NEW SCHOOL
The same goes for global labor practices. Corporate accountability and social responsibility have shaped a generation. Sure, they watch reality television and don’t remember that the “M” in MTV stands for music, but such is the call of their culture.
Neve said “students are very conscious about environmental issues and issues surrounding fair trade and labor practices.” As a result, he said many schools have responded by mandating the businesses they work with abide by safe and fair practices. To address these market concerns, Boardroom Custom Clothing has converted about 20 percent of its materials to environmentally friendly alternatives and been audited for social standard compliance. The company also participates in 1% For The Planet, a group of businesses that donate one percent of sales to natural environmental protection and restoration.
Schools must “consider a different bottom line,” said Neve. Accountability to the students is “a major part of the equation.” Neve said trying to avoid the subject of labor and environmental issues is not a solution. “[Students] know how to use the Internet and they will figure it out,” he said. He described this as a new paradigm of factors driving purchasing decisions. “[Students are] more interested in saving the planet than your company or your corporation saving money,” he explained.
- Companies:
- Boardroom Custom Clothing
- People:
- Byron Reed
- Jason Neve