Introduction
The UN SDGs state that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a global and essential program that has assumed the development of the entire world for decades. Notably, as the deadline for this issue, one should mention 2030 year (Gardetti & Muthu, 2019). The Goals were established in 2015 by the United Nations and incorporate many factors and spheres of human life (United Nations ECE, 2019).
As the primary focus of the goals, one should state such aspects as poverty reduction, establishing qualitative institutions, eliminating inequality, saving nature and the environment, and others (Doni et al., 2020). They were constructed to improve the planet’s quality of life and create more sustainable development. Nowadays, many companies, such as Apple, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft, tend to implement these approaches. Although significant corporations have contributed to sustainable development, many issues are undeveloped and should be considered profoundly.
Engagement with UN SDGs
Every discussed company provides the customers with sufficient and thorough information about their actions following the proposed UN Goals. For example, in their annual presentation of new products, Apple and Microsoft highlight particular actions they implement in their gadgets’ production to reduce the adverse environmental impact. Notably, Apple Inc. provides the audience with information regarding how the new iPhone or iPad was developed and discusses steps concerning the road to zero-emission strategy (Apple Commits, 2020).
Coca-Cola states various methods of implementing new technologies and instruments to, for example, provide people in rural areas with qualitative water (Water Stewardship, n.d d.). Therefore, one should highlight the extent to which these businesses report their engagement in the proposed UN Goals is considerably high. Both during their presentations and on their websites, these companies pay attention to green policies, fair labor systems, and other UN SDGs.
Choosing UN SGDs as Priority Areas
One of the significant factors that one should consider when considering how those businesses identify and decide UN SGDs’ priority areas is the alignment with their products’ system. For example, Apple Inc. focuses on a zero-emission program when delivering information about its main product, the iPhone (The Products You Love Also Love the Planet, n. d). It should be noted that this marketing strategy allows companies to achieve significant advantages while popularizing their products.
The website of Apple Inc. has various graphics and illustrations that allow readers to understand which steps regarding green policies were implemented promptly (The Products You Love Also Love the Planet, n. d). These materials are aimed not only to introduce the reader to data about environmental care but also to highlight the new product’s advantages and usefulness for humans and nature.
While considering the technological companies, it is essential to understand that they have a vast spectrum for changes toward reducing adverse emissions and negative impacts on the planet. During the production of their gadgets, they incorporate many materials obtained from fossil rocks under the earth. This means that they can improve their positions concerning zero emission and UN goals by substituting these materials with more efficient materials that are less harmful to the environment.
In the case of Coca-Cola, one can consider the replenishment and regenerative water approach (Doni et al., 2020). For this, Coca-Cola created a finished beverage system to clean and save water while improving quality (Doni et al., 2020). As Water Stewardship. (n. d.) states, “We have replenished more than 100% of the water used in our finished beverages yearly since 2015” (p. 3). Consequently, Coca-Cola should improve its current approaches rather than replace them with new ones.
Apple and Microsoft only state particular numbers and citations on their websites when transferring data about green approaches. On the other hand, Coca-Cola gives reading materials with photos and videos that reflect the company’s care about water and related issues (Smith, 2020). For example, according to Water Stewardship (n. d.), “our 2030 Water Security Strategy is focused on accelerating the actions needed to increase water security where we operate” (p. 1). Therefore, one should state that there are no significant differences in the identified companies’ priority areas because they all focus on sustainable development and zero-emission programs. However, every organization tends to deliver its progress and achievements according to UN Goals differently.
Variances and Deviations
While considering potential deviations and discrepancies in how these businesses engage in SDGs, it is essential to consider other goals besides green policies and emissions reduction. For example, Apple Inc. also strives to align with the goal of gender equality and good health and well-being. The company hires employees from various cultures, rational aspects, and people with disabilities (Apple Commits, 2020). However, one can say that such giant companies as Microsoft and Apple significantly differ from SDGs in responsible consumption and production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to highlight that every company pursues its goals and strategy toward wealth and success. Therefore, it is not a secret that even while implementing green policies and other goals of the UN, a significant accent is placed on the advantages for the company itself. However, the identified companies, Apple, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, sincerely strive to incorporate significant technologies and approaches by substituting harmful materials and reducing emissions (Gardetti & Muthu, 2019).
As evidence, all three companies strive to reach zero emission status before 2030 (Water Stewardship, n. d.). They do it due to the realization that inaction may cause a less livable environment on the planet. When organizations conceal adverse outcomes caused by their operations, it can be considered dishonesty and an absence of determination for qualitative human development. Consequently, companies deliver their strategies in many ways, from directly implementing goals into their strategy plans to presenting data on their websites.
References
Apple commits to be 100 percent carbon neutral for its supply chain and products by 2030. (2020). Apple. Web.
Doni, F., Gasperini, A., Soares, J. T. (2020). SDG13 – climate action: Combatting climate change and its impacts. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Gardetti, M. A., & Muthu, S. S. (2019). The UN sustainable development goals for the textile and fashion industry. Springer Nature Singapore.
Smith, B. (2020). Microsoft will be carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft. Web.
The products you love also love the planet. (n. d.). Apple. Web.
United Nations ECE. (2019). Standards for the sustainable development goals. UN.
Water Stewardship. (n. d.). Coca-Cola. Web.
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