Humor And Humour Of The Picture Of Dorian Gray - 1368 Words

On why humour is about power, control and the balance of intellect and emotions In ancient times, humour or comic was strictly censored. In places like Greece and Egypt, jokes were even forbidden in social situations. Considering the almost taboo nature of humour, it s hardly surprising that humour never received particular attention from ancient scholars. Plato was averse to humour as jokes and sarcasm were not encouraged and men and women were expected to be serious rather than frivolous about all issues. Some ancient scholars went to the extent to argue that humour could lead to sarcasm, disrespect, vulgar or volatile discourse and finally anger, resentment and even murder. Despite this, there is some interesting anecdotal evidence†¦show more content†¦A recent example of humour gone badly is the case of Charlie Hebdo. The magazine has been under repeated attacks as their humorous cartoons on Prophet Muhammad and on the aftermath of Italian earthquake were considered in bad taste and insensitive. The concept of humour has been anthropologically tied to the aggressive and mocking behaviour of apes. However, historically humour has been linked with a type of play so humour is primarily applied to situations that are comic. However, laughter has often been associated with scorn, mockery, and sarcasm. Philosophically, humour has been explained with the superiority theory, the relief, and incongruity theory. Superiority theory suggests that humour and ridicule are often used against an adversary as by joking about someone, we establish our superiority. This theory suggests that laughter helps us to establish superiority. The Relief theory suggests that humour is a form of relief of the nervous system and laughter acts as a valve and helps in relieving the pent-up nervous energy. The relief theory is a popular theory in philosophy and is congruent with the Freudian theory of humour as Freud argued that humour is the release of sexual energy and repressed unconscious thoughts and emotions on hostility and sexuality are often given vent through laughter and jokes. This means that if you feel sexually attracted to someone or feel hostility towards someone, you ll tend to joke to release some of thatShow MoreRelatedThe Picture of Dorian Gray and the Turn of the Screw in the Gothic Genre4189 Words   |  17 PagesOscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray and Henry James The Turn Of the Screw are key examples of the way in which gothic texts use and adapt the conventions of the genre. These changes occur due to the authors own personal context and values. The inexorable link between text, context and values is expressed through the way in which both authors choose to manipulate, redefine and introduce new conventions to the gothic. Oscar Wildes first and only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was written

Childhood Obesity And The United States And School Lunches

Observational studies were done on school children in kindergarten through third grade. The article explains that the children’s BMIs (body mass index) were measured at the beginning of the school year, end of the school year, and then again at the beginning of the following school year. It was seen that the BMI increase of the children increased twice as much during the three summer months than during the nine-month school frame. This infers that children gain more weight and are more incline to become overweight in their own home environment than their school environment. Sloviter makes a point that this increase in BMI at such a young age will lead to an increased risk for adult obesity. She concludes the article by briefly reminding the reader to remember that there are other factors that contribute to childhood obesity and the largest factor may not be the school lunch environment after all. While reading this article my viewpoint was challenged. Childhood obesity in the United States and school lunches have always seemed to go hand in hand because of all the national attention public school have been receiving within the past ten or so years. However, the studies that Sloviter provided made clear suggestions that school lunches in the United States may not be so terrible or unhealthy as I have been assuming. It is still slightly odd that this is so, considering in my previous research statistics have shown American school lunches to be high in fats, carbs, and sugars.Show MoreRelatedChildhood Obesity : A Serious Problem1221 Words   |  5 PagesObesity is not only found amongst children, it is also found in pre-teen to teenage years as well. Childhood years are the most important period of a kids life, were they learn behavior and mold into the adult they will become. Starting bad eating habits early in the childhood years sets them up for more complications later in t heir lives. One out of three children in the U.S are obese, which most of them will end up facing a greater risk of having medical, social, emotional problems some even endRead MoreChildhood Obesity And Its Effects On Children985 Words   |  4 Pageschildren, obesity among children is still too high. For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, the prevalence of obesity has remained fairly stable at about 17% and affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade (CDC). Childhood obesity does not only affect children, but also has many long term health effects on our children as they get older, including, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in both childhood and adulthood. (2). Researchers estimate that if obesity trendsRead MoreChildhood Obesity Is The Constant Build Up Of Excessive Fats That Impair The Health Of A Child Essay1723 Words   |  7 PagesChildhood obesity is the constant build up of excessive fats that impair the health of a child. When chil dren are obese, they have high cholesterol and high blood pressure that threatens their lives with CVD. It also causes extreme breathing problems, joint problems, and an increase in contracting type 2 diabetes. Nearly one in three kids in the United States is obese and that is more than triple the amount from the 1960’s. Childhood obesity is taking control of many kid’s lives throughout theRead MoreShould School Lunches Be Banned?1565 Words   |  7 PagesA child spends the majority of their childhood in a school. In schools, students acquire the academic knowledge and life skills that they need to carry out a successful life—ranging from learning basic math to how to tie their shoes. Another big part of school is the lunch hour. Lunch is a period in which students can get a break from classes, socialize, and refuel their minds to tackle the rest of the day. But school lunches have been known for being unhealthy and bad for students to consumeRead MoreEv aluating the Research Process Essay1541 Words   |  7 Pages Steacy Childhood Obesity The author of this article talks about the increasing number of obese children in America and what it will take to have healthy and nutritious school lunch programs provided to school children. During a survey performed by the author on many children who are suffering from obesity in America and the health problems these unhealthy school lunches are creating, the lunches were analyzed based on content of nutritional value and how harmful school lunches are to childrenRead MorePersuasive Essay On School Lunches1052 Words   |  5 Pagesus have attended school once in our life. And many of us have tasted the dreadful school lunches that are served. Various people believe that schools need to provide more food in a meal. Society has been conversing about the nutrious value in a school meal and they wonder if the meat in the lunches are real or completely fake â€Å"beef†. School lunches have become even more unacceptable and need to be re-thought for the health of the younger generations. To start off school lunches have become moreRead MoreObesity And School Lunch Program997 Words   |  4 PagesChildhood obesity is one of the nation’s public health main challenge: About one third of children and adolescents (ages 6 to 19) are determined as overweight or obese, and more than one in six that group are determined to be obese in United States. As most people do not understand the difference between overweight and obesity, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases identifies this disparity—overweight refers to an excess amount of body weight that may come from musclesRead MorePreventing Obesity among School Children through Healthier School Meals1323 Words   |  5 PagesPreventing Obesity Among School Children through Healthier School Meals Obesity and overweight are among the pressing health problems among children and adolescents in the developed world. Obesity refers to an excess amount of body fat whereas overweight can be measured by the BMI index or height-weight ratio. According to the WHO (2012), obesity and overweight are the fifth largest risk for global deaths. Introduction Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents has increasedRead MoreEssay on School Lunches Lead to Obesity in Our Children1309 Words   |  6 Pagesunder the age of 20, about 12.5 million are considered obese. School districts that serve students food that are high in calories and fat are to blame for the growing numbers of obese children. Although school lunches provide students food at minimal costs, the poor quality of food served delivers inadequate nutrition and is responsible for the rising numbers of obese minors in the United States. In order to combat this growing problem, school districts must limit student choices in the lunchroom andRead MoreGovernment-Subsidized Food1201 Words   |  5 PagesGovernment-subsidized food is a growing epidemic in this country. According to Adam Drewnoski, an obesity researcher at University of Washington, â€Å"A dollar could buy 1,200 calories of cookies or potato chips but only 250 calories of carrots. Also, he discovered that a dollar bought 875 calories of soda but only 170 calories of orange juice† (Pollan 1). This statistic proves that the emergence of unhealthy food and growing obesity numbers are directly correlated to the increasing government-subsidized food that is

Culture of the Samurai Essay Example For Students

Culture of the Samurai Essay When one thinks of a Japanese samurai, they generally picture in their mind a stout warrior devoid of emotion, battle armor glinting, and sword poised with a silent threat. Although this image may be historically accurate, many people do not expand their thoughts past the awe-inducing thought of such a noble warrior and into the many arts within the cultural aspects of being a samurai. Their art of fighting is what made the samurai famous world-wide. Although pride and honor came before anything else in the life of a samurai, there is much more to them than common knowledge dictates. In order to fully understand the Samurai in ancient Japan, it is necessary to take a look at the historical framework of the time. Before the early 12th century, Japan was ruled by an all-powerful Emperor who derived his power from the belief that he was a descendant of the sun goddess. Under the Emperor were small semi-autonomous tribal units called uji, who were bound together by fictitious bonds of kinship. These units were loyal to the Emperor and some, especially in the case of the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period (794-1185), even exerted dominance over the imperial family and were the ones who actually governed the Emperors land. However, the beginning of the 12th century saw the decline of Imperial power and the rise of regional militias formed to protect precious land in the wake of disunity in Japan caused by the break up of the Han Dynasty. It was during this time that the Samurai class began to take shape and rise to power. Perhaps one of the most fascinating arts that has come to be linked with the samurai is the cha no yu, or tea ceremony. Few activities in general are quite as thoroughly refined and thoughtful and yet evolved through such troubled times. Complicated and yet utterly simple, the tea ceremony in many ways could be a metaphor not only for the samurai ideal but also for the land of Japan itself. The tea ceremony normally took place in a tearoom, the chachitsu. The guests entered through the nijiriguchi, a small square door, with samurai leaving their swords outside and the last to enter, closing the door behind him. The nijiriguchi was only about two and a half feet square. Guests therefore entered by crawling, a deliberately humbling device intended to create a sense of equality once inside. The tearoom was arranged so that those entering would first spy a scroll hanging in the tokonoma or alcove. This scroll was normally of calligraphy, with its subject often that of a simple observation such as Honrai mu Ichibutsu (Originally there is nothing). As this scroll is carefully chosen by the host to reflect a mood or the season, the guests customarily spend a moment appreciating it before seating themselves around a small hearth in the center of the room. At this point the host enters, and the principal guest thanks him or her for their invitation and politely inquires about the scroll or some other object in the room should one be present. However, and throughout the time spent in the tearoom, conversations and articulations are brief, and it was considered impolite to speak of things not related to the ceremony. The principle guest then serves a light meal, called the kaiseki, which was intended to be pleasing to the eye as well as the taste. At this time, a modest serving of sak, a rice wine, is also offered in shallow bowls, followed by a piece of fruit or some other light dessert. The guests then exit the tearoom while the host prepares it for the drinking of tea, replacing the scroll with a single flower in a vase. When the guests return, the host heats water in an iron kettle, then rinses and wipes the tea bowl and utensils. He places powdered green tea in a bowl with a bamboo dipper, then whips the tea with a whisk (also bamboo) until the surface is slightly frothy, then serves it to his guests. Two kinds of tea will be served: koi-cha, which is the more formal of the two and possessed of a thicker consistency and bitter taste, and usu-cha thinner and more informal. Koi-cha is served first, and all the guests drink a small quantity from the same bowl. Later in the ceremony, usucha is served in individual bowls. The tea bowls themselves can vary in design according to the host and the season. Winter tea bowls are deeper, to help contain heat, while summer bowls are shallower and broader to release the heat and give the impression of coolness. Throughout the ceremony, the hosts and guests both aspire towards a sense of tranquility. The priest Takuan wrote of preparing for a tea ceremony and said, and let this all be carried out in accordance with the idea that in this room we can enjoy the streams and rocks as we do the rivers and mountains in Nature, and appreciate the various moods and sentiments suggested by the snow, the moon, and the trees and flowers, as they go through the transformation of seasons, appearing and disappearing, blooming and withering. As visitors are greeted here with due reverence, we listen quietly to the boiling water in the kettle, which sounds like a breeze passing through the pine needles, and become oblivious of all worldly woes and worries Another art often not thought of is ancient Japanese clothing. As may be expected, the basic clothing item in a samurais everyday wardrobe was the kimono, which for men normally consisted of an outer and inner layer. Heavier kimonos were worn in the winter, while lighter examples (those made of finer silk, for instance) were worn in the summer. To Build A Fire EssayThe samurais hair was an important part of his appearance, and most texts and house-codes of the samurai make reference to the importance of its neat appearance. For the better part of a thousand years, the traditional hairstyle was the topknot, a fashion by no means exclusive to the samurai. Nearly everyone, with the exception of Buddhist priests, wore topknots, making the genesis of this style nearly impossible to guess at it with authority. There is reference to the use of topknots in ancient China, and it might have been one of the many cultural imports introduced to Japan between the Asuka-Nara and Heian Periods. Needless to say, there was any number of styles of topknot by the Edo Period. The chasen-gami , for instance, was produced by wrapping a piece of string around the length of the topknot, producing a spray of hair at the end that resembled a tea whisk. The topknot would then either be worn back or forward, hanging over the center of the head. The mitsu-ori was a style popular in the later 16th Century. The hair was well oiled and formed into a queue and folded forward on the head, then back again, and was tied in place. An abbreviated version, the futatsu-yori, was only folded forward before being tied, and was trimmed with a razor to give the front an almost solid appearance. Interestingly, these styles were not uncommon among the lower classes. For headgear out of armor, powerful samurai would wear eboshi, a cap of black silk gauze stiffened with a black lacquered paper lining. The cap was held in place either by a white cord, or was pinned to the samurais topknot. The size and shape of the cap was largely dependant on the samurais rank, though the use of eboshi was reserved for only the most formal of events by the 16th Century. As most anyone knows, a samurais honor is his life, and vice versa. Hara-kiri is the common language term for ritual suicide. Hara-kiri, which literally means stomach cutting, is a particularly painful method of self-destruction. Commonly known simply as seppuku, it was only allowed to be performed by samurai class warriors. A Samurai was allowed to die by his own hand in order to show respect for his character and honor. Other than the samurai who committed seppuku, a kaishaku was needed. Kaishaku, an assistant who was called the second, was responsible for cutting off the samurais head after he had sliced his abdomen open. The person was generally a close friend or associate of the condemned. Usually there would be about two attendants from the samurais lord and/or the shogun. They were called kenshi, or inspector. They were sent by the Shogun and responsible to observe the ritual and to file a report. Seppuku was carried out with dignity and great care by both the person committing it as well as the kaishaku. The soon-to-be-dead samurai dressed out in a nice, white kimono to symbolize purity. Before him would be a wooden tray crafted for this specific occasion. Placed upon it were a sheaf of washi paper, ink, a cup of sake, and a short knife called a tanto. To start the ceremony, he would drink the sake, preferably in two gulps. One gulp was considered gauche, and three was considered to be miserly. Two gulps showed the correct combination of contemplation and determination. Next, the samurai would take the paper and ink and compose a fitting poem. After composing the poem, he would then procede to the main event. The samurai slipped down his upper kimono to his girdle, carefully put his sleeves under his knees in order to die and fall forward; a standard way for a samurai to die. He took the dirk that lay before him with a steady hand. After waiting a few seconds to collect his thoughts, he stabbed himself deeply below the waist on the left hand side. He drew the dirk slowly across to the right. As the dirk reached the right side he gave a slight cut upward and then leant forward, craning his neck. Once an expression of pain crossed his face, the kaishaku, who had been keenly watching the whole process, sprang to his legs and poised his sword in the air for a second, cut off the head from the body quickly and smoothly. During a dead silence the kaishaku, having wiped his sword, bowed solemnly to the witnesses, and the dirk was removed as a proof of the death of the samurai. Although seppuku is now forbidden, many people in modern Japan still believe that an honorable death is better than a disgraceful life. Influenced by this idea, Japan has the highest rate of suicide in the world. Hearing of a Japanese kill themselves for failing in business or for not passing an exam is not uncommon. Throughout the centuries, the Japanese samurai has evolved and developed and become a cultural icon. They are distinguished by use of the tea ceremony: a reverent and calming experience. They are recognized by their appearance: status symbols, fashion, and utility. Finally, they often died by their own hand during the seppuku ritual: an honorable and highly choreographed death. The samurai lives as a fantastic image in the minds of subsequent cultures worldwide. However, there is much more history, ritual, and sacrifice to their history than most people tend to realize.

Sustainability and Innovation

Executive Summary The report extensively investigates on various aspects of innovation and sustainability. Innovation is becoming a strategy that many companies are using to achieve sustainability and profits. The report presents a case study of 3M United States Company that has embraced sustainability in all its operations. The company has managed to succeed in its innovation.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Sustainability and Innovation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The sustainability programmes that it offers are centred to create a conducive environment that impacts positively on economic and social structures. The report suggests that individuals and corporate entities should engage or participate in sustainability programs to impact positively on the current and future generations. Background Advancement in technology and the changing lifestyles of people requires flexibility and adaptation for business to survive. Technology has affected the way business is conducted around the globe. Opportunities present are friendly to innovative people who are able to come up with different strategies to solve problems that face human beings. Innovation and sustainability have become pertinent in business’ success. The report covers on innovation and sustainability in the business set up. Objectives and aims The main aim of the report is to determine: The relationship between sustainability and innovation How sustainability and innovation contribute to the performance and success of a business The impact of sustainability and innovation on a selected case company Scope/structure The report mainly focuses on sustainability and innovation. These two aspects are pertinent in business operations. Sustainability of the environment is important in smooth running of business. The 3M Company serves as the case study for the report because of its commitment and support in ensuring the sustain ability of environment. The findings are essential in offering best strategies for businesses to participate and support sustainability besides encouraging innovation. Sustainability Sustainability is a term used in reference to the need to conserve natural environments (Yasamorn Phapruke 2011, p. 4). It therefore implies that all things that are important to people’s lives depend on the environment. People thrive and survive because of their environment, which allows them to gain access to water and other important resources that are pertinent to their general life ad health. Therefore, ensuring that these environments are conserved should be their obligation. Businesses and individuals need to take the initiative of ensuring that the surrounding environment is protected from bad human actions that pose threats to the natural environment.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn M ore According to Christensen (2003), any business has the prerogative of ensuring that its immediate surroundings are well conserved. Even though businesses aspire to get high profits, they have the duty of putting concerns of the society before any other. The concept of sustainability is gaining a lot of acceptance by many companies under the umbrella of social corporate responsibility. According to Gobble (2012), in the survey conducted in 2010, it was revealed that close to 70 percent of companies embraced the principles of sustainability (p. 64). They had placed this as one of their most important agenda. Innovation Competitions in the business world require people who are able to think and come up with creative ideas to help them survive and gain a competitive edge over the others. The main objective of innovation in business is to create value through the development of ideas from the mind to the market. Innovation can therefore be defined as the process of formulating ideas and using them to attain an advantage or to achieve one’s goals (Gobble 2012, p. 64). Most companies find it difficult to achieve their goals because they are not innovative, a case that retards their performance. In most cases, employees working there are not provided with incentives to enable them become innovative. The structures and the systems that many organisations have created deter the creativity of many potential innovative workers. According to Taylor and Theyel (2010), innovation is not difficult (p. 93). The problem that makes it difficult is lack of good ideas. Ideas are learned and experienced in people’s day-to-day interactions. If people are exposed to a lot of information and ideas, they have a good chance of becoming innovative. Innovative can be attained systematically. It does not require an individual to strain a lot, but through learning, training, and exposure, an individual can become innovative. There are obstacles that deter companies and in dividuals from becoming innovative. These include scarcity of ideas among the workers. Another reason is lack of financial or moral/mentorship support. This may kill an idea before it is implemented hence deterring innovation. Individuals with financial problems may not be able to implement their ideas into practical products or services. Mentorship and moral support are also vital ingredients in innovation. People may fail to implement their ideas because they lack moral support from their friends or close members (Frank Florian 2011, p. 59)Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Sustainability and Innovation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Inventiveness has become a key influencing factor in strategic planning. The world is changing at first pace, and to keep with these trends, the only option is to invest in innovation. Companies have come to realise that they cannot achieve their objectives without investing in innovation. Creativity and innovation can be learned (Lindgren 2012, p. 53). To be innovative, an individual has to be attentive to things and experiences that he/she faces. Through these experiences, a person is able to come up with ideas that can improve on what already exists. According to Duygu, Jan, and Nelliene (2012), innovativeness of a firm is its receptiveness and inclination in adopting new ideas and views that aid in the development of new products (p. 89). Innovativeness is a prerogative to a firm’s survival and prosperity. Human beings require new things that make them satisfied. Addressing these human desires/problems will enable a firm to sell more products and services, which triggers the increase in profitability and general success. Sustainability and Innovation Sustainability and innovation are two important components in the success and prosperity of an individual and or a company. Sustainability and innovation have near similarities. Businesses are requi red to carry out their activities to gain profits while at the same time conserving the environment by monitoring their social, economic, and environmental actions. Sustainability should not imply proper management of resources to meet the present needs without exposing the future generations to danger. However, sustainability should bring quality life today, as well as prosperity to ensure that the future is not compromised. Therefore, companies should aspire to carry out their responsibilities putting in mind the current and the future trends. Innovation should allow the generation of ideas that add value besides ensuring prosperity of the business while at the same time being sustainable. An idea that is positive, but which does not ensure sustainability is not viable. For example, a company that innovates, for instance, a product that provides multiple solutions to the society problems but causes a lot of damage to the same society in the long run is not viable. According to Gob ble (2012), sustainability is â€Å"meeting the people’s current social, economic, and environmental needs without compromising on the ability of the future generation to meet their own goals/needs† (p. 64). This therefore, requires that businesses and individuals engage in activities that do not threaten the future generations. It is the obligation of the current businesses and individuals to take a good care of the environment and social structures to enable the future generation to have quality life in meeting their own goals. Even with this, businesses and individuals are coming up with ideas/innovations that may impact either negatively or positively on the quality of life of the current and future generations (United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2012).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The relationship between sustainability and innovation is that both ensure that any new idea that is generated is of value to both the current and future generations. Innovations that defy or seem to threaten the stability of environment, social, and economic structures are therefore not permitted. Sustainability is argued to be the key driver of innovation even during economic crisis/downtown (Gobble 2012, p. 64). This is because there are many opportunities in sustainability that companies can take advantage of to make profits besides attaining success. It is true innovation that a sustainable human society is created (Jones 2002, p. 52). Companies that engage in sustainability initiatives achieve or manage to create a self-sustainable society since they appreciate and embrace new ways of doing things that add value to the life of the people. To achieve true sustainability, any company requires innovation. Without the creation of new ideas, the company or individual is unable to a ttain its/his/her goals. Studies reveal that companies that embrace sustainability achieve their goals. The secret of this achievement is because they are innovative in their activities hence having an advantage over others (Lindgren 2012, p. 53).Therefore, there is close relationship between sustainability and innovation. The two terms are very crucial in the quest to ensure environmental, social, and economic prosperity and management of the present and the future generation. Sustainability is a sign of innovation. A company is not able to achieve success in sustainability if it is not innovative. Likewise, achieving sustainability is an advantage to the company because it will rank high interns of profitability. Organisation Sustainability: A Case Company-3M United States Company The 3M United States Company is the case study for this report. This company is one of the many companies that have invested their resources to ensuring that sustainability is achieved. The company deals with an array of technological products and services. It provides services to communities and customers that have innovative ideas/ products, and services. Therefore, they help in supporting the implementation of innovative ideas from both the individuals and corporate. The company is committed to ensuring the development of sustainable environmental, progress in economy, as well as social responsibility. As part of its role in sustainability, the company is in the forefront in putting the future in front of its innovations. Therefore, it cannot support an innovation that is detrimental to the social fabric, economic, and environment (Chowdhury 2003). Customers and even companies that seek innovation must not threaten the quality of life currently and that of the future generation. 3M United States Company provides technical advice on any innovative products or services from its clients. It assesses them to determine their value or impact to the environment before its adoption. Sus tainability is also at the core of the 3M United States Company. It has managed to achieve this through the adoption of strategies that do not compromise to the social and environment of human society 3M United States Company 2012). 3M United States Company is one of the companies that have participated in the sustainability of the environment. For instance, the company managed to regulate its volatile organic air emissions. It succeeded in achieving great milestones. For instance, the company managed to reduce these emissions by 95%. In 1990, its emission was 255 million pounds compared to 13 millions in 2011. It has managed to achieve this through â€Å"the development of pollution prevention programs, solvent-less technologies, and use of pollution control equipments† (3M United States Company 2012, Para.16). The company’s efforts have also seen it contribute to the management of climate change. The company has managed to reduce green gas emissions by managing to cu t down the emission by 72% from 1990 to 2011. The company has also managed to keep the environment clean by preventing pollution. It adopted 3p strategy, pollution prevention pays, which has seen the company save around 1.5 US billion besides eliminating around 3.5 pounds of pollution (3M United States Company 2012). The company is also committed to water stewardship. It has reduced the amount of water that it uses. Besides, it releases fewer pollutants to water. This is aimed at sustaining the environment to ensure that every body in the society has a quality life. Furthermore, the company has laid down strategies geared at managing wastes. This has reduced the amount of toxins that are released to the environment. The wastes produced by the company come from unused raw materials, which are sold or reused for other duties. This has a positive impact on the economy, as well as environment (3M United States Company 2012). The company is also engaged in managing the biodiversity aroun d the globe and in their own back yards (3M United States Company 2012). They also help with funding of few methods of keeping wild animals in their own property. This has enabled sustainability of the environment. The company also collaborates with other organisations such as Nature Conservancy to protect critical species. Conclusion Sustainability and innovation are important in the success of individuals and companies. Sustainability is concerned about safeguarding or promoting the environment, social, and economic status for the benefit of the current and the future generations. Innovation is also an important concept in a business environment, as it ensures that organisations adapt to ideas that are beneficial to them. It is therefore paramount that organisations/businesses embrace sustainability to achieve their objectives. Companies cannot achieve innovation without having successfully embraced sustainability because to be innovative requires that one understands what sustain ability entails. The 3M United Sates company has successfully engaged in the sustainability of its environment through various programs that have seen it become innovative in many areas thus impacting positively to the environment, economy, and social structures. Therefore, it is imperative that companies devote their time and resources to sustainability to ensure that the whole society thrives well now in the future. References Chowdhury, S 2003, Design For Six Sigma-The Revolutionary Process for Achieving Extraordinary Profits, FT Prentice Hall, New York. Christensen, C 2003, The Innovator’s Solution-Creating and Sustaining Successful Growth, HBS Press, London. Duygu, K, Jan, C, Nelliene, M 2012, ‘Innovation process of new ventures driven by sustainability’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 5 no. 8, pp. 89-98. Frank, B, Florian, L 2011, ‘Business models for sustainable innovation: state-of-the-art and steps towards a research agenda’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 2 no. 5, pp. 56-64. Gobble, M 2012, ‘Innovation and Sustainability’, Research Technology Management, Vol. 55 no. 5, pp. 64-66. Jones, T 2002, Innovating At The Edge – How Organisations Evolve and Embed Innovation Capability, Butterworth, Heinemann. Lead Business Model Innovation?’, International Journal of Business Management, Vol. 7 no. 14, pp. 53-66. Lindgren, P 2012, ‘Business Model Innovation Leadership: How Do SME’s Strategically Taylor, G, Theyel, G 2010, ‘Globalisation, Innovation and Sustainability’, Journal of Corporate Citizenship, vol.1 no. 39, pp. 93-101. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2012, What is sustainability? Web. Yasamorn, N, Phapruke, U 2011, ‘Strategic collaborative capability, business growth, and organisational sustainability: Evidence from tourism businesses in Thailand’, International journal of business strategy, vol. 11 no. 3, pp 1-27. 3M U nited States Company 2012, Sustainability at 3 M, https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/sustainability-us/ This report on Sustainability and Innovation was written and submitted by user Teagan E. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.