The purpose of this blog is to take a look at all of the purchases I've made within a one week time frame!
Where each product was placed can be justified by the research I did on each company and/or brand name:
Co-operatives Gasoline:
The first Red River Co-op store was opened up at 57 Myrtle Street in Winnipeg around 1937.[i] The Red River Co-op is a Winnipeg based petroleum company that claims to be ‘truly’ local, as it is locally created and locally supported. They carry on this belief by supporting Manitoba farmers, ranchers and manufactures by purchasing their services for the Co-op grocery stores.[ii] However, they include almost next to no information about the whereabouts of the fossil fuel extraction and production. This branch of the Co-op chain is
‘a member-owner of Federated Co-operatives (FCL)… FCL provides central wholesaling, manufacturing, marketing and administrative services…’ - Red River Co-op Website
A quick visit to the FCL website showed that they were active in all aspects of the crude oil business, with a majority of the assets being under the management of another company in southern Saskatchewan. However, they are aware of the impracticability of gasoline being a sustainable resource as an article was published on April 17th 2017, ‘CO-OP Goes Green’ in which they state that eco-friendly choices are being made and a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint is put in place.[iii] Regardless, there is no mention of exactly where and how they actually produce the gasoline. So, despite being a major fossil fuel exporter, I am placing it in the ‘bad’ category because of its efforts to promote local productivity and it's small efforts in working towards sustainability somewhat.
“We care about our communities and the environment we share. We are committed to using our resources wisely and making responsible decisions that consider the short-term and long-term effects on our environment. We do this by reducing energy used by our facilities and fleet, by working with our entire value chain to ensure products are responsibly sourced , reducing waste and improving water use in our operations.” – Federated Co-operatives Limited on Environmental Sustainability
Red River Co-operatives Slurpee:
Since I cannot find any information on this product, I am placing this item under ‘ugly,’ because of the plastics used for the cups, lids and straws. Although recyclable, alternative environmentally friendly plastics should be put in place. Maybe even sell reusable cups in which customers will have to bring, in order to fill them. Just food for thought. Also, the content is just pure processed powdered sugar and is terrible for one’s teeth and health. Despite this, I indulge in this every once and while.
McDonald’s McDouble:
McDonald’s has always been under the limelight and battling controversial accusations. On their website McDonald’s lists the patty as 100% pure beef.[iv] But it has come to light that even though each patty is made with beef, the actual quality is yet to be determined. Many articles slam McDonald’s for using ground up beef remains, cheap meat quality or that they even bleach it. Due to the documentary which I watched called Super Size Me and by working there, I believe a lot of the food to be of poor quality. Also, a lot of food goes to waste if customers are picky, or simply order too much. The cattle required to sustain such large demand is also terrible for the environment in terms of resources, water usage, space etc. I’ve decided that a McDonald’s McDouble falls under the, ‘ugly’ category. Although the company is planning on introducing fresh non-frozen beef patties within the United States in hopes of changing their current image,[v] it still suffers from serve environmental complications.
American Eagle Outfitters (AMO):
The jeans I bought are made up of 60% Cotton, 20% Viscose, 12% Modal, 7% Polyester and1% Elastane. However, the only thing underneath the materials listed is ‘imported.’ Checking the actual tag, it reads ‘Made in Vietnam.’ Alright, so AMO does not openly advertise that some of their products are created in a developing country. Clothing is typically made in poorer countries due to the low wages, but work long hours. If so, AMO is funding one of the lowest garment paid wages in Asia, where 6.6% work for less than minimum wage.[vi] This, as well as supporting health and environmental standards that are not being met.[vii] However, investigating deeper into the situation I found AEO’s policies which states they do not partake in sweatshops.
“AEO, Inc. is a participating company in the Fair Labor Association. The FLA provides independent external monitoring of our supplier base and publicly reports on its findings. In addition, AEO, Inc. is also a signatory to the global buyer principles of the International Labor Organization (ILO)’s Better Work program and relies upon independent Better Work factory assessments in lieu of our own inspections in countries where Better Work operates.”
I am placing this purchase under the, ‘good’ category because I am hopeful that the origins of where this clothing was assembled does not condone nor promote underpaid labor.
Cover Girl Makeup:
Thankfully Cover Girl has signed and follows the California Transparency in Supple Chains Act of 2010 Disclosure, as well as the UK Modern Slavery Act, modified in June 2017.
“Coty confirms its commitment to ensuring that the supply chains it employs in the sourcing and manufacturing of its products do not include, utilize or tolerate human trafficking, slavery and forced or child labor.”
The product says COTY on it which is reassuring, what is not however, is that there is no anti-animal testing symbols nor is it on their website anywhere. Due to no supporting research that shows Cover Girl is a supporter of anti-animal cruelty, I am categorizing this purchase under, ‘bad’ as I am uncertain about the conditions in which it was tested.
Closing Thoughts
Fortunately unfortunately, I have hardly made any purchases lately, as I am currently in a super savings phase. There normally would be even less items on this chart, had I not needed eyeliner from Walmart and bought a shirt on sale from American Eagle Outfitters. Although my money is primarily going into the ‘bad’ category, I do not think that I am going to change the items shown. With exception to the American Eagle clothing and McDonald's, the items that I purchased are semi-first world necessities to me and are the only things I ever really buy. Although this investigation into Co-op has made me want to due further research into local petroleum companies in Winnipeg, so that I may start using the most eco-friendly ones and support them!
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