Should companies do more to combat obesity?

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="248" caption="Helene York"][/caption]

I just posted a new commentary by regular columnist Helene York. Her contribution this month focuses on the epidemic of obesity in the United States and examines what companies can do as a part of their CSR efforts to fight it.

Snacking used to be reserved for special occasions, but constant grazing and sipping is now considered a common practice in everyday work life. Besides the uncounted extra calories, this activity generates excessive non-recyclable garbage from disposables and packaging. Since employees spend so many hours at work, businesses have the power to influence the culture.

Helene's commentaries are always great food for thought but this one really brings a new debate to the table. So many of us involved in sustainability talk about the need to remember that social issues are supposed to be an equal member of the triple bottom line. Unfortunately, they are often shunted aside because there is no easy way to count their costs and affects. Obesity is an awesome problem in the United States today, and helping employees reduce their caloric intake could make a real, quantifiable difference in their lives.