For whatever purpose or reason, we are our own worst enemies in terms of environmental disasters. Whether the destruction is caused due the greed of corporations, i.e. cutbacks in the budget, human error, or the result of ignoring company policies and procedures, is irrelevant. It is always the remainder of us, the bystanders not involved in the unfortunate mishap, those of us with a conscience, who must reap the hazards of an environmental war torn habitat.
There are of course certain major corporations doing their part in contributing to a healthier environment. Company’s such as Freightliner and New Belgium Breweries. More often though, they search for new ways to beat the system in their quest for a product or service dominance, full speed ahead, damn the torpedo’s. So who are some the greed driven giants?
Here are four of them:
Progress Energy – Even though, for a fifth year, they were named as a leader in managing economic, environmental, and social issues, by the Dow Jones sustainability index, they are ranked very high on the list of having a negative environmental impact through the excretion of airborne pollutants. They are so bold as to offer their naïve customers an opportunity of buying into their carbon offsets.
Duke Energy – One of the most famous utility CEO’s in modern history, Jim Rogers promotes himself as a leader, and self-righteous advocate, in promoting clean energy. He’s been featured on 60 Minutes and the Colbert Report, spouting how he sees no future in the US for coal. Yet the rest of us are not having a beautiful day in Mr. Rodgers neighborhood when his company is one of the world-wide leaders in carbon emissions, and a huge contributor to the growing global warming crisis.
First Energy – Let’s be clear, it is impossible to generate electricity and not pollute to some degree, but these folks have been accused more than once of irresponsible practices. Though their reeking-havoc days are far from over, on the upside, Their CEO agreed to a 25% pay reduction, with the monies being contributed to exploring cleaner methods. While this appears to be the right and noble thing to do, only time will produce the outcome.
ConAgra Foods – Perhaps the largest packaged food company is existence, they are rated one of the worst for their lack of environmental responsibility. In 2006, they were cited by CERES for their total discard for responsible behavior. From then until now, little has changed.
These companies are only 4 of very many. Other offenders include, NRG Energy, Peabody Energy, Ameren, Bunge, American Electric Power, and the list continues…