Africa

serious reading

a book that made me think

damage

ethical responsibilities of corporations

Coca-Cola

cost of Coca-Cola in Tanzania and Zambia is LESS than the cost of clean water

low wages

experience drought on a regular basis.

continue to maintain such popularity

choose to ignore it so

fear for what I will see

knowing

challenges me

international business graduate

Consider

going to meet on the Race

join us in the Kingdom of God

Clearly I have been MIA from the blogging scene for a while.My excuse: I was in. South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania to be exact.My trip was incredible and rewarding and if you want to hear stories or see pictures just get in touch....BUT the highlights of my trip are not what I wanted to blog about today.With all the flying and driving that occurred while on my trip its no wonder I got down to some. Usually I'll pick up a mystery or suspense novel at the airport but this time I decided to bring along a book my dad bought for me: The Story of STUFF - The Impact of Overconsumption on the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health -- and How We Can Make It Better" by Annie LeonardNow that was-- and think about things I don't necessarily like thinking about. Its a great read and there's even an online video for those who want the shorter version. Leonard talks about the processes that go along with creating the goods we tend to over consume. These processes oftenthe developing countries in which they occur. It made me reflect a lot on the hardship I saw in the rural areas and the relevant research I had done during University.During my business degree I spent time studying the impact of large businesses on society as well as the. In Africa I got to see how its gone wrong. I'll useas an example but there are many other business that are causing just as detrimental effects in Africa, India and Asia. How can it truly be doing the people good when the? Clean water doesn't flow out of their taps like it does out of ours in North America. No. Instead, people are faced with the decision on how to spend their money. With the extremelythey face its no wonder people choose to purchase the cheaper product - a product filled with sugar that doesn't hydrate the body and helps rot away at their teeth (even faster since many in rural areas are unable to see a good dentist).How is this providing any benefit for the people of Africa? Its not. That's not the only problem either. I then considered what I might see in India when we are on the World Race. Although it was a few years ago, I remember Coca-Cola was being criticized for using up the water resources in India, a country where theyThat just doesn't seem right especially when in North America we often leave the taps running, use wasteful sprinkler systems and use up excess water through the continuous production of goods.So why does Coke, and all the other flashy, expensive goods we keep purchasingin North America. Is it because we are unaware of what is going on on the other side of the world? Is it because wewe can continue to enjoy our comforts out West? Think about it.As I wrote this I realized that it doesn't sound so relevant in informing you guys about my journey preparing for the World Race. But it really is something of which I am trying to be more conscious. Iwhen I leave on the Race and experience life in the 11 different countries. I don't look forward to seeing the dire circumstances in some of these developing countries andthat corporations built on our Western soil are helping, in part, to create thatdevestation. I know we are going to build relationships and spread the Word of God to these countries BUT if we can also be doing something in ourcountry to help lessen the effects of an over consuming world, even better!It also, as an, to consider how I will find a balance in the future. How will I work in business creating profit, in a world undergoing constant globalization, and still avoid negatively affecting others and the environment while maintaining ethical business practices? It will be a constant struggle, I know that for a fact.I challenge you and other Racers:how each thing you purchase and how the environmental choices you make might be affecting those people we are; those people we will be building relationships with; and those people we want to