket opens it effects or closes village shops within a seven mile radius, as well as cause around 276 people to loose there full time employment positions.** 2001 reports showed that for every one pound spent at a local village shop the equivalent was generated for the local economy. Where as for every one pound spent at an Asda store on 14 pence was generated.** This issue has not only been a problem in rural areas in villages, but in larger city centers as well since supermarkets are now opening local quick stores on high traffic streets. To combat the negative response they have received from the public each supermarket chains has started their own massive community campaign. Tesco states that, “[w]hen proposing a new store development it is our policy to actively develop community relation, anticipating and addressing local concern [.]”** They claim that they will work closely with local city councils to make adapt their supermarkets to how they will fit best in the community. Another way in which Tesco stores are trying to show communities that they care is through there Computer for Schools Scheme. With this program schools can collect school vouchers in-store and then redeem them for computer equipment.** Other companies have also started a “charity of the year” program in which the supermarkets endorse charities that provide support for children, education, healthcare, and the elderly or disabled. Supermarkets hope that by doing these things they will be able to gain more customer loyalty and support which would allow them to expand their business. | ||
==4. Local resistance and its success(Cecilia)== | ==4. Local resistance and its success(Cecilia)== | ||
Revision as of 08:32, 26 April 2006
Overview of the Planning System
Contents
1. Lobbying of Government(Marianne)
2. Relationships Local Councils (Morag)
3. Corporate Social Responsibility activities (Mandy)
In today’s economy it is estimated that the five largest supermarkets in Britain now sell 70% of all food sold, and that roughly 30p of every pound spent in Britain is spent in a supermarket.** Groceries are also not the only thing that supermarkets are selling these days. They have moved on to incorporate other specialist retailers and there products into there store to make a literal “one stop shop.” Shoppers can know find pharmacies, drycleaners, post offices, banks, tax filing services, and even photography studios all lumped together. Wal-Mart, owner of Asda and America’s largest hypermarket, profits are five times higher in non-food sales than in food sales.** This is due to there extensive clothing, athletics, automotive, appliances, and home decor lines. Supermarkets today have a tremendous influence on their buying customers lives. Looking at the reversal of this, the customers have also come to demand certain values from the stores that they do business with. Today corporate social responsibility plays an important role in almost any business operating in the global market. Supermarkets are no exception. As they have come under fire the last few years, supermarkets have started to make an attempt to change their practices so that they are bettering not only the customers but the community as well. Issues like fair trade, the community, and the environment have seemed to become the most focused on by both the shopping community and the supermarkets themselves.
Fair trade is the idea that business should be conducted most directly with the individual farmers and artisans that produce the products which the companies sell. By doing this it is believed that artisans and farmers will be paid a fair wage for the products that they produce. When this idea is discussed most usually believe that it only pertains to people in third-world countries, but many supermarkets in the United Kingdom are also working with local area farmers. Research by Mintel group shows that British shoppers have a strong preference for buying locally grown and produced items like meat, fruit, and vegetables. They found that people liked the idea of supporting their local community and at the same time receiving the freshest quality of products. In response to this all of the major supermarkets have started to carry fair trade and locally produced items. Tesco boast that it buys over “1.5 million euros worth of goods per annum from some 800 Irish companies, over 80% of which are small to medium sized enterprises.”** While this year Asda has launched their new program called the “Four Point Pledge to Dairy Farmers.” Asda boast that it is now paying its dairy farmers five pence more per liter of milk that it’s competitors. They say that “were committed to paying our farmers a fair price every day for their milk.”** In this campaign Asda also boast that it practices a form of “transparent pricing” in which they actually tell the consumers how much they are paying the farmers for the products that they buy which is something that most supermarkets do not do. The idea of fair trade, although quiet good in theory, has also come under certain backfire. Many farmers still believe that the supermarkets are still not paying farmers enough for there produce. John Turner who is a founding member of FARM said that; “Tesco’s commitment to sources as much UK produce as possible means very little unless there is an equal commitment to maintain fair & sustainable prices paid to farmers. Supermarkets have to recognize that there is a point at which their methods of continually driving down suppliers’ margins have a negative impact on farming methods and animal welfare standards.”** FARM and other grass roots organizations have been making an effort to not only get higher prices for what they produce, but to also educate the public so that they know what’s going on.
Another area which shoppers have demanded supermarkets take on an idea of corporate social responsibility is concerning the environment. Issues like recycling, emissions, and energy usage have all been tackled by the major supermarket chains in the last few years. Supermarket Tesco states in its Statement on Current Corporate Social Responsibility that its reusable plastic crates, also know as green trays, have lead to the elimination of 36 tons of secondary waste packaging every year.** Tesco, as well as Asda, also provides recycling facilities at nearly all of there stores so that shoppers my bring there recycling to them. When it comes to the issue of food waste Sainsbury’s participates in a program in which it’s out of date food is donated to local charity groups. Coming under considerable fire after the release of Wal-Mart the Movie: High Cost at Low Prices, Asda’s parent owner started a campaign in the United States where that by 2015 it shipping tucks would be equipped to double there fuel efficiency. It is said that this will be achieved by adding side skirts to make the trucks more aerodynamic and by giving them larger back tiers to make them more efficient so that they will consume less diesel fuel.** Other Supermarket chains have insisted that by striving to buy locally that they were able to reduce there emissions by not having to ship products over long distances resulting in high emissions for the shipping and waste from the extra packaging that is evolved. Wal-Mart also equips all of there stores with sky lights as a way of reducing the amount of energy they use to light their buildings. Supermarkets are still not in the clear though as chains like Tesco and Asda have both come under considerable fire for there building practices which many people believe hurt the environment.
Probably the most important issue that supermarkets have had to deal with concerning social responsibility is their effects on the communities in which they build their stores. It has been estimated when a supermarket opens it effects or closes village shops within a seven mile radius, as well as cause around 276 people to loose there full time employment positions.** 2001 reports showed that for every one pound spent at a local village shop the equivalent was generated for the local economy. Where as for every one pound spent at an Asda store on 14 pence was generated.** This issue has not only been a problem in rural areas in villages, but in larger city centers as well since supermarkets are now opening local quick stores on high traffic streets. To combat the negative response they have received from the public each supermarket chains has started their own massive community campaign. Tesco states that, “[w]hen proposing a new store development it is our policy to actively develop community relation, anticipating and addressing local concern [.]”** They claim that they will work closely with local city councils to make adapt their supermarkets to how they will fit best in the community. Another way in which Tesco stores are trying to show communities that they care is through there Computer for Schools Scheme. With this program schools can collect school vouchers in-store and then redeem them for computer equipment.** Other companies have also started a “charity of the year” program in which the supermarkets endorse charities that provide support for children, education, healthcare, and the elderly or disabled. Supermarkets hope that by doing these things they will be able to gain more customer loyalty and support which would allow them to expand their business.
4. Local resistance and its success(Cecilia)
Asda has vowed to reassess its seafood policies after a campaign by Greenpeace earlier this week. Protestors from the NGO scaled the supermarket's Leeds headquarters and hung a banner highlighting destructive fishing practices, while others toured the city with mobile advertising, before being invited by the company to discuss the issues.
As a result of the meeting, Adsa has agreed to produce a public policy on how it sources sustainable seafood in the next six weeks. Additionally, skate, dogfish, Dover sole and ling have been removed from its shelves immediately, with decisions pending on swordfish and marlin in the coming weeks. http://www.greenconsumerguide.com/index.php?news=2956
Conclusions
