1.0 The two principles of the Global Compact

1.1 Environment

Towards green environment, most businessesare focusing on producing green products. The Body Shop fights against theclimate change by reducing waste. Hence, The Body Shop uses plastic bottleswhich are 100 per cent recycled material. The Body Shop also focus onrecyclable packaging. Besides, The Body Shop made an immense step in sourcingrenewable energy wherever and whenever possible to run their stores, officesand warehouses all around the globe. In 2008, all Body Shop’s carrier bags arereplaced with 100 per cent recycled and recyclable paper bags.

In a similar industry, Burt’s Bees are alsovery sensitive towards the environment. The highest levels of Post ConsumerRecycled (PCR) materials are used in Burt’s Bees packaging. The packaging isdesigned in a way that it is recyclable and has the least impact possible tothe Earth. Burt’s Bees therefore is targeting at a zero waste at 2020Sustainability Goals.

It is learnt that business environmentallyfriendly practices offer a smart choice for both consumer and investors. It is alsoobserved that consumer’s concern on the environment is increasing and impactedon most business. Although the number of green products is more accessible inthe market, Rex andBaumann (2007) claimed that the market share is still stumpypartly because it is addressed primarily to green consumers. Furthermore, verylittle numbers of consumers are changing their lifestyle to adapt to the newidea. Some consumers have negative implications towards green products andperceived that green products are usually cost more where only a small numberof consumers are actually paying extra for green products (Scott 2009). Consumersare also doubtful whether the products are really green or not because somecompanies may misuse green marketing (Polonsky and Rosenberger 2001, 21).

1.2 Human Rights

Real and current human rights problems areescalating each day and UNICEF make an approximation that up to 1.2 millionyoung people are being trafficked globally each year (Child protection from violence, exploitation and abuse 2010). Human trafficking knows no boundaries and has become one of the fastest growing illegal activities and hasbecome a worldwide issue. Victims of this illegal activity can be of both female and male at anyage from any nationality. However, it is more likely to happen from deprivedand under-developed countries. (Fowler,Cheb and Fowler 2010)

As the number of human trafficking is onthe rise, The Body Shop took a serious thought to put an end to it. Inprevention of human rights abuse, The Body Shop is working with ECPAT (EndChild Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children forSexual Purposes) and has initiated a worldwide campaign to stop sex traffickingof children and young people. The campaign aims to increase awareness to stopit while raising funds for both victims and those who are at risk oftrafficking. The Body Shop will also be launching another petition calling upongovernments to execute stern anti-trafficking legislation and policies.Additionally, the Body Shop aims to unite with other participant globally bytaking its petitions to the United Nations this year. (values & campaigns2011)