PieAreSquared
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2014
- Messages
- 235
We all know there are still many human rights abuses being experienced in the world.
If given a choice, I am sure most of us would prefer not to be part of the chain.
But this begs the question: What constitutes an "ethical" product or company, or "fairtrade"? Is this just a new buzzword used for marketing purposes? Can my coffee really be traced to the bush it grew on, and every hand that touched it along the way? Can my sapphire?
Deskjockey posted 2 excellent articles that leave us feeling like maybe, we can't be sure these words really mean what we thought:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2014/05/25/surprise-fairtrade-doesnt-benefit-the-poor-peasants/
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/11/06/kimberley-process-zimbabwe-action-mars-credibility
In Western countries, "ethical" treatment at work is guaranteed by law, and among other things, there is an hour limit to your work week, paid overtime, no child labor, holidays, fair treatment, safe and sanitary working conditions (or pay reflecting the potential hazard) no harassment, no discrimination, clean toilets (hopefully), etc.
Is it realistic to expect similar in third world countries, where most of gem mining takes place?
How do you define "ethical" business practices in this industry?
If given a choice, I am sure most of us would prefer not to be part of the chain.
But this begs the question: What constitutes an "ethical" product or company, or "fairtrade"? Is this just a new buzzword used for marketing purposes? Can my coffee really be traced to the bush it grew on, and every hand that touched it along the way? Can my sapphire?
Deskjockey posted 2 excellent articles that leave us feeling like maybe, we can't be sure these words really mean what we thought:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2014/05/25/surprise-fairtrade-doesnt-benefit-the-poor-peasants/
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/11/06/kimberley-process-zimbabwe-action-mars-credibility
In Western countries, "ethical" treatment at work is guaranteed by law, and among other things, there is an hour limit to your work week, paid overtime, no child labor, holidays, fair treatment, safe and sanitary working conditions (or pay reflecting the potential hazard) no harassment, no discrimination, clean toilets (hopefully), etc.
Is it realistic to expect similar in third world countries, where most of gem mining takes place?
How do you define "ethical" business practices in this industry?