Description: A&W appears to be taking a lead in environmental action by bringing to market an exchangeable beverage container through its new One Cup program. For a small $3 fee, the customers can receive this reusable cup that can be exchanged for a clean one each time they order their favourite A&W beverage. In addition, using the exchangeable cup also nets the customer a 20% discount. It’s all part of an effort to reduce the one billion cups hitting landfills in Canada each year from food vendors. A&W had shown similar leadership on this last year when it introduced a rather strange looking lidless cup suitable for composting. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/weird-looking-world-changing-a-amp-w-launches-canada-s-first-lidless-fully-compostable-coffee-cup–882596624.html
Date: October 16, 2023
Source: globalnews.ca
Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10027312/aw-resusable-cup-program/
Discussion points:
1) What do you think about this new A&W xchangeable cup? Would you be willing to put your $3 down to join the program?
2) As someone looking forward to a career after graduation, does your potential employer’s environmental footprint have any influence on which company you might choose to work for?
3) Page 6-25 of Wiley’s Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision-Making discusses Lululemon’s voluntary reporting on how climate risk can impact its financial statements. The section notes that many companies do not have this type of voluntary disclosure on risks associated with client change. Do you feel that public companies should be required to report this type of information?
Xander Ries
Accounting Post #5 The Exchangeable Cup
1) What do you think about this new A&W exchangeable cup? Would you be willing to put your $3 down to join the program?
A&W’s new exchangeable cup is a good idea to reduce plastic and paper waste. However, will the consumer genuinely use this resource or will the consumer still view the traditional plastic and paper cups as more convenient and not want to put down the $3.00 to have the reusable cup.
We would consider using the cup as long as we were regular A&W customers. With that being said, if one was not a regular A&W customer it would not make sense to pay $3.00 for a cup when one could get a free plastic or paper cup.
2) As someone looking forward to a career after graduation, does your potential employer’s environmental footprint have any influence on which company you might choose to work for?
Yes it would, because if the future success of the company could be dependant on its Climate policies and Carbon Footprint we would most likely take this into consideration when choosing an employer. If a company is on a downward trend or will be on a downward trend due to its climate initiatives now or in the future we will definitely consider this as it would have a direct impact on our jobs and future success at this employer.
3) Page 6-25 of Wiley’s Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision-Making discusses Lululemon’s voluntary reporting on how climate risk can impact its financial statements. The section notes that many companies do not have this type of voluntary disclosure on risks associated with climate change. Do you feel that public companies should be required to report this type of information?
If public companies were to report such things as climate risks and their perceived impact on climate change as well as their climate protection policies, it would definitely allow the public as well as other smaller non public companies that don’t have the infrastructure and resources to develop such things to review and potentially implement the successful strategies used by the large players in the market that have the larger budget and more resources to develop such plans and strategies. So, yes, it most likely would be beneficial if public companies were required to publish its climate policies and strategies. It would also introduce more of a responsibility and accountability for the larger companies to meet carbon emission targets.
Xander Ries
Evan Wood
Amin Ahmed
Natasha Imbeault
Ben Michel, Andrew Joeseph Tytler Munch, Mia Alejandra Cogger
1. We think it is a very good idea trying to reduce the waste on the environment by using paper or plastic and customers not throwing them out. But the execution of them trying to combat environmental waste, as they are still using plastic cups to give out. Also it needs to be all fast food restaurant’s working together on this. Because if you don’t regularly go to A&W this doesn’t seem very useful.
2. Yes our group finds that it does matter what their environmental footprint is. This is because it’s not only hurting our generation but the ones younger than us, so a company not looking to try and save or prolong the environment would be embarrassing to join their workforce.
3. We think they should, this could open many people’s eyes on how bad some companies are for the environment and how little they may be doing for the environment. Good for investors or future employers, because they would be able to view there financial statements and view how much damage they could be doing and what they would be getting themselves into. The climate risk can defiantly impact financial statements and it could be a liability to the company. We also think the companies should be held accountable for the risks and damage that they may be causing.
Zanna Hathaway, Dylan Kurtz, In Hye Yang, Andrianna Scott
1) We think the program is good idea. Many people who frequently go might be enticed to join the program, especially if they love unlimited drinks. Also after using the cup you would need to wash it and remember it for next time. WE think once people got in the habit it could be very good.
Most of our group members would not join the program because they we do not live near A&W.
2) We would like to see improvement in our environment. We do think many companies are trying to make changes. When looking for a job, our potential employers environmental footprint will have an impact.
3) We think most companies should be mandated to report this information’s out climate effects. Especially much bigger companies that we already know are harming. Even for small companies like lululemon it is good practice and just shows they are actually aware.
Group #4
1. The A&W One Cup program is a great initiative in terms of environmental sustainability. The concept of a reusable cup that customers can exchange for a clean one each time they order a beverage is not only environmentally friendly but also economically friendly due to the 20% discount. Our group believes such programs are a step in the right direction for reducing waste and encouraging responsible consumer behavior. We would be willing to pay the $3 fee to join this program if we knew we would become regulars at A&W, knowing that we’re contributing to a reduction in disposable cup waste and enjoying cost savings on beverages in the process.
2. As we are entering the workforce after graduation, a potential employer’s environmental footprint and sustainability efforts would indeed influence our choice of company to work for. This is because the commitment of a company to environmental responsibility can reflect its values and long-term vision. We would be more inclined to work for a company that takes sustainability seriously, as it aligns with our own values and the growing importance of environmental concerns in today’s society. Such companies often exhibit a forward-thinking approach and may offer opportunities for professional growth in areas related to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
3. The question of whether public companies should be required to report information related to climate risks is a complex issue. While voluntary reporting, as seen in Lululemon’s case, is commendable, mandatory reporting on climate risk is essential for several reasons. Climate change poses substantial risks to businesses and the global economy, and it’s crucial for investors, stakeholders, and the public to have access to this information to make informed decisions.
Mandatory reporting can help standardize the disclosure of climate risk, making it easier to compare and assess different companies in the face of climate change. It also holds companies accountable and encourages them to take climate risk seriously.
Victoria Burnie
Sonam Wangyal
Spencer McCarron
Cohen Tremblay
Spencer Desveaux, Abdul Haruna, Broderick Richardson, Daniel Spears
1) What do you think about this new A&W xchangeable cup? Would you be willing to put your $3 down to join the program?
We thought that even though the exchangeable cup is a good idea and is beneficial for the environment. None of us would be willing to pay three dollars to join the program.
2) As someone looking forward to a career after graduation, does your potential employer’s environmental footprint have any influence on which company you might choose to work for?
We all agreed that it is very evident that most companies are trying to make environmental changes. Half of us were passionate about how the company conducts its business and how much they care about their efforts to aid the environment. The other half still recognized the importance but it was not a main factor when choosing their employer.
3) Page 6-25 of Wiley’s Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision-Making discusses Lululemon’s voluntary reporting on how climate risk can impact its financial statements. The section notes that many companies do not have this type of voluntary disclosure on risks associated with client change. Do you feel that public companies should be required to report this type of information?
We absolutely feel that companies should be required to release that type of information. Especially those on a larger scale that could have a serious impact on climate change. This could hold companies more responsible for their actions.
Aidan Hazen and Josh Gonsalves
1. I think the A&W exchange program is a great idea and the right step forward in promoting reusable cups in the fast-food industry. Starbucks has a similar program which gives a discount if you purchase a drink with a reusable cup and this has been relatively successful in reducing the number of single use cups being used. We believe that $3 is a hefty price especially if you are not a regular customer.
2. The environmental footprint of an employer will be a factor in determining where I work. As a student aspiring to work in the aviation industry, I believe in the years soon to come the environmental impact in airlines will reflect on whether I would like to work for them.
3. Based on the current climate crisis, I do believe that public companies should be required to report on how climate risks impact their financial statements. The public being able to see a companies information about their environmental efforts could cause companies to make changes to be more environmentally friendly. This could better environmental efforts around the world.
Hailey Simoneau, Haley Harrison, Gantulkhuur Lkhagvasuren, Jack Arsenault
1. We think it is a good idea for a program and can see how a lot of people could be persuaded to pay the $3 fee because of all the benefits for the environment. However, we feel that us personally, since we are not frequent A&W customers it would not really be worth the $3 and so we would most likely not pay the $3.
2. We feel that we would consider a company’s environmental footprint when choosing an employer after graduation. To us we don’t feel it is the biggest factor in our decision but when deciding between a few different companies, one with a good environmental footprint would give it an edge.
3. We believe that it would be smart if companies were required to report on these issues because it would force them to make better environmental decisions. If companies know that they will need to share this information with the public then they will be way more aware of their environmental footprint and will make sure they are doing as much as they can to help the environment.
Mary Goudy, Isabelle Rafter, McKeeve Chantack, Riyan Mittal
1. We think that A&W’s new exchangeable cup is a stand-out idea to promote circular product usage. The scalability of the project is ambitious, but has the potential to have a great impact to Canada’s goal of reaching net zero waste by 2050– personally, we’d all invest $3 dollars to promote this impact.
2. Yes, environmental footprint is a personal value for each of us, and in choosing potential employers each of us would hope that our personal values will align with the company’s values.
3. We believe there are valid arguments for and against mandating public information about company climate impact. On one side, mandatory disclosure ensures transparency, informed decision-making, and market stability, while on the other side, critics cite concerns about compliance burdens, subjectivity in risk assessment, and potential overregulation. Our ultimate opinion is undecided. The balance between these factors will influence regulatory decisions, with some jurisdictions already implementing climate risk reporting requirements to varying degrees.
Christopher-James Valenti, Colby Cormier, Jaimie Gallant, Mishael Mathew
1) it’s a good idea, but we think that it will take a lot of advertising to convince people to pay the 3$ extra. People won’t pay it just because the cashier asked them if they were interested. They will need to run sensibilisation ads for a long time before people are convinced that this is the right thing to do. Even if 3$ looks like nothing, we think that people are not going to be willing to just give 3$ if they don’t believe in the cause. A good example of that would be when you go to Tim Horton and the cashier is asking you if you want to give money for a certain cause. Most people say no even if they could just give 1$.
2) No, as sad as it is, we have all agreed that it didn’t matter. Of course, if you compare two companies that have the exact same benefits for you and one has a better environmental footprint, then, it could make a difference, but the main priority, for us, is to make sure our personal needs are covered. Human tend to prioritize personal benefits over general benefits that could help everyone.
3) Yes, we think that this could be a good idea, espacially for people investing in those companies. We know that the image a company has is extremely important when it comes to investing in that company. A company that wouldn’t care about environment would be “exposed” and it could affect their image. It would push big corporations that already have big influence on the world to be more careful, for them, and for the planet.
Breanne Wesselius, Avery Marr, Jagger Vandewiel, Graeme Maither
1) What do you think about this new A&W exchangeable cup? Would you be willing to put your $3 down to join the program?
We think that the exchangeable cup is a great idea to reduce waste. This program has a lot of benefits for the environment. However, customers who are not regulars at A&W will not want to pay the $3. The paper/plastic cups are viewed at more convenient and we believe most customers would choose this option. Therefore, we would not join the program.
2) As someone looking forward to a career after graduation, does your potential employer’s environmental footprint have any influence on which company you might choose to work for?
We think that a company’s reputation is very important to consider prior to working there. The employer’s environmental footprint is a huge factor, as many companies are looking for ways to make their company more sustainable. Especially if information in question three becomes available to the public. The company’s values can be shown through their actions such as its environmental footprint. It’s important that your values align with the company that you’re working for.
3) Page 6-25 of Wiley’s Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision-Making discusses Lululemon’s voluntary reporting on how climate risk can impact its financial statements. The section notes that many companies do not have this type of voluntary disclosure on risks associated with client change. Do you feel that public companies should be required to report this type of information?
Yes, we believe that companies especially those of larger scale should have to report this information to the public. Having the company’s climate risk available on their financial statement will not only affect consumers behaviors but the companies as well. Companies will strive to be more environmentally friendly as the public can see their climate risk. Consumers will also take this information into consideration when looking to make a purchase. Therefore, this information will hold people accountable for their actions.