Journal No.6 – Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental, Social, Governance and Greenwashing.

The Coca-Cola Company 

Coca-Cola, one of the world’s largest beverage companies, has long marketed itself as an environmentally responsible corporation. The company consistently champions sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and cutting down carbon emissions (The Coca-Cola Company, 2025). However, critics argue that many of these claim’s amount to greenwashing – Coca-Cola has been criticized for creating an illusion of environmental responsibility while continuing harmful practices. In 2022, Coca-Cola was responsible for 7.32% of the plastic waste collected globally (The Coca-Cola Company, 2025). 

 

One of the biggest examples of Coca-Cola’s greenwashing is its approach to plastic waste. The company has pledged to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025 and to use 50% recycled material in plastic bottles by 2030 (The Coca-Cola Company, 2025). Though these commitments may seem impressive, they don’t tackle the root of the problem: Coca-Cola churns out over 100 billion plastic bottles each year, with a substantial amount ending up in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems. Coca-Cola was found to be the biggest plastic polluter in the world from 2018-2022 (Down to Earth, 2022). 

Coca-Cola’s emphasis on recycling shifts the responsibility onto consumers rather than reducing plastic production at its source. Rather than effectively reducing plastic use by eliminating single-use packaging and adopting reuse and refill systems, they focus excessively on recycling, an insufficient solution given the vast amounts of plastic these companies introduce into the market annually (Down to Earth, 2022). 

Coca-Cola shifted its packaging from glass bottles to plastic since 1978 and was driven due to several economic, logistical, and consumer-related factors but bottom line, it is re-sealable, lightweight, and recyclable (The Coca-Cola Company, 2024). While plastic bottles provided economic benefits to Coca-Cola, they created a major environmental crisis. Unlike glass, which is infinitely recyclable without losing quality, plastic degrades with each recycling cycle and contributes to pollution, particularly in Great Pacific Garbage Patch (National Geographic Society, 2025). 

To genuinely cut down its environmental impact, Coca-Cola needs to do more than just make surface-level sustainability claims. They should consider reintroducing reusable glass packaging or investing in biodegradable options instead of primarily relying on plastic recycling. As a major player in plastic waste production, Coca-Cola has both moral and corporate obligation to address and enhance sustainability within its supply chain. 

While the use of plastic bottles is cost-efficient for Coca-Cola, the continuous reliance on these bottles significantly contributes to plastic pollution. Although Coca-Cola may argue that the responsibility for proper disposal lies with consumers, the company must acknowledge its role in perpetuating plastic waste for economic and profit-driven reasons.[1]

 

 

 

References

 

Down to Earth. (2022, November ). Talking trash: COP27 major sponsor Coca-Cola top plastic polluter for 5 years straight, shows report. (D. t. Earth, Ed.) Down to Earth. doi:https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A726694379/ITOF?u=murdoch&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=70ccacc0

National Geographic Society. (2025). Nationral Geographic. (E. E. Jeannie Evers, Editor, N. G. Society, Producer, & National Geographic Society) doi:https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-pacific-garbage-patch/

The Coca-Cola Company. (2024). Coca-Cola. doi:https://www.coca-cola.com/ie/en/media-center/contour-bottle-history#:~:text=1978%20%E2%80%93%20Recyclable%20bottles,%2Dsealable%2C%20lightweight%20and%20recyclable.

The Coca-Cola Company. (2025). doi:https://www.coca-colacompany.com/sustainability

 

 

 

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[1] ChatGPT used for better English Structure 

Journal No.5 – Value Creation and Capture

The Ocean Cleanup 

The Ocean Cleanup is a not-for-profit environmental engineering group based in The Netherlands that develops and deploys technology to extract plastic pollution from the oceans and rivers before it can go to the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup was founded in 2013 by Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, pioneered innovative technologies designed to extract plastic waste from both the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) and major river systems. (The Ocean Cleanup, 2013) (Geographic, 2018)

The organization’s primary value lies in its ability to remove plastic from oceans and rivers. By deploying large-scale cleanup system in the GPGP and the interceptor technology in polluted rivers, it actively contributes to reducing marine plastic pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and improving biodiversity. (Cleanup, 2013)

While The Ocean Cleanup is driven by an environmental mission, it also operates within the frameworks of value creation and value capture, concepts essential for its sustainability and impact. This supports with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 14: Life Below Water. (Nations, 2015)

The Ocean Cleanup creates value through Technological innovation, developing passive ocean cleanup systems and autonomous interceptor river barriers. These scalable solutions address plastic pollution on a global level, allowing for more efficient and long-term waste removal. (Cleanup, 2013)

Beyond its direct cleanup efforts, The Ocean Cleanup also plays a key role in raising public awareness. Through media campaigns, educational initiatives, and collaborations, with governments and corporations, the organisation spreads knowledge about the dangers of plastic pollution. These partnerships not only help develop its operation but also impact waste management policies, encouraging more sustainable practices worldwide. 

The Ocean Cleanup funds its operations through a variety of creative channels. 

One of the main sources of funding for The Ocean Cleanup comes from corporate sponsorships, where companies support the cleanup efforts in exchange for enhancing their corporate social responsibility (CSR). This partnership allows businesses to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability while helping to address a critical global issue. 

In 2020, the organisation also launched a unique initiative: sunglasses made from plastic retrieved from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. (Cleanup, The Ocean Cleanup , 2020) 

The sales of these sunglasses directly fund further cleanup projects turning ocean waste into a valuable product. 

In addition to these initiatives, donations and crowdfunding are vital in maintaining the financial stability of The Ocean Cleanup, enabling the organisation to expand its operations and impact. Furthermore, The Ocean Cleanup gathers and analyse extensive data on plastic pollution, which could be leveraged to fund environmental research and shape future policies on waste management. This data provides valuable insights that not only support the organisation’s mission but also contribute to broader global efforts to combat plastic pollution. This wealth of information has the potential to shape the future of global plastic waste management. 

Its primary goal is environmental impact rather than profit. However, securing consistent funding through corporate partnerships, product sales, and donations ensures that its cleanup technologies can be continuously developed and deployed. By reinvesting captured value into expanding operations and improving technologies, The Ocean Cleanup creates a sustainable cycle – where the more plastic it collects, the more resources it attracts. 

The Ocean Cleanup demonstrates how an organisation can generate significant environmental and social value while maintaining financial sustainability. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, corporate collaboration, and innovative revenue streams makes it a leader in the fight against plastic pollution. Maintaining this balance will be essential to achieving its long-term mission of cleaning the world’s oceans. 

References

Cleanup, T. O. (2013). The Interceptor . Retrieved from https://theoceancleanup.com/media-gallery/interceptors-in-operation/

Geographic, N. (2018, March ). National Geographic . Retrieved from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-pacific-garbage-patch/

Nations, U. (2015). Retrieved from un.org : https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/goal-14-life-below-water/

The Ocean Cleanup. (2013). Retrieved from theoceancleanup.com: https://theoceancleanup.com/about/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5zhcgqe4lQE6ouCAau-6YBsY_IfkGqRqVc837c5ZCb2imMPLdPVawDhoCALQQAvD_BwE

Journal No. 4- Power in Action

Oscar Schindler          

A German Nazi Party member, and a businessman. His story was immortalized by a film by Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List, portrayed by my favourite actor, Liam Neeson. (wikipedia, n.d.)

Figure 1 – Oscar Schindler (Real) 

His story immortalized the use of power during World War II, as he used his power and position in helping Jews and saving lives. Rather than following his comrades in spreading atrocities, Schindler chose a different path.  

Schindler used his influence and connections to save over 1300 jews from the Holocaust. This action, to me, is the true definition of power and conviction, as he chose to use his influence to protect rather than manipulate. (Oscar Schindler , 2010)

Early in the war, Schindler’s agenda was to profit from employing cheap labour from Jewish POW in his enamelware factory in Poland. With his charm and connections to Nazi officials, he gained favour and built a very lucrative business. But the war took a toll on Schindler’s humanity, eventually helping Jewish from slavery and death. 

Schindler manipulated his relationships with Nazi Officers to shield his Jewish workers. He bribed officials and overstated the importance of his Jewish workers to his enamelware factory to the war effort. It was a strategic effort from Schindler to shield his Jewish workers. An extraordinary show of power through persuasion and moral courage. 

Figure 2 – Liam Neeson as Oscar Schindler in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993) 

As the war neared its end, Schindler took an increased risk by creating a list of essential Jewish workers he needed for his new factory in Brünnlitz, preventing them from execution. (Spielberg, 1993)

Schindler was a businessman, first and foremost, but he chose to follow his morales and defy cruelty. His disposition to risk everything of his own clearly demonstrated that true power lies in the ability to stand up to injustice.[1]

By the end of the war, Schindler had lost his lucrative business and privileged status, but gained something far more valuable: the enduring gratitude of those he saved and a legacy of humanity in the face of unspeakable cruelty. 

 By the end of the war, Schindler lost his money, business, and his benefited status. But he gained far greater: the gratitude of the lives he saved and a legacy of humanity in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

Ultimately, Oscar Schindler’s story stands as convincing testament that real power isn’t measured by authority or control but by the capacity to effect meaningful change. His courageous, selfless action shows us that when power is wielded for the benefit of others, it can serve as a beacon of hope even in the most harrowing circumstance. 

 

 

References

 

Oscar Schindler (2010). [Motion Picture]. Australia : THE HISTORY CHANNEL broadcaster. doi:https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/EDUTV.33443

Spielberg, S. (Producer), Zaillian, T. K. (Writer), & Spielberg, S. (Director). (1993). Schindler's List [Motion Picture]. United States : Universal Pictures . doi:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108052/?ref_=tt_mv_close

wikipedia. (n.d.). wikipedia . Retrieved from wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Schindler

 

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[1] Used ChatGPT for better English structure. 

Journal No.3 – Four dimensions of Power

Tesla vs Edison 

 

Figure 1 – Nikola Tesla, the man behind Alternating Current (AC) (Dattopadhye, 2023)

 

Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison played a major role in shaping the electricity we use today. Both were pioneers in electrical engineering but their rivalry over Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) became one of the most significant technological battles in history.[i]

This conflict, known as the War of Currents, determined the future of power distribution. 

Edison was a strong advocate of DC power, which flows in a single direction and was the foundation of early electrical grids.[ii] DC was reliable for short distances and could efficiently power small electrical networks. However, it had a major limitation; it couldn’t be easily converted to different voltages, making long-distance transmission inefficient. Because of this, DC power stations had to be placed every few miles, making it expensive and impractical for large-scale systems. (Cole & Chandler, 2019)gr

Tesla, on the other hand, introduced AC power, which periodically reverses direction and allows voltage to be increased or decreased using a transformer. This made AC far more efficient for long-distance transmission and allowed electricity to be sent across entire cities and regions with minimal energy loss. (NIDEC Motor Corporation , 2024)

Tesla’s vision of a nationwide electrical grid eventually became a reality. Tesla initially worked under Edison but left after a financial dispute. He later partnered with George Westinghouse, who recognize AC’s potential. Together, they developed AC generators and transformers, making electricity more practical and cost-effective for widespread use. (D'Alto, 2002)

Edison fought hard to discredit Tesla’s AC System. He launched a smear campaign to convince the public that AC was dangerous, even electrocuting animals in public demonstrations to instil fear. He was also involved in the creation of the electric chair, hoping to associate AC with deadly consequences. Despite these efforts, Tesla and Westinghouse proved AC’s superiority. (Cole & Chandler, 2019)

Tesla and Westinghouse won the contract to power the 1893 Chicago World Fair, a huge milestone for AC technology. Then, in 1895, they built the first major hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, successfully providing electricity to Buffalo, New York. This event marked the ultimate victory of AC over DC. (Richard F.Mould, 2017)

Tesla’s AC System became the foundation of modern electricity distribution, powering homes, industries, and cities worldwide. While AC won the war of the currents, DC still has its uses today, especially in batteries, electronics, and renewable energy system. 

Tesla’s achievements represent the power of knowledge and innovation. While Edison focused on protecting his business interests, Tesla relied on scientific advancements to push technology forward. Tesla didn’t just challenge the existing system; he completely transformed how electricity is generated and distributed. At the end of the day, their rivalry wasn’t just about personal conflict, it shaped the modern world. It also proved that true progress comes from knowledge and vision, not just money or business strategies. 

 

 

References

 

Cole, B. M., & Chandler, D. (2019). A Model of Competitive Impression Management: Edison versus Westinghouse in the War of the Currents. (JSTOR, Ed.) Administrative science quarterly, 64(4), 1020-1063.

D'Alto, N. (2002, February ). Edison, Tesla, and the battle of the currents: should electricity be AC or DC? (Odyssey, Ed.) 11(2), 20. doi:https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&u=murdoch&id=GALE%7CA83241721&v=2.1&it=r&aty=shibboleth

Dattopadhye, S. (2023). Samirsinh Dattopadhye Official Blog. Retrieved from sadguruaniruddhabapu.com: https://sadguruaniruddhabapu.com/post/wireless-electricity-part-1

NIDEC Motor Corporation . (2024). Retrieved from nidec.com : https://acim.nidec.com/en/drives/control-techniques/News-And-Media/Blog/Drive-Basics/Articles/2016/07/27/A-Brief-History-Of-AC-DC-Electricity

Richard F.Mould, M. P. (2017). Nikola Tesla (1856–1943). Scientist & inventor. Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology, 67(3), 223. doi:10.5603/NJO.2017.0036

 

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[i] AC is Alternating Current while DC is Direct Current 

 

[ii] Electrical Grid is the electricity network that delivers electricity from producers to consumers.