At my work, I’ve come across companies that heavily pollute the environment but then support environmental nonprofits. This support gives makes it seem like they care about the community, although they are causing the problems the nonprofits are trying to solve. I wonder if these companies are feeling guilty about their actions and are trying to do something right. Or, are they just trying to make the company look good? Whatever the case is, it’s an interesting relationship because the nonprofits need the funding from the companies to address the problems caused by these same companies.
I have been reflecting on what career path I want. I could work for an environmental nonprofit and try to provide solutions to current problems. With my engineering background, I could also work for one of these companies to find ways to reduce/eliminate their pollution. This option would allow me to address the source of the problem, but I’m worried companies won’t be willing to reduce their environmental impact to a level I would be satisfied with.
It’s amazing how many companies donate to organizations trying to fix their wrongs. Processed meat companies are huge donors to organizations like the American Heart Association and nonprofits that fight cancer, even though their products are linked to heart problems and cancer. I think in many cases, especially when they are donating to a large, respected nonprofit, it is so the nonprofit won’t fight against them. Also I’m sure they love to brag about their donations. It’s important to look at where nonprofits are getting their money from. I like your thought process, and yes we need engineers to use their amazing innovative skills to help the environment more than anything!!
I know Elsa commented pretty much the same thing but when I read your post I immediately thought about the food industry and how the “bad” companies try and compensate for their actions by donating money to health and environmental organizations, and how this pressures the nonprofits/organizations to change the information they’re releasing because they don’t want to lose funding. It’s frustrating that those with money essentially have power over the media. You should watch Cowspiracy if you’re interested in how environmental organizations are influenced by donations! But it’s awesome that you are interested in environmental engineering, it’s more important now than ever!