Green Initiative in Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Question 1 [3+7 marks respectively]
1.1 Illustrate the concept of ‘Green Initiative’ in the context of supply chain and logistics management.
Do you think being green pays off for companies? Why or why not?
The concept of “green initiative” across supply chain and logistics management is highly
encouraged in regards to the deteriorating environmental conditions, carbon emissions, and increasing
pollution. In addition, innovation has been a point of focus in major supply chain processes so as to
ensure sustainable production and consumptions patterns. The green initiatives organization are
adopting include; green purchasing and reverse logistics. In my opinion, I believe being green pays off for
companies due to two main reasons. To begin with, I believe going green saves money. For instance,
increasing energy efficiency may help reduce utility costs. Secondly, going green may increase the
awareness of a business. Customers are highly drawn to eco-friendly companies, and therefore, going
green may also double a company’s marketing base. This is beneficial to a company since more sales can
be made, thereby doubling revenue and at the same time, protecting the environment.
1.2 How does the Green Initiative help transform traditional Supply Chain Management practices to
sustainable Supply Chain Management practices addressing economic, environmental, and social
aspects of sustainability?
Beginning with economic aspects of sustainability, green initiatives allow supply chain
organizations to adopt sustainable supply chain practices in different ways. For instance, companies are
able to reduce wastage when it comes to production. This allows organizations to save on costs as well
as use less raw materials. Secondly, on the environmental aspect of sustainability, green purchasing/
sourcing allows organizations to be able to purchase environmentally friendly raw materials that have
little to no negative impact on the environment. Lastly, on the social aspect of sustainability, through
green initiatives, companies are able to effectively participate in corporate social responsibility activities,
thereby helping the communities improve their lives as well as protect the environment.
Question 2 [10 marks]
In the context of a Green World, what are the implications of a rapidly growing global population?
It is perceived that as the population grows, the rate of population or environmental impact
increases. This is because, as the population grows, more land may be required for living purposes and
agriculture. In addition, more resources may also be needed to support the well-being of the rapidly
growing population. Therefore, may habitats may be destroyed since nature may not be able to
replenish the resources being consumed at a high rate. In addition, due to the pressure on agriculture
for the need for food, major human activity such as extreme deforestation may affect the environment.
Deforestation may also increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere hence affecting human
health as well as other aspects. As more agriculture increases, the intense adoption of industrial
chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers to increase yields may produce waste products that may end up in
rivers, lakes, and pools. This may affect both marine organisms and human beings as well. The quality of
water may also be affected hence destroying plants and vegetation that depend on irrigation.
A rapidly growing population may also contribute to increased atmospheric pollution. For
instance, with more people living in cities, the level of carbon dioxide may increase. This may affect the
ozone layer as more heat may be trapped in the air, thereby contributing to global warming. Harmful
radiation may cause cancer among humans as well as other health complications such as respiratory