# data[].attributes.headline
Australian managers' experience of global human rights issues

# data[].attributes.subject
Australian managers' experience of global human rights issues

# data[].attributes.body
The recent study focused on Australian managers' adherence to global human rights challenges and the corporate responsibility linked to their international business activities. The study specifically examined executives from diverse industries, including mining, textiles, and information technology, who willingly shared their industry-specific expertise. The research findings uncovered a range of ethical issues faced by each company, presenting significant dilemmas for the Australian managers involved. These challenges encompassed concerns such as child labour, unsafe working conditions, discrimination against workers, and exploitation. The study revealed that all participating managers grappled with reconciling their personal ethical beliefs with how others were treated in their respective workplaces, indicating a lack of compliance with human rights principles. Consequently, the study inferred that the three industrial sectors investigated were generally considered unethical. Additionally, the survey respondents expressed difficulties in navigating cross-cultural ethical dilemmas, which were influenced by the practices of their foreign corporate competitors and the economic and social sustainability associated with those practices.

# data[].attributes.headline
Real life challenges of Planned Obsolescence 

# data[].attributes.subject
Real life challenges of Planned Obsolescence 

# data[].attributes.body
There are multiple real-life challenges that are bi-products of businesses practicing planned obsolescence. Depending on how the practice is carried out a significant issue that comes to light is customer dissatisfaction. Due to customers' products being rendered useless faster than they would initially expect when purchasing the product, they can experience feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction as well as develop mistrust towards the business for future purchases. Eroding customer loyalty and the business's reputation can impact future sales when releasing new products. McCain (2023) stated that 91% of customers who were left unhappy stated that they would not do business with that company again. The environmental impact is a huge issue that directly relates to the United Nations' 12th sustainable development goal (2022), which we focus on in this Padlet. By requiring consumers to replace products at faster rates than necessary this is creating much more waste. Apple is a good example of this with the e-waste they create every year. This also links to unsustainable consumption patterns. By promoting this culture of excessive consumption and disposal of waste, the consumption of resources and overconsumption by consumers will flourish and continue to get worse. Social inequality can be largely perpetuated by lower-income individual's and families struggling to replace products as often as those who are better off financially and have more funds spare to replace unusable products.

# data[].attributes.body
This ethical theory explains that as a person we always want to achieve the best overall good for the greatest number of stakeholders. The main focus is on the consequences rather than the intentions of the person. Impartiality is an important part of the theory and we should make our decisions based on well-being and not personal preferences. Some critics of this theory state that the rights of persons can be sacrificed with this type of decision-making. The final aim of this theory is to create a reasonable and constructive society. (Mill, 1863)

# data[].attributes.body
Armstrong, R.W., Stening, B.W., Ryans, J.K., Marks, L. and Maryo, M. (1990), “International marketing ethics: problems encountered by Australian firms”, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 24 No. 10, pp. 5‐18.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Arnold, D.G. and Bowie, N.E. (2003), “Sweatshops and respect for persons”, Business Ethics Quarterly, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 221‐42.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Bernstein, A. (1999), “Sweatshops: no more excuses”, Business Week Magazine, November 8, pp. 104‐6.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Basu, K. (1999), “Bribe third world parents to keep their kids at school”, Business Week Magazine, November 22, p. 15.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), Convention on the Rights of the Child, G.A.res. 44/25, annex, 44U.N. GAOR Supp. (no.49) at 167, U.N. Doc. A/44/49 (1989), entered into force September 2.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Becker, G.S. (1999), “International labor standards and child labor”, Challenge, Vol. 42 No. 5, pp. 80‐93.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Burtless, G. (2001), “Labor standards and global trade: workers' rights”, Brookings Review, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 10‐13.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Euroconsumers. (2021, March 26). Stop planned obsolescence - The apple case. Euroconsumers. https://www.euroconsumers.org/activities/stop-planned-obsolescence-apple-case

# data[].attributes.body
Fletcher, K. (2014). Sustainable fashion and textiles: Design journeys. Routledge.

# data[].attributes.body
Grout, P. A., & Park, I. U. (2005). Competitive Planned Obsolescence. The RAND Journal of Economics, 36(3), 596–612. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4135231

# data[].attributes.body
Gutterman, L. (2023, February 24). 6 ways to stop planned obsolescence. PIRG. https://pirg.org/articles/6-ways-to-stop-planned-obsolescence/

# data[].attributes.body
GlobalData. (2022, October 1). Apple: Waste Generation in 2021. GlobalData. https://www.globaldata.com/data-insights/technology-media-and-telecom/apple-waste-generation-2095979/#:~:text=The%20total%20waste%20generated%20by%20Apple%20in%202021%20Apple%20was,decreased%20by%2013%25%20over%202020.

# data[].attributes.body
Joy, A., Sherry, J. F., Jr., Venkatesh, A., Wang, J., & Chan, R. (2012). Fast fashion, sustainability, and the ethical appeal of luxury brands. Fashion Theory, 16(3), 273-296. doi: 10.2752/175174112X13340749707123

# data[].attributes.body
Kenton, W. (2022, December 28). What is planned obsolescence? how strategy works and example. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/planned_obsolescence.asp

# data[].attributes.body
Lynne Pedigo, K. and Mary Marshall, V. (2011), "Australian managers' experience of global human rights issues", Journal of Global Responsibility, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 113-131. https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
Mishra, R., Shah, S., & Das, A. (2019). Organic cotton cultivation in India: An analysis of practices, challenges, and policies. Sustainability, 11(20), 5797. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205797

# data[].attributes.body
Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Retrieved from https://www.utilitarianism.com/mill1.htm

# data[].attributes.body
McCain, A. (2023, May 12). 30 crucial customer service statistics to pay attention to [2023]: How businesses succeed. Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/advice/customer-service-statistics/#:~:text=The%20Effect%20of%20Bad%20Customer,a%20negative%20customer%20service%20experience.

# data[].attributes.body
Something becoming outdated, not used anymore and therefore obsolete.

# data[].attributes.body
Sustainability advisors work with businesses to break down their practices and asses how effective the business practices product sustainability. They then advise businesses on what they can do to better their sustainability practices. This can involve completing tasks like audits, recommending changes or re designing business models and promoting the sustainable options. By doing this planned obsolescence can be combatted from inside the business. Here is a link to a job as a sustainability advisor for the well known business O'Brien Glass:
https://www.seek.com.au/job/68154856?type=promoted#sol=b9e6f082379c58eec59c8be1ecfaec08d28e07fb

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sustainability Advisor Job in Padstow, Sydney NSW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An exciting opportunity for an experienced sustainability expert to join the O’Brien team. Excellent opportunities for learning and career development

# data[].attributes.body
Supply chain managers can make a real difference in the issue of planned obsolescence, especially within the company in which they are hired. As a supply chain manager one can implement sustainable procurement practices into the business and ensure the business works with suppliers who supply products which are built to last. The role of a supply chain manager is critical in ensuring the quality of products that hit the market. These jobs are common in the workplace with an example of a listing found here:  https://www.seek.com.au/job/68117262?type=standard#sol=3dbfe5705dc1b3bd4e95f4b55916f8354c49057b

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supply Chain Manager Job in Moorabbin, Melbourne VIC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lead the end to end Supply Chain team (Demand and Supply Planning, S&OP and Logistics/3PL) for this fabulous FMCG Organisation!

# data[].attributes.body
In this job you will be able to conduct environmental assessments and audits for potential risks and develop strategies. This also includes the constant monitoring of the KPIs of the performance metrics and track progress of new ideas. The conducting,preparing and assisting of health and safety and environmental reports will give other employees better knowledge for decision making in the company.

https://www.seek.com.au/job/68098715?type=standard#sol=6b380f39bee62ea5a29e41924d3918f3b0eec656

# data[].attributes.body
This job will let the employee manage ethics in projects, amendments and posts. This will also increase the problem solving skills of the employee by providing advice for ethics related projects. The advice needs to be presented with documents, graphs and critical information that supports the main idea. The way that the jobs will be evaluated will be throughout the KPI's already established by the company.

https://www.seek.com.au/job/68157723?type=standout#sol=d1afc28d1287f7f9b46ec3fd1b071c28176a4baf

# data[].attributes.body
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2014, July 1). Case study for the OECD Working Party on Resource Productivity and Waste: The Australian National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. OECD.org. https://www.oecd.org/environment/waste/Australia%20NTCRS%20OECD%20case%20study.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2022, August 3). Extended Producer Responsibility . OECD.org. https://www.oecd.org/environment/extended-producer-responsibility.htm

# data[].attributes.headline
United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals 

# data[].attributes.subject
United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals 

# data[].attributes.body
As per the website, "The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests."
https://sdgs.un.org/goals

# data[].attributes.body
According to Maslow, self-transcendence brings the individual what he termed “peak experiences” in which they transcend their own personal concerns and see from a higher perspective. When you see beyond the problem and your own concerns to see the bigger picture.

# data[].attributes.body
The environmental impact has a lot of factors that need to be assessed. It is important to start with the certain solutions that will create long-term impact and change and create a sostenible environment.

First solution

Create more rigid laws, punishments and advertising of environmental laws. The correct supervision of this needs to be transparent and rigid in order to create a change. The changing of a law is a long process that needs to be controlled. The corruption of the government needs to be taken care of in order to have transparent law enforcers who will not give free passes to the big companies that have been harming the environment with their practices.

Second solution

To contribute to our daily activities by reducing, reusing, recycling. The main goal of this is to minimize the waste of our habits and create green and mindful consumption.  As a society, we need to aim to get a circular economy in which all materials are used more sustainably. In order to reduce pollution we need to question ourselves and our needs and wants, making better conservation of our natural resources and reducing pollution from the factories. In recycling, we need to have a conscience about our daily activities involving the recycling process to conserve resources and reduce energy consumption. The last is reuse and this will involve finding creative ways to give materials a second life,  not just throw them in the bin, for example our starbucks cup can become a water bottle for at least two days and not buy plastic bottles.

# data[].attributes.body
Key performance indicators. Essential metrics in order to evaluate success and progress in a company. They need to provide measurable objectives and benchmarks in areas such as sales, finance, customer service and marketing. This aims to help to make informed decision-making and performance tracking.

# data[].attributes.body
There are a number of solutions that can be used to improve the issue of planned obsolescence and the environmental impact that comes with it. The first is to make repair of products more normalized with consumers rather than replacement. This will make a significant improvement on the amount of waste created, especially e-waste, as well as changing consumer culture taking power away from the corporations that practice this behaviour. France is a great example of leading the way in repair culture passing a law that requires manufacturers to put a repair score on their products between 1-10. Doing this gives consumers more information on their purchase and if this is the best product to buy for their money. It also moves manufacturers in the direction of building products which will last in order to give them a more attractive score (Gutterman, 2023).

Another solution is the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies by governments worldwide. This is a policy that makes manufacturers responsible for their products entire lifecycle all the way from creation to the disposal (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2022). By implementing this businesses are incentivized to create products which will last longer or have a larger focus on responsible disposal and recyclability. These policies are already in place in a number of countries all over the world such as Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Belgium, France, Korea, Slovakia and the US. In the case study of Australia implementation of these policies has seen much success. The National Waste Policy implemented in 2009 and the Product Stewardship Act that followed in 2011 saw e-waste recycling in Australia improve significantly. The scheme was implemented in 2012 and in just its first year saw the amount of e-waste recycled double, this is no small amount weighing in at 40,813 tonnes of recycled e-waste (Organisation for Economic

Co-operation and Development, 2014).

# data[].attributes.body
In this link we can take a look at some government data and graphs about almost all the countries in the world. Their aim is to eliminate child labor throughout legislation, enforcement, policies and programs.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/findings

# data[].attributes.headline
Egoism in Planned Obsolescence and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

# data[].attributes.subject
Egoism in Planned Obsolescence and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

# data[].attributes.body
The ethical theory of egoism is directly related to planned obsolescence through a number of factors that motivate the practice. Maximising the amount of profit these companies can make by creating an inferior product that is intended to be replaced creates more revenue for the business and their shareholders. This aligns with egotistic behaviour through prioritizing financial success and self interest over other ethical factors. Manipulation of consumers is another way we can see egoism prevalent in this practice. By creating products that become outdated and unusable in a short amount of time businesses create the perception for consumers that the latest trend, upgrade or new technology should always be obtained. This serves the businesses self interest through creating more sales for the business and increasing the amount of demand in the market. In all there is a severe lack of consideration regarding other people when practicing planned obsolescence aiming to get the most money possible out of consumers whilst also creating more waste than necessary through the disposal of old products affecting the people and environment in these waste areas. The practice of planned obsolescence directly goes against goal 12 of the United Nation's (2023) sustainable development goals. Goal 12 that is to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns and specifically 12.5 that by 2030 they want to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reusability. Clearly with e-waste and many other kinds of waste resulting from planned obsolescence on the rise this does not help achieve this goal.

# data[].attributes.body
Child labour in textile manufacturing industries is intimately tied to SDG 8 (Sustainable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economic Growth and Decent Work). Child labour happens in these industries for a variety of reasons. One major cause is the desire for low-cost labour and cost-cutting strategies implemented by firms striving to maximise earnings. This fosters an environment in which minors, who are more vulnerable and readily exploited, work in these businesses. Furthermore, poor access to school, poverty, and insufficient social safety systems all contribute to the continuation of child labour. Addressing child labour in textile manufacturing is critical to meeting the aims of SDG 8, since it entails promoting decent working conditions, eliminating forced labour and child labour, guaranteeing safe and secure working environments, and offering inclusive and fair employment opportunities. Efforts to abolish child labour in textile production are critical to establishing a sustainable and ethical sector that adheres to SDG 8 ideals. To achieve SDG 8, it is imperative to eliminate child labour in textile manufacturing and promote ethical practices that prioritise children's well-being, education, and rights. This involves establishing and enforcing labour laws, ensuring fair wages, improving working conditions, and supporting responsible sourcing and supply chain practices that respect the rights of all individuals involved in the manufacturing process. By eradicating child labour, the textile industry can contribute to sustainable economic growth and provide decent work opportunities in line with the goals of SDG 8.

# data[].attributes.headline
Solutions On How To Tackle Child Labour 

# data[].attributes.subject
Solutions On How To Tackle Child Labour 

# data[].attributes.body
Addressing child labour in textile manufacturing necessitates a comprehensive approach that is consistent with the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) on inclusive, sustainable, and long-term economic growth and decent work. To begin, governments should enhance legislation and enforcement procedures to prevent child labour and ensure that international labour standards are met. This entails defining age limitations for employment, ensuring access to adequate education, and penalising violators.
Second, businesses must establish responsible sourcing practices, ensuring that their supply chains are free of child labour. Promoting transparency, performing frequent audits, and working together with suppliers to rectify any infractions are all part of this.
Thirdly, collaboration amongst governments, corporations, and civil society is critical for providing social protection programmes that assist needy families, thereby minimising the need for child labour. Furthermore, investing in education and skills training programmes can open up new doors for children and their families, allowing them to break away from the cycle of poverty. We can effectively combat child labour in textile manufacturing by implementing these measures, which promote SDG 8's targets of fostering decent work and economic growth while protecting children's rights and well-being.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do ethical concerns and personal values influence the purchase intention of fast-fashion clothing?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do ethical concerns and personal values influence the purchase intention of fast-fashion clothing?

# data[].attributes.body
This journal looks at some concerns, values and opinions of the shopping intentions of customers. The journal was written by Tara Stringer. It starts with a 350 survey that was filled by Americans that buy cloth regularly. The survey emphasizes some vital concerns like animal welfare, good working conditions and the environment.  The study found that consumers that care about values of self-transcendence and openness are more likely to have ethical concerns about the dilemmas of fast fashion. They are 60% more likely to purchase and buy cloth that is ethically marketed and made. The research also emphasizes that from all the interviewees, the theme that creates more concern is animal welfare rather than worker welfare or the environment in general. (Stringer, 2020)

The government's response to these concerns has created a dilemma due to their lack of reaction, they cannot intervene because most of the clothes are made outside of the country. It is almost impossible to know if a cloth was made with quality work and resources. The study wants to be one of the first to emphasize the mental side of the customer and create a culture in which buyers empower customers to have ethical purchasing behaviour.

# data[].attributes.body
This theory can translate to the fast fashion because it says that people maximize happiness by prioritizing actions that generate the greatest good for persons. In this case the greatest good is the demands of the people, they start to feel like changing clothes is something vital for them, an outfit can even affect their attitude of the day.   There are some specific connections that stand in between them. The first one is the maximization of utility,  they both want to have the biggest outcome possible, even if it's monetary or mental. The second is that they both consider the consequences of their actions, in this way the fast-fashion knows that  their actions are unethical but still considers the consequences to supply the demand. The third is consumer preference; they always want people to be happy and create well-being. In fast fashion it is giving short term happiness but it can be detrimental to the person by consuming his economy and supporting factories that are degrading his environment. The last one is the economy and its importance, the majority of the time they involve money or something to trade. There will always be something new entering the operation. (Shaw,2016)

It is important to consider that even though there are some similarities in the short term impacts, the long term impacts is when they start to differentiate.  The unsustainable fast fashion factories will create more problems resulting in the least greatest goods for the individuals.

# data[].attributes.body
There are various types of career jobs that can contribute to the eradication of child labour. Opportunities such as working at establishments like San Churro, being a dog walker, or working at retail stores like Big W, Target, Coles, and Woolworths provide safe and beneficial employment options for young adults. These jobs offer a clean and secure working environment, free from hazardous conditions. They also provide valuable opportunities for young adults to develop skills and gain experience that will be valuable for their future endeavours. By offering these types of jobs, we can create alternative pathways for young adults, promoting their education and development while ensuring they are not involved in child labour.

# data[].attributes.body
Cotton is an important part of the Indian textile economy, they are the biggest manufacturer of cotton in the world. This industry has brought social environmental issues because of the use of pesticides and chemicals. Intensive farming has created soil degradation and contamination of the water. There have been some solutions that the government has promoted like organic farms, integrated pest management and biopesticides. These ideas are made to control heavy production and minimize the environmental impact. Some of the rivers that have been heavily affected are Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery. Even though the contamination comes from various sources, cotton is one of the main contributors. (Mishra et al., 2019)

Additionally, the United States Department of Labor provides information on its web page that cotton is still one of the products with more labour exploitation in  India. Sadly still 1.4% of all children in the country are being exploited in their labour. Cotton is one of the main products that children work in.

# data[].attributes.body
Ensuring the ethical treatment and well-being of animals, including protecting them from harm, providing proper care, and promoting their physical and mental health.

# data[].attributes.body
R. and Dreier, P. (1999), “The campus anti‐sweatshop movement”, in Beauchamp, T.L. and Bowie, N.E. (Eds), Ethical Theory and Business, Prentice‐Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561111128564

# data[].attributes.body
To illustrate, let's consider the textile industry, where employees endure long hours under inhumane conditions while receiving wages well below what is considered a living wage. Roddick (2001) highlights her observations during a visit to a jeans factory in a Free Trade Zone in Nicaragua, where approximately 20,000 predominantly young female workers toiled for six days a week, 10 hours a day, earning around $130 per month, significantly lower than Nicaragua's minimum monthly wage of $200. Similarly, a worker at a Nike sneaker manufacturing factory in Indonesia was reported to be earning as little as $2 per day (Singam, 2000).

# data[].attributes.body
Child labour would be judged by virtue ethics based on the virtues and vices it fosters. Child labour encourages vices like exploitation, avarice, and apathy towards the well-being of others. In contrast, virtues such as justice, compassion, and regard for human rights would necessitate the abolition of child labour. Thus, within the perspective of virtue ethics, child working is regarded as unethical. When applied to the issue of child labour, virtue ethics has a substantial impact on the achievement of SDG 8, which focuses on sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The necessity of cultivating moral character and characteristics such as justice, compassion, and respect for human rights is emphasised by virtue ethics. Recognising child labour as a breach of these ideals, virtue ethics advocate for its abolition and the promotion of good job possibilities. This is consistent with SDG 8, which aims to offer inclusive and fair employment, ensure safe working conditions, and eliminate forced and child labour. Virtue ethics encourages corporations, governments, and individuals to practise virtuous behaviours that prioritise children's well-being, education, and rights. We may work towards a society where child labour is eradicated and all individuals, including children, can enjoy decent work and contribute to long-term economic progress by adhering to virtue ethics principles. As a result, virtue ethics plays an important role in attaining SDG 8 by fostering ethical practises and responsible behaviours that respect and defend children's rights.

# data[].attributes.body
The moral agent is the person making the decisions in ethical theories

# data[].attributes.headline
Competitive Planned Obsolescence (Grout & Park, 2005)

# data[].attributes.subject
Competitive Planned Obsolescence (Grout & Park, 2005)

# data[].attributes.body
This article examines how prominent manufacturers in the current market, the example of the car market is used here, rely on the use of planned or intentional obsolescence to maintain competitiveness. According to the article, if monopolistic companies were to sell goods that were long-lasting, it would be expected of them to later reduce the prices, resulting in reduced profits. This situation arises because these products are being sold at lower prices while lasting for a considerable period of time. Meaning consumers only have to purchase the good once at its lowered price after release resulting in vastly reduced profit for the business. As a consequence, problems arise for these companies when they release upgraded versions of their products as consumers are not motivated to buy with their cheaper version still satisfying their needs. Additionally, the presence of durable products in the second-hand market poses a threat. If consumers can purchase second-hand items that still hold their functional value at lower prices from private sellers rather than the company itself, the business may experience a loss in profits. (Grout & Park, 2005).

# data[].attributes.body
Planned obsolescence is defined as "...a strategy of deliberately ensuring that the current version of a given product will become out of date or useless within a known time period." (Kenton, 2022). Highlighted in the article about why businesses undertake this practice and how with todays market this practice is necessary to stay competitive written by Grout & Park (2005). An example of this that hit the media in recent years is in 2019 when Apple was ruled to be guilty of releasing software updates that were destructive to older iPhone models like the 6, however consumers were not made privy to this information when installing the update (Euroconsumers, 2021). This resulted in a large amount of iPhone customers having to replace their phones which otherwise would have worked fine. A bi-product of this result was large quantities of e-waste being produced as people threw their old unusable phones away after getting a replacement. In 2021 52,940 tonnes of e-waste were produced by Apple which was a 14.8% increase from 2020 making them one of the major contributors to the worlds e-waste problem that is on track to become worse (GlobalData, 2022). Planned obsolescence goes against goal 12 of the United Nation's (2023) sustainable development goals.

# data[].attributes.body
Nowadays, the fashion industry involves accelerated production and consumption. The fabrics are characterized by cheap materials and quick production of season demands and trends. In recent years, people with money disposition prefer to changing clothes not because of the lack of good life in it but because people want to create a fashion statement. This brings various social and environmental dilemmas. The first one is the workers' welfare and the fast-paced production of cloth in developing countries, this leads to unacceptable salaries and unsafe working conditions. The second is animal welfare, the use of animal-derived materials such as leather, fur and woo, comes from unethical practices. The increasing demand contributes to the suffering of countless animals that need to be sacrificed. (Fletcher, 2014)

The last one is the pollution to the environment due to the excessive use of natural resources and cheap materials that are in need to supply the demand. The process of using cotton creates big damage to the water and energy. The synthetic material that some cloth is made has a large time for decomposition and it will remain as trash for a prolonged period of time. (Joy et al., 2012).

# data[].attributes.body
Egoism is the moral theory that chooses what's right and wrong by the moral agents' best long-term outcome, self interest (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2022). The moral agent is the person making the decisions.
As an example of our ethical issue, a company could argue that it is acting in its best interest to use plastic bags instead of paying for reusable bags as it is cheaper and it is in their best long-term outcome to save the money and reimburse it to their shareholders.

In terms of the ethical issue of planned obsolescence, this is also linked to egoism in the sense that by creating products that the business plans to break down or become out of date within a smaller space of time than could be otherwise achieved they are creating more profit for themselves, as well as staying competitive in their chosen market. These are egoism behaviours that are acted on out of the self-interest of the business.

# data[].attributes.body
Shaw, W. H., & Barry, V. E. (2016). Moral issues in business (13th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Schroeder, J.E. and Borgerson, J.L. (2005), "An ethics of representation for international marketing communication", International Marketing Review, Vol. 22 No. 5, pp. 578-600. https://doi.org/10.1108/02651330510624408

# data[].attributes.body
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2022, February 10). Ethical egoism. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/egoism

# data[].attributes.body
Child labour in textile manufacturing has serious consequences for Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which aims to promote inclusive, long-term economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. SDG 8's goals and targets are fundamentally contradicted by child labour in this industry. Child labour, rather than fostering ethical work and economic prosperity, these industries exploit vulnerable children, denying them their right to an education, adequate development, and a safe environment. It feeds a cycle of poverty and inequality, keeping children in dangerous and exploitative situations.

# data[].attributes.body
In 2015 the United Nations came together to write the 2030 agenda for sustainable development with 17 sustainable development goals at its core that all United Nations will strive for.
In our presentation, we will be focusing on two main SDG's, number 8, decent work and economic growth and number 12, responsible consumption and production.
We will also be discussing how planned obsolescence, fast fashion and child labour affect the SDGs and us worldwide. Using ethical theories like utilitarianism, egoism and virtue ethics.

# data[].attributes.body
United Nations, (2023), The 17 Goals. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

# data[].attributes.body
United Nations. (2023, January 1). Goal 12 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12

# data[].attributes.body
Child exploitation is prevalent, as children are vulnerable targets, and hazardous working conditions are imposed upon many individuals. In impoverished nations where such crimes often go unpunished, major corporations engage in these reprehensible activities. Regrettably, the United Nations has made minimal efforts to safeguard and uphold the human rights of individuals who fall victim to exploitation by powerful multinational corporations.

# data[].attributes.body
Virtue ethics is concerned with the development of moral character characteristics and qualities in individuals and society. Virtue ethics provides a valuable framework for understanding the ethical dimensions of child labour. Child labour is viewed as a breach of qualities such as justice, compassion, and respect for human rights from the standpoint of virtue ethics. It recognises that child labour reinforces corruption such as exploitation, greed, and disregard for others' well-being. The growth of moral character and virtues in individuals and society is emphasised in virtue ethics. As a result, it advocates for the abolition of child labour and the promotion of virtuous behaviours that prioritise children's well-being and good development. Respecting children's rights, providing them access to education, safeguarding them from exploitation, and fostering conditions that allow them to grow are all examples of noble activities. By embracing virtue ethics, we can foster a society that values the inherent worth and dignity of every child, leading to the eradication of child labour and the promotion of a more just and compassionate world.