The Corporate Social Responsibility, leather, fur products, and vegetarian

Does reading about the Corporate Social Responsibility make you less likely to buy leather and fur products, or not? Why or why not?

CSR refers to a company's commitment to operating ethically and responsibly, considering its impact on society and the environment. Some consumers may be influenced by CSR practices when making purchasing decisions. If a company is known for ethical and sustainable practices, it may attract consumers who prioritize those values. When it comes to leather and fur products, consumers who are informed about CSR may be more likely to choose products from companies that follow responsible and ethical practices in sourcing and production. For example, companies that adhere to animal welfare standards, use sustainable materials, or support fair labor practices may be more appealing to socially conscious consumers. On the other hand, some consumers may still choose leather and fur products if they believe these materials align with their personal preferences, style, or cultural considerations, even if they are aware of CSR principles. I think that the impact of CSR on consumer choices regarding leather and fur products can vary. Some consumers may be swayed by ethical and responsible practices, while others may prioritize other factors in their purchasing decisions. 

For me, personally, I prefer to purchase products made by those who follow the CSR guidelines since companies that adhere to CSR guidelines are usually more ethical. They consider the impact of their operations on society and the environment, which can lead to fair treatment of employees, responsible sourcing of materials, and environmentally friendly practices.

Does reading the CSR make you more likely to go vegetarian in your food consumption (if you are not already), or not? Why or why not?

In my opinion, reading Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports alone may not be the sole factor influencing people to adopt a vegetarian diet. However, CSR reports and related information can contribute to a broader understanding of a company's values, sustainability practices, and impact on the environment.  CSR reports often highlight a company's commitment to sustainable practices. If a consumer is concerned about environmental issues, learning about the environmental impact of meat production might encourage them to explore more sustainable dietary choices, such as a vegetarian or plant-based diet. Some CSR reports address animal welfare concerns and outline a company's efforts to ensure ethical treatment of animals. This information might resonate with individuals who are sensitive to animal welfare issues, potentially leading them to reconsider their meat consumption.

However, even if a company follows vegetarian-friendly policies, consumers might not be aware of them unless the information is actively communicated through marketing, packaging, or other channels. CSR reports typically cover a broad range of social and environmental issues, and not all consumers may prioritize or connect with the aspects related to food consumption. People might be more influenced by factors such as taste preferences, cultural considerations, or health concerns.

Do you feel that the consumption of meat and the use of leather and fur are “natural” and therefore acceptable? Why or why not?

The question of whether the consumption of meat and the use of leather and fur are "natural" and acceptable is subjective and often depends on individual perspectives, cultural beliefs, and ethical considerations. Humans have been omnivores throughout history, and consuming meat has been a part of the human diet. From a biological standpoint, some argue that the consumption of meat is a natural behavior rooted in our evolutionary history. Meat consumption, as well as the use of leather and fur, is deeply embedded in the cultures of many societies. Supporters of meat consumption often highlight the nutritional benefits of animal products, such as proteins and essential nutrients. They may argue that using leather and fur represents a form of resource utilization, making use of by-products from the meat industry.

However, I believe that the ethical treatment of animals is paramount. Practices involved in industrial-scale meat production, as well as the use of leather and fur, are often criticized for issues related to animal welfare, such as confinement, overcrowding, and inhumane slaughter methods. Why it matters?  Because, if a company does not care the ethical treatment of animals, it usually doesn’t care about their customers also. Such companies only care about their profit rather than responsibility. Moreover, the environmental consequences of large-scale meat production, including deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage, are concerns for those advocating for more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Does an “ethical” company owe any duty to animals, or are ethical duties only owed to humans?

I think that the question of whether ethical duties extend to animals is a complex and debated ethical issue. Different ethical frameworks and philosophical perspectives offer varying viewpoints on the moral status and treatment of animals. Utilitarianism, a consequentialist ethical theory, considers the overall happiness or well-being produced by actions. From a utilitarian standpoint, ethical duties may extend to animals if their welfare is taken into account. Actions that minimize suffering and promote well-being for all sentient beings, including animals, would be considered morally preferable. Deontological ethics, which focuses on duties and principles, may also include considerations for animals. Some ethical systems, like deontological animal rights theories, posit that animals have inherent rights and should be treated with respect and consideration, independent of their utility to humans.

From an environmental ethics perspective, the focus may extend beyond individual animals to ecosystems and biodiversity. The ethical responsibility may involve protecting habitats and preserving the balance of ecosystems for the well-being of all living entities. In practice, the treatment of animals by companies often depends on legal regulations, societal norms, and the ethical values embraced by the company and its stakeholders. Some companies adopt ethical standards that include considerations for animal welfare, sourcing practices, and environmental impact. For instance, a company might commit to using cruelty-free testing methods or sourcing materials in ways that minimize harm to animals. And, of course, they all represent what a company or an organization care the most. It’s also part of their leadership.

Reference

Basil-Jones, W. (n.d.). What is CSR? The Fundamentals of Corporate Social Responsibility. What is CSR? The fundamentals of Corporate Social Responsibility. https://plana.earth/academy/what-is-csr-corporate-social-responsibility 

Brennan, A., & Lo, N. Y. S. (2021, December 3). Environmental ethics. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-environmental/ 

Fernando, J. (n.d.). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) explained with examples. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/corp-social-responsibility.asp 

Hirschler, C. A. (n.d.). An examination of Vegan’s beliefs and experiences using critical ... - core. An Examination of Vegan’s Beliefs and Experiences Using Critical Theory and Autoethnography. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/216946143.pdf 

Monsó, S., Benz-Schwarzburg, J., & Bremhorst, A. (2018). Animal morality: What it means and why it matters. The journal of ethics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6404642/ 

Reckmann, N. (n.d.). What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?. What Is Corporate Social Responsibility? https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4679-corporate-social-responsibility.html