Triple Bottom Line Reflection Activity
The world is ever-changing and ironically, change is inevitable. Global challenges—including
climate change, poverty, and inequality—all are still quite rampant even with all the technology,
innovations and other conveniences brought on by globalization. We’ve come so far, and yet we still have a
long way to go as the stewards of this planet. The triple bottom line is a business concept, in which business
organizations are held responsible and accountable about measuring their social and environmental impact
—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely and commonly prioritizing generating profit
as the “bottom line.” Here in Triple Bottom Line, there’s three that needs balancing: Planet, People and
Profit. That’s why it is important: to define what sustainability means for many sectors, by solidifying clear,
realistic and attainable goals, especially since formulating a strategy to achieve those goals can be daunting
in the face of pressure of profit/wealth maximization; which I was taught as business management student
that it is the very core of a business. An example of a successful company internationally that is actively
practicing and implementing the Triple Bottom Line, is Patagonia. It has pledged since 1985, 1% of its sales
to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. They have awarded over $140 million in cash
and in-kind donations to both domestic and international grassroots environmental groups making a
difference in their local communities. In addition to that, back in 2002: Founder of Patagonia, Yvon
Chouinard, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, created a non-profit corporation to encourage
other businesses to do the same: 1% for the Planet. Patagonia has campaigns, petitions and other active
programs prioritizing its people and planet while successfully marketing and creating quality and
sustainable products using sustainable methods and materials at the same time. One that I think deserves a
special mention is their “Worn Wear®” where they allow you to trade in eligible Patagonia gear for credit
and buy quality, used Patagonia gear that has more life to live. All items sold on wornwear.com are clean,
functional and backed by their Ironclad Guarantee. Worn Wear® was launched in 2012 through sharing of
customer stories about their old, beloved Patagonia gear. Storytelling expanded into clothing swaps, then
pop-up repair events around the world. Eventually, we opened our own online resale shop and a brick-and-
mortar store in Chicago that’s dedicated to used gear and clothing repair. They also share online guides for
DIY repair and care. If a garment reaches the end of its useful life, you may send it to them to be recycled or
repurposed.
There are ways to apply the concept in my daily life and/or profession using my time, resources
effort. One of the easiest ways I could think of is through patronage and supporting ethical businesses, in
which I carefully and thoroughly perform my research and choose brands known for fair labor practices, safe
working conditions, and fair wages; as well as policies and or actively promoting and practicing sustainable
materials or methods in their merchandising or service. That’s because there’s this thing called,
Greenwashing. A deceptive marketing tactic of businesses where they aim to be misleading or make false
claims to present their products, services or operations in an ‘environmentally-friendly’ way than they
actually are. This practice exploits the growing demand for sustainable products to boost brand image and
profits, without making genuine environmental improvements. Another easy way is to be a conscious
buyer/consumer through simple daily interactions rooted in kindness, respect, and empathy build stronger
social ties and contribute positively to the “People” aspect of my life. It’s easier to spread ideals and get
people to hear you out, if you’re kind. All that on top of the usual mentioned practices like the Rs (Reduce,
